Sharad Purnima,
also known as Kojagari Purnima, Ashwin Purnima, or Raas
Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin
(September–October). In 2025, it falls on Monday, October 6.
This is the only night in
the year when the Moon is believed to shine with all sixteen kalas (phases),
and its rays are said to shower Amrit (divine nectar) on Earth.
Significance
- Health & Prosperity:
The moonlight on this night is believed to have medicinal and healing
properties, especially when absorbed through food like kheer
kept under the moon.
- Lakshmi Puja:
Goddess Lakshmi is said to descend to Earth and bless those who stay awake
in devotion.
- Krishna’s Maha Raas:
According to the Bhagavat Purana, Lord Krishna performed the Maha
Raas Leela with the Gopis on this night in Vrindavan.
- Harvest Festival:
It marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the Sharad
(autumn) season.
Legends
- Krishna and the Gopis:
On this night, Krishna danced with the Gopis in a divine celebration of
love and devotion. It’s believed that all celestial beings gather in
Vrindavan to witness this event every year.
- Two Sisters’ Tale:
A story from the Purana tells of two sisters—one who observed the fast
sincerely and was blessed with a healthy child, and another who neglected
it and faced sorrow. This highlights the power of faithful observance.
Rules & Rituals
- Fasting:
Devotees observe a day-long fast, breaking it only after midnight.
- Holy Bath:
Begin the day with a bath in a river or with water mixed with Ganga jal,
ideally during Brahma Muhurta.
- Moon Worship:
Offer prayers to Chandra Dev, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord
Vishnu.
- Kheer Offering:
Prepare sweet rice pudding (kheer) and place it under the
moonlight. It is believed to absorb the moon’s nectar and becomes medicinally
potent.
- Staying Awake:
Devotees stay awake through the night, singing bhajans and performing Lakshmi
Puja.
- Charity:
Giving food, clothes, and money to the needy is considered highly
auspicious.
Scriptural References
Sharad Purnima finds
mention in several ancient Hindu texts:
- Brahma Purana,
Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Brahma Vaivarta Purana
describe the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna with the
Gopis on this moonlit night.
- It is believed that Lord Shiva
took the form of Gopīśvara Mahādeva to witness this cosmic dance.
- The Bhagavata Purana
elaborates on Krishna’s divine play, emphasizing the spiritual union
between the soul (Gopi) and the Supreme (Krishna).
- The Kojagara Vrata is also
linked to Goddess Lakshmi, who is said to descend to Earth on this night
to bless those who remain awake in devotion.
Temple Visits &
Celebrations
Sharad Purnima is
celebrated with grandeur in several temples across India:
- Vrindavan & Mathura:
Temples like Banke Bihari, Radha Raman, and ISKCON
Vrindavan host elaborate Raas Leela enactments and moonlight
kheer offerings.
- Jagannath Temple, Puri:
Special rituals are performed for Lakshmi-Narayana, and devotees
gather for night-long bhajans.
- Swaminarayan Temples (BAPS):
Sharad Purnima marks the birth of Gunatitanand Swami, celebrated
with devotional programs and prasad distribution.
- Lakshmi Temples:
Across India, especially in Bengal and Maharashtra, devotees perform Lakshmi
Puja and observe Kojagari Vrata.
Regional Observances
Sharad Purnima is
celebrated differently across regions, each adding its unique flavor:
- West Bengal, Assam, Tripura:
Known as Kojagari Purnima, where people stay awake to receive
Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. Homes are decorated, and kheer is offered
under moonlight.
- Maharashtra & Gujarat:
Families gather for night vigils, singing bhajans and preparing
moon-charged kheer. It’s also a time for community bonding.
- Odisha:
Celebrated as Kumar Purnima, especially by unmarried girls who
worship Lord Kartikeya for a virtuous husband.
- North India:
Focuses on Krishna’s Raas Leela, with devotional plays and temple
visits.
- Nepal & Bangladesh: Observed with fasting, moon worship, and Lakshmi Puja, similar to Indian traditions.
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