Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima holds a significant place in Hinduism and is observed during the month of Ashwin, which falls in September or October. It is known by various names, such as Kumara Purnima, Kojagiri Purnima, Navanna Purnima, Ashwin Purnima, or Kaumudi Purnima. This festival is marked by the radiance of the full moon, bringing a sense of joy and delight. The term "Sharad" in Sharad Purnima is associated with the "Sharad Ritu" (season) of the year. In several Indian states, Sharad Purnima is also celebrated as a harvest festival.
On Sharad Purnima, numerous devotees pay homage to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi travels from place to place, inquiring, "Who is awake?" and bestowing blessings upon those found awake. Consequently, people refrain from sleeping on this night and spend the entire day with unwavering devotion, fasting, singing religious hymns, and praying for prosperity.
Sharad Purnima importance as per Vedic Astrology
- During this day, the Moon draws near to the Earth, bringing all its virtues and radiating its divine rays upon all devoted beings.
- According to the wisdom found in sacred texts like the Brahma Purana and Skanda Purana, on the sacred night of Sharad Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth. As a result, worshippers venerate Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, seeking Her blessings.
- According to Vedic Astrology, Sharad Purnima is a unique day in the entire year when the Moon is said to be imbued with all 16 of its virtues, and the moonlight is regarded as equivalent to the elixir (Amrita - अमृत)
Sharad Purnima Rituals
Devotees follow a series of special worship rituals on Sharad Purnima, making this day highly auspicious. These observances include:
1. Bathing in Sacred Waters: Devotees wake up during the Brahma Muhurta and bathe in a holy river, lake, or pond. If bathing in a river is not feasible, they may sprinkle Ganga water on themselves.
2. Taking a Vow to Fast: With a pure heart, they take a vow to fast for the day.
3. Offering Holy Water: Before worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, they offer Ganga Jal or water from any sacred river to her image or idol, placing it on a red cloth.
4. Adorning Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is adorned with exquisite clothes and jewelry.
5. Offering Devotions: Devotees present lotus flowers, white flowers, lamps (Diya), sweets, and fruits to the deity.
6. Chanting Mantras and Katha: Mantras and prayers are recited to extol the Goddess, and the Katha (story) is narrated during the puja.
7. Worshiping the Moon: In the evening, when the moon is high in the sky, Lord Chandra is worshipped with white flowers, Diya, and a special Kheer made with cow's ghee, rice, milk, sugar, and dry fruits is offered as naivedya.
8. Moon God Prayers: Prayers and aarti are offered to the Moon God to conclude the puja and receive His divine blessings.
9. Sharing Moonlight Kheer: The Kheer vessel, preferably made of silver (you can use steel or some other pots), is placed under the moonlight at night. The following morning, it is distributed as Prasada to all family members.
Sharad Purnima History
Sharad Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashwin, is also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Kumar Purnima. Hindu scriptures describe Kojagiri Purnima as the day when the moon displays all its sixteen Kalas, representing various phases of the moon. This auspicious festival is often referred to as Kojagiri Lakshmi Purnima, dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi.
Numerous legends and mythological stories provide reasons for celebrating this full moon night.
Sharad Purnima First Story- related to King Dhananjay
According to one legend, there was a King named Dhananjay in the land of Magadha. His kingdom faced a severe financial crisis due to a lack of rain and various diseases. Following the advice of their chief priest, the queen and the king observed a fast on Sharad Purnima.
They worshipped goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God while staying awake throughout the night. As a result, the Moon God blessed their land with divine rays, ensuring a disease-free life, and goddess Lakshmi bestowed blessings for prosperity. From that day forward, people began fasting on this day to worship God Moon and Goddess Lakshmi.
Sharad Purnima Second Story - related to Lord Krishna
Another popular legend recounts that on the night of Sharad Purnima, Lord Krishna engaged in the divine raasleela with his beloved Radha and the Gopi’s of Vrindavan.
In the enchanting story of Brijboomi, the Gopi’s awoke to the magical music of Krishna's flute, sneaking into the nearby forest to dance with Krishna. The merciful Lord Krishna replicated himself to dance individually with each Gopi.
It is believed that the devotional dance (Bhakti Raas) of Lord Krishna with Radha and the Gopi’s of Vrindavan extended the night to the duration of one divine night in Brahma Lok, equivalent to thousands of human years. Hence, to commemorate His divinity, devotees of Lord Krishna celebrate the entire night of Sharada Purnima with their partners and loved ones.
Purpose of Placing Kheer in Moonlight
The custom of consuming Kheer on Sharad Purnima is widely recognized because it is thought that the Moon's radiance releases nectar or elixir (Amrita - अमृत) with diverse healing qualities. Consequently, individuals make rice pudding (a mixture of milk and rice, known as Kheer) and place it beneath the moonlight throughout the night. The energized Kheer is then shared as prasad among all family members the following morning.
Hindu devotees honor Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God on Sharad Purnima. It is believed that the moon's rays on Sharad Purnima possess special healing properties.
Placing Kheer in Moonlight - Scientific reason
Here are the scientifically supported and traditional beliefs regarding the advantages of consuming Kheer left under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima:
1. Lactic Acid Restoration: Scientifically, leaving Kheer in the moonlight helps restore lactic acid, which contributes to the development of beneficial bacteria. The open-air exposure of milk during this auspicious night initiates a chemical reaction that encourages the growth of good bacteria in the milk.
2. Enhanced Nutritional Value: The combination of sunlight during the day and moonlight at night supports this bacterial development process, while simultaneously improving the nutritional content of the food.
3. Lunar Gravitational Pull: On Sharad Purnima, the moon and the nine planets align, and the moon's proximity to Earth results in a gravitational pull. This is believed to aid in the rapid digestion of water-rich food consumed at midnight.
4. Healthy Carbohydrates and Fiber: Kheer contains rice, which is a source of healthy carbohydrates and fiber. This makes the dish both filling and nutritious, promoting gut health and overall well-being. Some even believe it can help prevent asthma attacks.
5. Cooling and Nutritional Effects: The moon is associated with a cooling influence and is thought to enhance the nutritional properties of food. Placing Kheer under the moonlight is believed to imbue it with additional nourishing qualities, bringing positive energy and well-being to the family.
6. Immunity Boost: Kheer is rich in milk, rice, and dry fruits, which are nourishing ingredients. Coupled with the reputed medicinal properties of the Moon, consuming this dish is considered healthy and auspicious. It may contribute to improved immunity, and the sweetness of Kheer provides an instant energy boost.
7. Ayurvedic explanation: During the Sharad Ritu, the days are extremely hot, and the nights are quite cool. This variation in temperature can lead to an increase in 'pitta' or acidity in the body. To counteract this, people consume a mixture of rice flakes and milk, which is considered a remedy for balancing 'pitta'.
