In ancient times, Sage Narada was once travelling through the celestial realms and eventually reached Vishnu Lok. There, he witnessed Lord Vishnu in His divine form—adorned with the conch (Shankha), discus (Chakra), mace (Gada), and lotus (Padma). Bowing at the Lord’s feet, Narada asked, O Lord! What is that sacred fast in Kali Yuga that can help a person become free from suffering and attain Moksha (liberation)?
Lord Vishnu replied, O Narada! The Purnima Vrat is one of the most sacred fasts in Kali Yuga. When a devotee observes fasts for 32 consecutive full moons (Purnimas), recites the Satyanarayan Katha, offers Arghya to the Moon, and donates to Brahmins, they are freed from all sins and attain Vishnu Lok. Let me tell you a divine story connected with this powerful vrat:
The Story of Dharmadatta: A Poor Brahmin’s Path to Divine Blessings
Long ago, in the city of Vidisha, lived a poor yet deeply devout Brahmin named Dharmadatta. Despite his poverty, he lived with great devotion and faith in Dharma. One night, Lord Vishnu appeared to him in a dream and said: O Dharmadatta, observe the Purnima fast for 32 full moons. On each Purnima, fast with devotion, perform the Satyanarayan Katha, and feed Brahmins. In return, all your miseries will vanish, and in the end, you shall attain Moksha.
Dharmadatta followed the divine instructions diligently. Every Purnima, he would bathe early, worship Lord Vishnu, read the sacred katha, offer food to Brahmins, and give Arghya to the Moon. On the 32nd Purnima, he performed the Udyapana (completion ceremony) with special devotion offering a yajna (havan), Brahmin feast, and various donations. Miraculously, his life transformed his poverty vanished, wealth and fame followed, and he was blessed with children and happiness. When Dharmadatta passed away, he reached Vishnu Lok due to the immense merit earned through the Purnima Vrat.
Key Takeaways and Spiritual Benefits
- The Purnima Vrat, especially when observed for 32 full moons, brings divine blessings.
- Satyanarayan Katha and offering Arghya to the Moon on each Purnima amplifies its merit.
- Feeding Brahmins, performing havan, and donating with a pure heart remove all sins.
- The vrat assures freedom from suffering, spiritual upliftment, and ultimate liberation.
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