Punjab Governor Purohit’s Resignation Linked to Sahasra Purna Chandrodayam. This is the the significant Hindu custom called Sahasra Purna Chandrodayam. This milestone marks the occasion of an individual witnessing their 1,000th full moon, signifying profound longevity, wisdom, and spiritual achievement.
In his farewell address as Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Banwari Lal Purohit revealed that his decision to step down was not influenced by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as some speculated. Instead, it was deeply rooted in the celebration of his Sahasra Purna Chandrodayam—the completion of witnessing 1,000 full moons. This event, which is significant in Hindu tradition, symbolizes a time for reflection and new beginnings. Governor Purohit has turned 84 on 16 April. He is 1940 born.
Sahasra Purna Chandrodayam: A Celebration of 1,000 Full Moons
Sahasra Purna Chandrodayam, also known as Sahasra Chandra Darshan, marks the celebration of a person witnessing their 1,000th full moon, a significant milestone in Hindu tradition. This unique custom in India honors an individual’s longevity and life journey.
A synodic month, the time between successive similar lunar phases, averages 29.53 days. Therefore, experiencing 1,000 full moons equates to 29,530 days, or approximately 80 years and 10 months. Traditionally, this celebration occurs three full moons before the person’s 81st birthday.
The Sahasra Chandra Darshan ritual, also called Chandra Ratharohan, aims to bestow mental and physical strength upon the elderly. It serves as an encouragement for them to seek spiritual liberation and transcend the challenges of this life.
Purohit further elaborated that his resignation was made with the consent and support of his family, who encouraged him to retire at this symbolic juncture. He stressed the importance of adherence to constitutional principles and advised the bureaucrats of Punjab and Chandigarh to ensure that ministers comply with legal and procedural norms. According to Purohit, bureaucrats should not be intimidated by ministers, as it is the bureaucrats who are the backbone of the administration, responsible for its smooth functioning.
In a lighter vein, Purohit shared a humorous anecdote about his refusal to use a helicopter for travel. He expressed a preference for traveling by road, stating that it allowed him to experience Punjab’s landscape and observe the crops firsthand. As a farmer himself, he valued this opportunity to see the agricultural progress in the region.
Purohit concluded his address by expressing deep gratitude to the people of Punjab. He praised them as some of the sweetest and kindest individuals he has ever encountered, reflecting on his positive experiences and the warmth he felt during his tenure. His resignation, marked by this significant personal and cultural milestone, underscores a moment of profound reflection and appreciation for the journey he has undertaken.