Vishakam Pournami 2026

Vishakam Pournami is the full-moon day of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha. It brings together Kurma Jayanti, Buddha Purnima and the birth anniversary of Tallapaka Annamacharya, the great Telugu saint-composer. Because the moon is usually near Vishakha nakshatram at this time, it is also known in the South as Vishakha Pournami.

Puranic and Historical Background

During the churning of the Ocean of Milk, Sri Maha Vishnu took the form of a tortoise (Kurma) to hold Mount Mandara on his back so it would not sink. This Kurma Avataram is believed to have occurred on Vaishakha Pournami, and the Srikurmam temple in Andhra Pradesh is the renowned shrine of Kurmanatha Swamy. Buddhists hold that the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and nirvana are all linked to this full moon. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams celebrates the Jayanti of Annamayya, who composed thousands of sankirtanas on Lord Venkateswara, on this day. In Tamil Nadu, Vaikasi Visakam, the birthday of Murugan, falls in this season.

Puja Steps

• Bathe early and worship Sri Maha Vishnu or Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranamam or Dashavatara Stotram; singing Annamayya keertanas makes the day special.
• Perform Sri Satyanarayana vratham if possible.
• Offer arghyam to the moon in the evening and light a lamp at the Tulasi kota.
• In the peak of summer, donate water pots, hand fans, umbrellas, buttermilk and panakam.

Importance of Vaishakha

Vaishakha is called Madhava Masa, and elders say bathing, charity and Vishnu worship in this month yield special merit. Those who observe the Vaishakha snana vratham through the month complete it on this Pournami. Fasting through the day with a sattvic meal in the evening and avoiding non-vegetarian food are the usual rules.

Benefits

Water and food donated on Vaishakha Pournami are believed to bring manifold merit, and remembering the Kurma Avataram is said to give steadiness and patience.

By the grace of Sri Venkateswara and the sweetness of Annamayya's songs, may everyone's life be filled with auspiciousness.