By Swami Harshananda
Citrāpurṇimā literally means ‘full-moon day of Caitra’.
The full-moon day in the month of Caitra (March-April) is sacred to Citragupta, the scribe of Yama. If the day happens to be a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday, it is considered even more auspicious. Special worship is offered to Citragupta on this day.
It is believed that the river Citrā[1] was born on this day and Kāñcīpuram has a temple of Citragupta. In Tamil Nadu, people believe that bathing in the river is meritorious.
References[edit]
- ↑ Citrā rises from the Kuṭṭalam hills in the Tirunelvelly district on this day
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore