Shakambhari Purnima 2026

Full Date

2 January 2026 Evening 6:53 PM – 3 January 2026 Afternoon 3:32 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Shakambhari Jayanti Puja

  Main worship ceremony held at Shakumbhari Devi temples dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, celebrating her divine incarnation.

  3 January 2026 6:00 AM – 3 January 2026 1:00 PM

• Annakoot Seva

  Devotees prepare large quantities of vegetarian food as offering to the Goddess and distribute it among devotees.

  3 January 2026 11:00 AM – 3 January 2026 2:00 PM

Introduction

Shakambhari Purnima, also called Shakambhari Jayanti, honors Goddess Shakambhari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga who nourished the world with vegetation and restored life during a great famine. The day coincides with Paush Purnima, marking the final day of Shakambhari Navratri.

Other Names

Shakambhari Jayanti, Shakumbhari Devi Jayanti, Shakambhari Purnima Vrat

Pooja Vidhi

• Wake up early and take a holy bath before sunrise.
• Install an idol or picture of Goddess Shakambhari adorned with green offerings.
• Offer a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains as bhog (offering).
• Perform Durga Saptashati path or Shakambhari Stotra recital.
• Conclude the ritual by distributing prasad and feeding the needy.

Rituals

• Devotees fast and worship Goddess Shakambhari on Paush Purnima day.
• Offer fruits, vegetables, and green leaves to the deity in place of flowers.
• Chant 'Om Shakambharyai Namah' mantra and perform aarti in the evening.
• Organize Annadan (food offering) and donate grains to Brahmins and the poor.
• Visit Shakumbhari Devi temples or perform puja at home with devotion.

Regional Highlights

• The largest Shakambhari Jayanti celebration is held at Shakumbhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• In Rajasthan, devotees visit Sambhar and Bhimlat Mata temples to perform puja.
• In Karnataka and Maharashtra, devotees celebrate by offering green vegetables at Durga temples.
• In South India, this day is also observed as the concluding day of Shakambhari Navratri.

History

Scriptures describe how Goddess Durga incarnated as Shakambhari to end the Earth’s famine and food scarcity. Her name derives from 'Shaka' meaning vegetables and 'Ambhari' meaning one who bears. The Shakumbhari Devi temple near Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is the main pilgrimage site where thousands of devotees assemble on this day to offer prayers.

Additional Information

• Shakambhari Purnima coincides with Paush Purnima and marks abundant prosperity and nourishment.
• Devotees believe that worshiping the Goddess brings blessings of health and food security.
• It is one of the few festivals that emphasize vegetarian offerings as divine worship.