Raksha Bandhan

When the devas were losing the war against the asuras, Indrani (Indra's consort) prepared a sacred thread charged with mantras and tied it to Indra's wrist. Emboldened, Indra led the devas to victory. The scriptural origin of the raksha — the protective thread — that anyone who wishes another's safety can tie.

The annual Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave in the Himalayas, traditionally culminates on Shravana Purnima. Devotees visit the cave to worship the naturally formed ice Lingam of Lord Shiva, which is believed to wax and wane with the lunar cycle, reaching its full size on this Purnima. According to scriptures, it is in this cave that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati.

The full moon day of Shravana is considered ideal for performing the Satyanarayan Puja and Katha. This ritual involves worshipping Lord Satyanarayan, a benevolent form of Lord Vishnu, to invoke blessings for peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of wishes. Devotees observe fasts and recite the Satyanarayan Katha to gain spiritual merit and overcome obstacles.

On Shravana Purnima, Brahmins, particularly those following the Yajur Veda, observe Yajur Upakarma, also known as Avani Avittam. This significant ritual involves the ceremonial changing of the sacred thread (Yajnopavitam) and a rededication to the study of the Vedas. It is a day for expressing gratitude to the Rishis who revealed the Vedic mantras and for renewing one's commitment to spiritual learning and discipline.

Hayagriva Jayanti celebrates the appearance of Lord Hayagriva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a horse's head, on Shravana Purnima. He is revered as the deity of wisdom and knowledge. According to Puranic legends, Lord Hayagriva manifested to retrieve the Vedas, which had been stolen by the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, thus restoring divine knowledge to the universe.

Narali Purnima is a regional festival primarily celebrated by fishing communities in coastal areas of Maharashtra, Goa, and the Konkan belt on Shravana Purnima. On this day, devotees offer coconuts to Lord Varuna, the Sea God, as a gesture of gratitude and to seek blessings for calm waters, safety, and a bountiful fishing season. It also marks the traditional end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the new fishing season.

Gayatri Jayanti is observed by some traditions on Shravana Purnima, commemorating the divine appearance of Goddess Gayatri. She is revered as the Goddess of the Vedas and is considered a combined manifestation of Saraswati, Parvati, and Lakshmi. Chanting the Gayatri Mantra, performing homas, and meditation are central to this observance, focusing on spiritual awakening and Vedic wisdom.

Shravana Purnima is considered an auspicious day for performing ancestral rites such as Pitru Tarpan, Shraddha, and Pinda Dana. These rituals are observed to honor deceased ancestors, seek their blessings, and ensure peace for their souls. Many devotees travel to sacred places like Gaya, Prayag, Rishikesh, and Rameshwaram to perform these ceremonies.

On Shravana Purnima, devotees perform Rudrabhishek Puja, a ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam with various sacred substances like milk, curd, honey, and ghee. The entire month of Shravana is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and performing this puja on the Purnima is considered highly meritorious, believed to bring peace, wealth, and spiritual growth, and to cleanse one of sins.

On Shravana Purnima, Srinivasa Kalyanam, the celestial wedding of Lord Venkateswara (Srinivasa), is observed in various Tirumala Venkateswara temples. This regional temple observance is particularly significant in the Vaishnava tradition, celebrating the divine union and bringing blessings to devotees. Special pujas and deepam ceremonies are also held in temples like Oppilliappan.