Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is a Hindu festival that’s celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashvin month (around September-October) and marks the end of the monsoon season in our country. It’s quite a significant festival for Hindus all over India and is undoubtedly celebrated in different ways in all the different regions
What Is Kojagiri Purnima?
Another name for Sharad Purnima, this Hindu festival is especially significant in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal.
The name ‘Kojagari Purnima’ comes from the Sanskrit words “ko jagarti”, which means “who is awake”. It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits the homes of all her devotees and blesses the ones who are awake. People celebrating the festival also observe a night-long vigil on Kojagiri Purnima where they sing devotional songs and tell stories.
Sharad Purnima History
While the exact origins of the festival are unknown, Sharad Purnima history is mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts, including the Puranas and the Vedas. One of the most popular legends associated with Sharad Purnima is that on this day, Krishnji performed Raaslila, with his beloved Radha and the gopis. This Raaslila is a symbolic representation of the divine love between Krishna and Radha, which is highly celebrated. Another important legend is that on this day, Lakshmiji descended to Earth to bless all her devotees.
Sharad Purnima Significance
Let’s talk about why Sharad Purnima is a significant festival for Hindus
1. The End Of Monsoon
It is a time to celebrate the end of the monsoon season, the beginning of the harvest season, to be grateful for the blessings of nature, and to pray for a bountiful harvest.
2. Pray To Lord Krishna And Goddess Lakshmi
Sharad Purnima is a time to worship Lakshmiji, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Krishnji, the god of love, compassion, and wisdom. It is believed that worshipping them on this day will bring blessings of wealth, prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual enlightenment.
3. Appreciate Nature
Sharad Purnima significance includes celebrating the beauty of nature. The full moon on this day is said to be the brightest and most beautiful one of the year and is imbued with special healing and rejuvenating powers.
4. Communal Harmony
Sharad Purnima is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate. It’s a joyous and auspicious festival that also marks the beginning of a new year. People gather outdoors to sing and dance under the moonlight.
Important Rituals Followed On Sharad Purnima
Some of the most popular Sharad Purnima customs include
1. Kheer
Preparing and consuming kheer, a sweet rice pudding, which is believed to be imbued with special healing and nourishing powers by the moonlight.
2. Fasting
Fasting and performing puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi and Krishna.
3. Celebration
Kojagiri celebration includes singing and dancing under the moonlight.
4. Kojagara Vrata
It is a night-long vigil in which people stay awake and pray for the blessings of Lakshmi and Krishna.
The Importance Of Kheer
Eating kheer under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is a significant custom that has many benefits, including:
1. Nutritional benefits
Kheer is a nutritious food that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. It is also a good source of calcium and iron. Eating kheer under the moonlight enhances its nutritional value and makes it even more beneficial for the body.
2. Healing properties
The moonlight on Sharad Purnima is imbued with special healing properties. Eating kheer bathed in the moonlight helps cure a variety of diseases and ailments, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, and digestive disorders.
3. Improves digestion
The moonlight helps break down the lactose in the milk, making it easier to digest.
4. Boosts immunity
The kheer absorbs the healing properties of the moonlight, which helps boost the immune system and protect the body from diseases.
5. Improves skin health
The moonlight is beneficial for the skin, and eating kheer bathed in the moonlight helps improve skin complexion and reduce blemishes.
6. Promotes mental health
The moonlight has a calming and soothing effect on the mind, and eating kheer under the moonlight can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Brings good luck and prosperity
Eating kheer under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is believed to be a way to receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Krishna, who are associated with wealth and prosperity.
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi On Sharad Purnima
For Kojagiri Lakshmi puja vidhi, follow these steps:
- Clean your house and bathe in the evening.
- Set up a puja area in a clean and well-lit area of your home, if you don’t have a mandir
- Place an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi in the mandir or on an altar.
- Decorate the altar with flowers, fruits, and other auspicious items.
- Light a ghee lamp or candle in front of the idol.
- Offer incense sticks and camphor to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Chant the following mantra:
Om Shrim Hrim Shrim Kamale Kamalayai Praseedha Praseedha Shrim Hrim Shrim Om
(Repeat the mantra 108 times or as many times as you like.)
- Offer kheer, other sweets, and fruits to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Pray to Goddess Lakshmi for her blessings of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
- Perform aarti to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Distribute prasad to your family and friends.
Read: Your Guide To Lakshmi Puja
How Does Sharad Purnima Celebration Usually Take Place?
Here is how Sharad Purnima is usually celebrated:
1. Prepare And Consume Kheer
Kheer, a sweet rice pudding, is a popular food, eaten as a Kojagiri celebration. It is believed that the moonlight on this day imbues the kheer with special healing and nourishing powers.
2. Fasting And Performing Puja
Many Hindus observe a fast and perform puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi and Krishna on Sharad Purnima.
3. Singing And Dancing Under The Moonlight
People gather outdoors to sing and dance under the moonlight as a Sharad Purnima celebration.
4. Performing The Kojagara Vrata
Some Hindus observe the Kojagara Vrata, a night-long vigil in which they stay awake and pray for the blessings of Lakshmi and Krishna.
5. Decorating Homes And Workplaces
Sharad Purnima significance includes people decorating their homes and workplaces with lights and flowers.
6. Exchanging Gifts
People exchange gifts with friends and family to celebrate Sharad Purnima.
Sharad Purnima is a joyous and auspicious festival celebrated in different ways in different regions of India. However, the common thread is the celebration of the beauty of nature, the divine love of Krishna and Radha, and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
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