Sharad Purnima

Kojagori Laxmi

Sharad Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which typically falls in September or October. It is also known as Kojagiri Purnima, Kumar Purnima, and Kaumudi Purnima. This festival marks the end of the monsoon season and the harvest period in India.

Significance

Sharad Purnima holds great significance in Hindu culture. It is believed that on this night, the moon showers its most serene and healing rays. According to Hindu mythology, the moon is closest to the earth on this night, and its rays have special healing properties. Devotees believe that these rays can nourish the body and soul.

Rituals and Celebrations

The celebrations of Sharad Purnima vary across different regions of India. Common rituals include:

• **Night Vigil**: Devotees stay awake all night, singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.
• **Kheer Preparation**: A special dish called Kheer (a sweet rice pudding) is prepared and left under the moonlight. It is believed that the moonlight infuses the kheer with healing properties.
• **Offering to Deities**: Devotees offer kheer and other sweets to deities, especially Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
• **Fasting**: Many people observe a fast throughout the day and break it after offering prayers to the moon.

Regional Variations

• In West Bengal, the festival is known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and stay awake all night.
• In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Kojagiri Purnima, where people drink milk and kheer left under the moonlight.
• In Odisha, it is known as Kumar Purnima, where unmarried girls worship the moon for a suitable groom.

Mythological Stories

Several mythological stories are associated with Sharad Purnima:

• **Radha and Krishna**: It is believed that on this night, Radha and Krishna performed the Rasa Lila (divine dance) with the Gopis (milkmaids) in Vrindavan.
• **Goddess Lakshmi**: Another legend states that Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth on this night, blessing those who are awake and engaged in devotional activities.

Scientific Perspective

From a scientific viewpoint, the full moon night of Sharad Purnima is considered to have a high level of atmospheric pressure, which can have various effects on the human body and mind. The moonlight is also believed to have a cooling effect, which is why people prefer to stay outdoors and enjoy the serene ambiance.

Conclusion

Sharad Purnima is a festival that blends religious devotion, cultural traditions, and scientific beliefs. It is a night of joy, devotion, and celebration, marking the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season.

See Also

• Purnima
• Hindu festivals
• Ashwin (month)
• Kheer
• Lakshmi
• Krishna