PRAUSHTAPADI (Bhadrapada Maasa) - Significance

BhaAgavatHa chintana (12.09.2026 to 26.09.2026)

 

PrAusHtapadi (bHadrapAda maAsa)

The Full Moon day in the month of Bhadrapada is sacredly known as Praustapadi. Ending with this auspicious day, a period of 15 days starting from Bhadrapada Sukla Pratipada is strictly prescribed for the intense study, contemplation, and discourse (Pravachana/Shravana) of the BhaAgavatha Purana. The Context of the 15-Day Timeline: While many people associate the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Bhadrapada with Mahalaya Paksha (ancestor worship), the Sukla Paksha (bright fortnight) leading up to the Full Moon (Prausthapadi Purnima) is specifically designated for Bhagavata Parayana. The Reason: According to tradition, it is believed that immersing oneself in the Bhagavata during this time mirrors the spiritual liberation (Mukti) attained by King Parikshit under the guidance of Sage Shukacharya. The Essence of Bhagavatham & the Glory of BHAGAVANTHA Bhagavatham means the sacred script which deals exclusively with the glory of BHAGAVANTHA, who is none other than the Supreme God VISHNU, the ultimate BHAGAVAN. To understand His true nature, Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Stothram describes Vishnu as BHAGAVAN in sloka #60. He is the one who is worthy of worship, holy, divine, and venerable. This absolute definition of "Bhagavan" is perfectly corroborated by Sri VedaVyasa's father, Sage Parasara, in the Vishnu Purana (6.5.74): ऐश्वर्यस्य समग्रस्य वीर्यस्य यशसः श्रियः । ज्ञानवैराग्ययोश्चैव षण्णां भग इतीङ्गना ॥ Aiśvayasya samagrasya vīryasya yaśasaḥ śriyaḥ | Jñānavairāgyayoścaiva ṣaṇṇāṁ bhaga itiṅganā || This scriptural definition confirms He is "Bhagavan" because He possesses in infinite opulence a blend of six great attributes (Shad-gunas): - jnaAna (Omniscience/Knowledge) - bAla (Strength/Omnipotence) - aisHvarya (Sovereignty/Lordship) - viIrya (Virility/Heroism) - sHakti (Power/Energy) - tEjas (Splendour/Radiance) Furthermore, He is the ultimate possessor of divine and auspicious qualities, functioning with: - Comprehensive control over everything (sovereignty/lordship); - All capabilities to do, undo, and change anything & everything; - All accomplishments (Yashass / Absolute Fame); - Bountiful riches and boundless prosperity (Shri); - All knowledge in its absolute, full form; and - Total dispassionateness (non-attachment/vairagya). He is BHAGAVAN (Bhagavanta) Vishnu, the Supreme Independent God — HariSarvottama. The month of Bhadrapada is ruled by the form of Hrishikesha (the Lord of the senses), making this Chintana the perfect way to anchor our wandering minds at His lotus feet. The Structure & Philosophy of the King of Puranas While dealing with all the other salient features required of a Maha-Purana, Sri MadbHagavatHam is universally considered the King of all Puranas. It provides an exclusive, beautiful, and very elaborate coverage of Bhagawan Vishnu's supreme incarnation as SRI KRUSHNA. This SriMadBhagavatha Purana is a pristine SaAttvika Purana composed by Bhagawan Sri VedaVyasa, containing 18,000 verses divided into 12 Cantos called Skandhas. To help souls grasp its innermost truths without misinterpretation, SriMadBhagavatha Tatparya NIrnaya was composed by Sri Madhvacharya. This monumental work is one of his 37 jewels (SarvaMoola Grantha) which systematically re-establishes the absolute philosophy of HARI-SARVOTTAMATVA, proving that the Lord remains completely flawless (Nirdosha) even during His human-like earthly pastimes. Practical Path: SRI KRUSHNACHARITRA MANJARI For the benefit of seekers in this age, the great Mantralaya GuruSaArvabhouma Sri Raghavendra Swamy (Sri Guru RaAyaru) compressed the vast, nectar-like story of Sri Krushna’s life (primarily the detailed 10th Canto/Dasama Skandha) into just 28 slokas in his sacred script SRI KRUSHNACHARITRA MANJARI. Parayana (recitation) of this precise, potent, and sacred hymn during this Praushtapadi period is highly meritorious. It serves as an accessible spiritual tool that grants the complete, magnificent phala (spiritual fruit) of reading the entire Bhagavata Purana. naham karta harih karta Hari Sarvottama - Vaayu Jeevottama Sri GuruRaajo Vjayate