Vaishakha Purnima Puja Vidhi (Kurma Jayanti)
Vaishakha Purnima (May 1, 2026) is one of the holiest full moon nights in the Hindu calendar, marking the occurrence of Kurma Jayanti (Vishnu's tortoise avatar) and Ganga Snan (holy river bathing). This auspicious day yields immeasurable spiritual merit.
Vaishakha Purnima, May 1, 2026
Begin at Brahma Muhurat (2 hours before sunrise) — Full moon Arghya (water offering to moon) between 6:30 PM–8:00 PM IST
Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Yellow flowers (marigold, champa)
- Tulsi leaves
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
- White sandalwood paste
- Coconut
- Camphor and ghee lamp
- White sesame seeds
- Ganga jal (sacred water)
- Fruits (banana, mango, lychee)
- Akshata (rice mixed with turmeric)
Puja Procedure — Steps
Early Morning Bath (Brahma Muhurat)
Wake 2 hours before sunrise. Bathe with Ganga jal mixed water while chanting 'Om Gange cha Yamune chaiva...' mantra.
Sankalp (Taking the Vow)
Sit facing east. Hold water, akshata, and flowers in your palms. Take the vow (sankalp) for day-long fasting and Vishnu worship.
Shri Vishnu Puja
Perform abhishek to Vishnu's idol with Ganga jal, panchamrit, and white sandalwood. Offer yellow flowers and Tulsi. Light a ghee lamp.
Kurma Katha Recitation (Samudra Manthan Story)
Read or listen to the Kurma Avatar Katha — how Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise to support Mount Mandara during the churning of the cosmic ocean.
Vishnu Sahasranama or Kurma Purana Recitation
Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or the Samudra Manthan chapter of the Kurma Purana. If unable, chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' 108 times.
Charitable Giving (Sattu, Water, Fruit Donation)
Donating sattu (roasted gram flour), curd, jaggery, fruits, umbrella, and water on this day yields exceptional merit. Feed the poor and Brahmins.
Evening — Full Moon Darshan and Arghya Offering
At moonrise, place water, milk, akshata, and flowers in a plate. Offer Arghya (water) to the full moon chanting 'Om Chandraaya Namah.' Accept prasad and break the fast.
Purnima Stotram and Aarti
Conclude with Purnima Stotram, Vishnu Aarti, and the sound of conch and bell. Share prasad among all family members.
Main Mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Om Vishnave Namah Om Kurmaya Namah Om Namah Kamalanabhaya Namah
Benefits of this Puja
Infinite spiritual merit, cleansing of all past sins, liberation (moksha), prosperity and abundance, liberation of ancestors, Lord Vishnu's grace, blessings of the Kurma Avatar
