🌕 Bhadrapada Purnima Story

The Divine Blessings of Faith and Devotion

Bhadrapada Purnima is a sacred full-moon day when devotees worship, perform rituals, and seek divine blessings for happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires. The story behind this day beautifully reminds us of how devotion and faith can transform destiny.

🌸 The Story of Dhaneshwar and Rupvati

Long ago, in a peaceful town, lived a kind Brahmin named Dhaneshwar and his virtuous wife Rupvati. Though blessed with wealth and respect, they carried a deep sorrow — they had no children.

One day, a wise sage visited their town seeking alms. While everyone offered donations, the sage refused to accept anything from Rupvati. Surprised and hurt, Dhaneshwar humbly asked,

“Revered Sage, why do you not accept alms from my wife? Have we done something wrong?”

The sage replied gently,

“O noble Brahmin, you and your wife are pure-hearted. But since you have no child, it would be inauspicious for me to accept alms from you.”

Hearing this, Dhaneshwar’s heart sank. He folded his hands and pleaded,

“Please guide us, holy one. Tell us what we can do to be blessed with a child.”

The sage smiled and said,

“Worship Goddess Kali with deep devotion for sixteen days. If she is pleased, she will surely bless you with a son.”

🌺 The Boon of Goddess Kali

Filled with hope, Dhaneshwar went into the forest and began his sixteen-day worship of Goddess Kali. He fasted, prayed, and meditated with complete faith.

Pleased by his devotion, the goddess appeared in his dream and said,

“Dhaneshwar, your prayers have reached me. You will be blessed with a son — but his life will last only sixteen years. However, if you and your wife observe the Purnima fast for thirty-two full moons, his life will be extended.”

She also added,

“Tomorrow morning, you will find a mango tree near your home. Pluck a fruit and give it to your wife. By my grace and Lord Shiva’s blessing, she will conceive.”

🌿 The Miracle Mango and the Birth of Devidas

The next morning, Dhaneshwar saw a mango tree heavy with ripe fruits. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t pluck one. Then he prayed to Lord Ganesha, who blessed him with success. He offered the fruit to Rupvati, and soon she conceived.

In due time, a radiant baby boy was born — Devidas. The couple rejoiced and continued to observe the Purnima fasts as the goddess had instructed.

🕉 The Test of Destiny

As Devidas grew older, his parents became anxious, remembering the goddess’s prophecy. When he turned fifteen, they sent him to study in Kashi with his maternal uncle, asking him to return after a year.

During their journey, they stopped in a village celebrating a wedding. But tragedy struck — the groom suddenly went blind before the ceremony. The bride’s father, in desperation, begged Devidas to take his place. Devidas agreed, but before leaving, he gave his new bride a ring and said,

“If the flowers in our garden stay fresh, you will know I am alive. If they wither, it will mean my end.”

🌼 The Blessing of Life

When Devidas turned sixteen, fate tried to claim him — a snake appeared to bite him. But the divine power of his parents’ fast protected him. He fell unconscious, and at that moment, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared.

Parvati said softly,

“O Lord, this boy’s parents have shown true faith. Please bless him with a long life.”

Shiva granted her wish, reviving Devidas and blessing him with many more years.

Far away, his wife saw the withered flowers in their garden bloom again, knowing her husband had been saved. Devidas returned home, and his family rejoiced in tears of gratitude.

🌕 The Significance

Since that day, observing the Bhadrapada Purnima fast and listening to this sacred story is believed to bring blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees believe it fulfills wishes, removes sorrow, and grants happiness, prosperity, and children to the childless.