Holika Dahan on the Night of March 13: Using Holi Ash in Shiva Worship and Its Significance

On Thursday, March 13, Fagan Purnima will be observed, and Holika Dahan will take place at night. This festival is associated with night vigils, during which devotees stay awake, perform special prayers, and worship their chosen deity. On this night, chanting mantras is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed that prayers offered during Holika Dahan yield quick results. The religious significance of Fagan Purnima night is comparable to that of Diwali, Navratri, and Mahashivratri, all of which emphasize night-time worship.

The Power of Mantra Chanting on Holika Dahan Night

According to Ujjain-based astrologer Pandit Manish Sharma, chanting mantras on Holika Dahan night enhances the success of worship and helps fulfill devotees’ wishes. Guru mantras should be recited with patience, as it is believed that mantras chanted on this night have positive effects that last throughout the year. This is why performing special prayers and chanting sacred mantras during Holika Dahan has been a long-standing tradition.

The Sacredness of Holi Ash (Bhasma)

Pandit Sharma explains that the ash obtained from the Holika Dahan fire is not ordinary; it is considered highly sacred. Mixing this ash with water and using it for bathing is believed to reduce planetary doshas (astrological defects) in one’s birth chart. In Shiva worship, Holi ash can be used as bhasma and can be offered on the Shiva Linga to invoke divine blessings.

Auspicious Rituals to Perform on Fagan Purnima

1. Take a Holy Bath

• Bathe in a sacred river if possible.
• If unable to visit a river, mix Ganga water into your bath at home.
• While bathing, meditate upon all pilgrimage sites for spiritual purification.

2. Worship Lord Shiva

• Offer water on the Shiva Linga and perform abhishek.
• Chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra.
• Offer Bilva leaves, Dhatura flowers, and figs.
• Apply sandalwood paste to the Shiva Linga.
• Offer sweets as prasad.

3. Worship Lord Hanuman

• Light a diya (lamp) in front of Lord Hanuman.
• Recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand.
• Optionally, chant “Om Shri Ram Dutaya Namah” for strength and protection.

4. Worship Lord Krishna

• Perform abhishek while chanting “Krishnaya Namah”.
• Offer Tulsi leaves along with butter and sugar to Bal Gopal (child Krishna).

5. Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi

• Performing their abhishek with a conch shell (shankha) is considered highly auspicious.

6. Engage in Charity and Donations

• Donate money and green fodder at a Gaushala (cow shelter).
• Help the needy by donating food, money, clothes, footwear, and umbrellas.

Observing these rituals on Fagan Purnima is believed to bring divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.