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Shakambhari Purnima 2026 – Puja vidhi, Story, and Shaktipeeth

April 28, 2026 Tuesday

Shakambhari Purnima, also celebrated as Shakambhari Jayanti, falls on the full moon day of the Paush month. This day marks the culmination of the Shakambhari Navratri, a special nine-day festival dedicated to the Goddess of sustenance. An incarnation of Goddess Parvati, Maa Shakambhari is “the one who grows food,” having appeared to end a century-long famine by nourishing the Earth with her own tears and herbal abundance.

When is Shakambhari Purnima 2026?

In 2026, Shakambhari Purnima will be observed on Monday, January 3, 2026. Following the Udaya Tithi ensures the most auspicious start to your worship.

Purnima Tithi Timings:

  • Full Moon Begins: January 02, 2026, at 06:53 PM
  • Full Moon Ends: January 03, 2026, at 03:32 PM

Important Shakti Peeths of Goddess Shakambhari

Goddess Shakambhari is worshipped across several ancient and powerful energy centers (Siddhpeeths) in India:

  • Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh: Located in the Shivalik range, this is a major Siddhpeeth where she is worshipped alongside Bhima and Shatakshi Devi.
  • Sikar, Rajasthan: The Udaypurwati temple dates back to the 7th century. Legend says the Pandavas visited here to atone for the Kurukshetra War.
  • Sambhar, Rajasthan: Situated near the famous Sambhar Lake, this temple is named specifically after the Goddess.
  • Badami, Karnataka: Known as Maa Vanashankari, this temple in the Tilikarnya forest near Bagalkot is highly revered in South India.

The Legend: How the Goddess Ended the Famine

According to the Skanda Purana, a cruel demon named Durgamasur gained a boon from Lord Brahma to possess the four Vedas. This led to a loss of spiritual knowledge, causing a hundred-year drought on Earth. With no rituals or rain, all living beings began to perish.

The Gods sought refuge in Mount Sumeru and prayed to the Supreme Power. Responding to their cries, the Goddess appeared with a hundred eyes (Shatakshi) and wept for nine days. Her tears became rivers, and she manifested as Shakambhari, holding grains, fruits, and vegetables in her eight hands to feed the starving world. Since then, she has been the protector against famine and hunger.

Shakambhari Purnima Puja Vidhi

Perform these steps to invite abundance and prosperity into your home:

  1. Holy Bath: Wake up during Brahma Muhurta on Paush Purnima and take a purifying bath.
  2. Sankalpa: Meditate on Goddess Shakambhari and resolve to observe the day with purity.
  3. Installation: Place an idol or image of the Goddess in your temple.
  4. Abhishek & Bhog: Sprinkle Ganga water and offer fresh green vegetables and fruits as Prasad.
  5. Aarti & Charity: Perform the Aarti and donate food/greens to those in need.

Goddess Shakambhari Aarti & Mantra

Shakambhari Mata Mantra

Chant this mantra for prosperity and ensuring your household never faces a shortage of food:

“Neelvarna Neelotpal Vilochana, Mushtim Shilimukha Poornakamalam Kamalalaya.”

Shakambhari Mata Ki Aarti

Hari Om Shri Shakambhari Ambaji Ki Aarti Kijo…
Aise adbhut roop hriday dhar leejiyo,
Shatakshi Dayalu Ki Aarti Kijo.
Tum Paripoorn Adi Bhawani Maa, Sab Ghat Tum Aap Bakhani Maa.
Tumhi Ho Shakambhar, Tumhi Ho Satakshi Maa,
Shivmurti Maya Prakashi Maa,
Shakambhari Ambaji Ki Aarti Kijo.

Conclusion

Shakambhari Purnima 2026 is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for the food on our tables. By honoring the Mother of Greens, we not only secure our own prosperity but also pray for the end of hunger and famine across the globe.