Chitra Pournami

Chitra Pournami is a Tamil Hindu observance marked on the full moon of the Chithirai month. It is especially associated with Chitragupta, regarded in Hindu tradition as the divine keeper of records of human deeds.

The day is observed through temple worship, prayer, fasting or simple vegetarian meals in some households, and pilgrimage. Customs vary by temple and region, with Tiruvannamalai and Kanchipuram among the best-known Tamil Nadu centers of observance.

• Chithirai Pournami — the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai.
• Pournami tithi — the exact civil date can vary because the observance follows the lunar tithi.

Chitragupta — Devotees honor the divine record-keeper associated with keeping an account of deeds, making the day a time for moral reflection and prayer.

Self-examination — Worship and observance are often connected with seeking forgiveness for mistakes and resolving to act with greater care and integrity.

Full-moon pilgrimage — At Tiruvannamalai, the full moon is an important occasion for Girivalam, the circumambulation of Arunachala Hill in devotion to Shiva.

Chitra Pournami belongs to the long-standing Tamil calendar and temple traditions surrounding the Chithirai full moon. Stories about Chitragupta developed within Hindu traditions that portray him as the scribe or accountant associated with Yama and the recording of deeds.

Over time, local temple traditions gave the observance distinct forms. Kanchipuram became closely associated with worship at the Chitragupta Swamy Temple, while Tiruvannamalai became strongly identified with full-moon Girivalam around Arunachala.

At home — Families may clean the prayer space, light lamps, offer flowers and simple vegetarian food, and spend time in prayer or reflection. Some devotees observe a fast or avoid salt as part of a personal vow.

At temples — Priests conduct special pujas, abhishekams and offerings for Chitragupta or other deities honored locally. Devotees seek darshan and may make personal prayers for forgiveness and ethical conduct.

In public — Major temple centers can receive large pilgrim gatherings. At Tiruvannamalai, devotees undertake Girivalam around Arunachala Hill, while other towns hold processions or special temple programs.

The observance generally begins with bathing, preparing the home or temple shrine, and making offerings. Special worship and darshan take place during the day, with prayers focused on Chitragupta and, according to local custom, Shiva or other deities.

As the full moon approaches, pilgrims may gather at temples or begin a circumambulation. At Tiruvannamalai, Girivalam continues around the sacred hill, while in Kanchipuram the Chitragupta temple becomes a focal point for worship and devotional activity.

Tamil Nadu — The observance is especially prominent in Tamil temple communities, with local forms of worship, fasting, offerings and processions.

Tiruvannamalai — Chitra Pournami is a major full-moon pilgrimage occasion, when devotees undertake the approximately 14-kilometre Girivalam around Arunachala Hill.

Kanchipuram — The Chitragupta Swamy Temple is a major focal point, with special worship and devotional gatherings centered on Chitragupta.

Other regions — Tamil communities outside Tamil Nadu may observe the day through temple worship and household prayer, while the exact customs depend on local temples and community practice.

• Chitragupta puja
• Full-moon prayer and darshan
• Fasting or simple vegetarian observance
• Offering flowers, lamps and food
• Temple processions and special worship
• Girivalam around Arunachala Hill

Pen and book — Represent Chitragupta's role as a divine recorder of deeds.

Full moon — Marks the Pournami tithi and the principal lunar setting of the observance.

Arunachala Hill — At Tiruvannamalai, the sacred hill is associated with Shiva and forms the center of the Girivalam pilgrimage.

Lamp — Represents prayer, reverence and the light of spiritual awareness in temple and household worship.

• Chitra Pournami follows the full moon of Chithirai, so its Gregorian date changes from year to year.
• Chitragupta is traditionally described as a divine scribe or record-keeper associated with Yama.
• Tiruvannamalai's Girivalam follows a route of about 14 kilometres around Arunachala Hill.
• The Chitragupta Swamy Temple in Kanchipuram is a prominent shrine dedicated specifically to Chitragupta.
• The observance has both devotional and reflective dimensions, with many devotees using the day for prayer, repentance and renewed ethical intention.