Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagiri Purnima, marks the full moon day in the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (typically in October). It is a significant festival in India, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country. In 2024, Sharad Purnima falls on October 16th, a date awaited for its religious, spiritual, and cultural importance.
The festival of Sharad Purnima holds a special place in Hinduism as it is associated with both Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi, bringing together the essence of devotion, prosperity, and divine blessings. It also celebrates the onset of the autumn season, which gives the night sky its clearest view of the full moon.
Mythological Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima has multiple legends and stories attached to it, each emphasizing different aspects of the divine.
Lord Krishna and Raas Leela: One of the most popular legends associated with Sharad Purnima is the Raas Leela of Lord Krishna. It is believed that on this full moon night, Krishna performed the divine Raas dance with the Gopis (cowherd maidens) in Vrindavan. The moonlight is said to have had a magical and eternal quality, adding to the bliss and ecstasy of the divine dance. The Raas Leela signifies the unification of the individual soul with the divine, symbolizing pure love and devotion.
Goddess Lakshmi and Kojagari Vrat: Another prominent story is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On Sharad Purnima night, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth and blesses her devotees with prosperity and abundance. Kojagiri Purnima, which is another name for Sharad Purnima, comes from the word "Kojagari," meaning "Who is awake?" According to this belief, Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth on this night asking, "Kojagarti?" (Who is awake?). Those who stay awake all night, performing puja and observing rituals, are said to be blessed by the goddess.
Chandra Dev (Moon God): Another belief is that the Moon God, Chandra Dev, showers healing nectar on the Earth on this night. The moon’s rays are said to have medicinal properties that can rejuvenate the body and heal illnesses. Hence, many people place milk and sweets outside in the moonlight, believing that the moon’s rays will enhance their purity and energy.
Rituals and Traditions of Sharad Purnima
The observances of Sharad Purnima vary across different regions of India, but several rituals are commonly followed.
1. Fasting (Vrat)
Many devotees observe a strict fast on Sharad Purnima. Fasting is considered highly auspicious on this day as it helps cleanse the body and soul. People abstain from eating food during the day and break their fast only after offering prayers to the moon at night.
For some, the fast is observed in honor of Goddess Lakshmi, hoping for prosperity and well-being, while others fast to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.
2. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
On this day, households worship Goddess Lakshmi with great devotion. The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is performed to seek her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Devotees prepare offerings like sweets, fruits, rice, and milk, which are presented to the goddess during the puja.
People light lamps and decorate their homes with rangoli, flowers, and lights to welcome the goddess into their abode. After the puja, devotees stay awake throughout the night, singing bhajans, reciting scriptures, and meditating, in the hope of receiving her divine blessings.
3. Offering Kheer (Rice Pudding) under Moonlight
One of the unique rituals of Sharad Purnima is preparing and offering kheer, a traditional Indian rice pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar, as a part of the celebration. The kheer is placed outdoors under the moonlight, allowing the rays of the full moon to fall on it. According to Hindu belief, the moonlight during Sharad Purnima has special healing and nourishing properties, and consuming the kheer the next morning is believed to bestow health benefits.
In many regions, people also consume other milk-based products, such as poha (flattened rice), which is offered to the gods and then distributed among family members and neighbors.
4. Staying Awake All Night
A key aspect of Sharad Purnima celebrations is staying awake throughout the night, either in meditation, devotional singing, or storytelling. This tradition stems from the Kojagiri legend, where Goddess Lakshmi rewards those who stay awake with her blessings.
The night is considered particularly auspicious, and spending it in prayer or spiritual activity is believed to lead to divine grace and prosperity.
5. Moon Gazing and Worship
On Sharad Purnima, people also worship the Moon God. In some parts of India, devotees perform a ritual known as "Chandra Arghya," where they offer water, rice, and flowers to the moon while reciting prayers. The moon is regarded as a source of peace, healing, and serenity, and praying to the Moon God on this night is thought to bring good fortune.
Sharad Purnima Celebrations Across India
Though the essence of Sharad Purnima remains the same, the way it is celebrated can vary significantly across different states in India.
West Bengal: In West Bengal, Sharad Purnima is known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Bengali households, where women perform the Kojagari Vrat and Lakshmi Puja. Homes are decorated with earthen lamps, and the night is spent in worship and celebration.
Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, the night of Sharad Purnima is celebrated as Kojagiri Purnima. People gather in groups to perform Lakshmi Puja and share sweets and kheer. A popular custom involves drinking milk flavored with saffron and dry fruits, which is consumed after it has been placed under the moonlight.
Gujarat: In Gujarat, Sharad Purnima marks the beginning of the famous Navratri festival. The night is celebrated with traditional Garba and Raas dances, which are symbolic of Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela with the Gopis. The festival brings together joy, dance, and devotion.
Vrindavan and Mathura: These two places, deeply associated with Lord Krishna, see grand celebrations on Sharad Purnima. Special Raas Leela performances are staged to reenact Krishna’s divine dance with the Gopis. Devotees flock to the temples of Vrindavan and Mathura to take part in the festivities, which include all-night kirtans and bhajans.
Scientific Perspective on Sharad Purnima
Interestingly, from a scientific point of view, Sharad Purnima holds some truth about the health benefits associated with moonlight. It is believed that the rays of the full moon on this night contain cooling and nourishing properties, which can have a positive impact on the human body and mind. This belief ties into the tradition of placing food, such as kheer, under the moonlight to absorb its beneficial qualities.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima 2024 will be a time of devotion, celebration, and spiritual awakening. Whether through the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the observance of fasting, or the celebration of Lord Krishna’s divine Raas Leela, Sharad Purnima brings together many facets of Hindu culture. It is a festival that reminds devotees of the importance of faith, devotion, and community, while also offering a moment to reflect on the divine connection between the cosmos and earthly life.
By participating in the rituals, staying awake under the full moon, and embracing the cultural richness of the day, one can gain spiritual, mental, and physical benefits from this auspicious occasion.
