Shakambhari Pournami 2026

Shakambhari Pournami is the Pournami of Pushya Masam, dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, who nourished the world with leafy greens, vegetables and fruits. The Shakambhari Navratri that runs from Pushya Shukla Ashtami to Pournami concludes on this day. It is a day to thank the Mother who gives us food and water.

The Story of Goddess Shakambhari

The Devi Bhagavatam says the demon Durgamasura stole the Vedas, sacrifices stopped and there was no rain for a hundred years. Seeing living beings suffer in the famine, the Divine Mother appeared with a hundred eyes and wept for nine days; her tears filled the rivers and lakes, so she is called Shatakshi. She then fed the world with greens, vegetables and fruits that arose from her own body, earning the name Shakambhari. Finally she slew Durgamasura and became famous as Durga. In the eleventh chapter of the Durga Saptashati, the Devi also promises to appear as Shakambhari whenever famine strikes.

How to Perform the Puja

• Bathe on Pournami morning and light a lamp before the Goddess's picture or kalasham.
• Decorate the Goddess with leafy greens, vegetables and fruits, which is the special feature of this puja.
• Recite Lalitha Sahasranamam, the Durga Saptashati or Devi Ashtottaram.
• Offer vegetable dishes, pulihora and payasam; some homes offer a full meal with many curries.
• After the puja, share the vegetables and food with those in need.
• In the evening, bow to the full moon and light a lamp.

Shakambhari Utsavam in Telugu Lands

For Telugu devotees, Shakambhari worship immediately brings to mind Kanaka Durgamma of Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, where the Shakambhari Utsavalu are held in Ashadha Masam and the Goddess and temple are decorated with huge quantities of vegetables and fruits. The Pushya Masam Shakambhari Navratri tradition is more common in North India. The timing varies by region, but the spirit of gratitude for crops and food is the same.

Significance

The festival teaches that food must not be wasted and that feeding the hungry is the truest worship of the Mother. Devotees believe that worshipping Shakambhari ensures the home never lacks food and that crops grow in abundance.

May Mother Shakambhari fill every home with food, health and happiness.