Maa Shakhambari (also written as Shakambhari), who is an incarnation of the Divine Mother, is known as the Goddess of Fruits, Vegetables and other green vegetation.
The day of Shakhambari Purnima is also called as Shakhambari Jayanti. It is the last day of Shakhambari Navratri festival. Unlike most Navratri festivals, which begin on the Shukla paksha pratipada, i.e. on the first day of the waxing moon phase, Shakhambari Navratri begins on the ashtami, i.e. the eight day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Vedic calendar month of Pausha and culminates on the full moon (purnima). She is believed to have incarnated on earth, to mitigate and relieve famine and other possible food crises.
The day of Shakhambari Purnima is also called as Shakhambari Jayanti. It is the last day of Shakhambari Navratri festival. Unlike most Navratri festivals, which begin on the Shukla paksha pratipada, i.e. on the first day of the waxing moon phase, Shakhambari Navratri begins on the ashtami, i.e. the eight day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Vedic calendar month of Pausha and culminates on the full moon (purnima). She is believed to have incarnated on earth, to mitigate and relieve famine and other possible food crises.
Considering this full moon is a time when farmers harvest the winter cash crops of fruits and vegetables, it is wonderful to see the divine essence, indicating our food-bounty, being venerated and honored on this harvest full moon! In the west, this full moon in the month of January is called as the Wolf Moon. It comes from the belief that wolves howled more frequently during this time of the year, which would make sense considering the bleak, long winter nights in the colder regions of the west where the full moon would help to light up the dull, dreary night sky... promising the increase of light as the days get longer and the nights get shorter...
On this day, we pray to Maa Shakhambari to express gratitude and obtain her continued blessings for our daily nutrition and sustenance.
On this day, we pray to Maa Shakhambari to express gratitude and obtain her continued blessings for our daily nutrition and sustenance.
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