Ashwin Purnima is one of the most sacred and important full moon days in Hinduism. The full moon of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin is called Ashwin Purnima. It is especially known as Sharad Purnima. In many regions, it is also famous by the names of Kojagari Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima and Ras Purnima.
According to religious belief, the moon shines especially brightly on the night of Sharad Purnima. On this day, the tradition of worshipping Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev and keeping a vigil at night is prevalent in many regions.
What is Ashwin Purnima?
According to the Hindu calendar, the last date of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin is called Purnima. This date is called Ashwin Purnima.
Ashwin Purnima is also associated with the arrival of autumn. After the rainy season, the sky starts clearing and the moonlight of the full moon appears especially enchanting.
For this reason, this full moon is called Sharad Purnima.
Main names of Ashwin Purnima
Different names of Ashwin Purnima are popular in different regions of India:
Sharad Purnima
Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
Kaumudi Purnima
Rasa Purnima
Kumar Purnima
However, the religious rituals observed on this day may vary according to the region and tradition.
Religious significance of Ashwin Purnima
Ashwin Purnima is associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Moon God. is.
According to religious belief, on this day:
Mata Lakshmi is worshipped.
Lord Vishnu is remembered.
Arghya is offered to the Moon God.
Vigil is held at night.
Kheer is prepared and offered to the Lord.
Charity is done.
Bhajans, kirtans and religious recitations are done.
Especially on Kojagari Purnima, the tradition of vigil and worship of Mata Lakshmi is prevalent.
Sharad Purnima and Goddess Lakshmi
Ashwin Purnima is celebrated in many regions to worship Goddess Lakshmi. It is also called Kojagari Purnima.
The word 'Kojagari' is commonly associated with "Who is awake?" According to religious belief, on this night, Goddess Lakshmi is awakened and her blessings are sought.
Devotees stay awake at night and:
Worship Goddess Lakshmi.
Light lamps.
Chant Lakshmi Mantra.
Sing bhajans and kirtans.
Offer Prasad.
Sharad Purnima and Moon
Worshiping the Moon on the night of Sharad Purnima is also considered to be of special importance.
Devotees offer Arghya to the Moon and pray for happiness, peace and prosperity.
To offer Arghya to the Moon, Akshat or flowers can be mixed in clean water and offered after seeing the Moon.
A popular mantra of Moon God is:
Om Somay Namah॥
It can be chanted with devotion.
Sharad Purnima Kheer
One of the most famous religious traditions of Sharad Purnima is the offering of Kheer.
In many families, Kheer is prepared from milk and rice and offered to God and then kept in the moonlight.
According to religious belief, Kheer kept in the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is consumed as Prasad.
It should be kept in mind that food items kept in the moonlight should always be kept cleanly and safely covered.
Ashwin Purnima Puja Vidhi
The puja on Ashwin Purnima can be performed as per your family and regional tradition.
1. Take a bath in the morning
Wake up in the morning, take a bath and wear clean clothes. After this, remember the God.
2. Prepare the place of worship
Clean the place of worship and install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Light a lamp
Light a lamp of ghee or oil and worship the Lord with incense and lamp.
4. Worship Goddess Lakshmi
Offer lotus or other fragrant flowers to Goddess Lakshmi. Fruits, sweets and naivedya can be offered.
5. Worship Lord Vishnu
Worship Lord Vishnu by offering Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers to him.
6. Chant the Mantra
Lord Vishnu's Mantra:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Mata Lakshmi's popular Mantra:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
Can be chanted with devotion.
7. Offer Arghya to the Moon
After seeing the Moon at night, offer water and remember the Moon God.
8. Offer Kheer
Offer Kheer made of milk and rice to the Lord. If it is a family tradition, then it is kept in the moonlight at night and later consumed as Prasad.
Fast of Ashwin Purnima
Many devotees keep a fast on the day of Ashwin Purnima. The method of fasting may vary in different families and regions.
Some people fast the entire day, while some devotees eat fruits.
During the fast:
Remember Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Eat Satvik food.
Read religious texts.
Recite hymns and kirtans.
Donate to the needy.
If a person has health-related problems, then instead of fasting, it is appropriate to perform puja and religious practices as per one's capacity.
Importance of donation on Ashwin Purnima
In Hindu religious tradition, Purnima Tithi is considered important for charity.
Donate as per one's capacity on Ashwin Purnima According to:
Food
Clothes
Fruits
Food
Sweets
Dakshina
Necessary items
can be donated.
The purpose of donation is to help the needy person and to increase the spirit of service.
Night vigil of Ashwin Purnima
There is a special tradition of night vigil on Kojagari Purnima in many areas.
Devotees stay awake at night and remember Goddess Lakshmi, sing bhajans and chant mantras.
According to religious belief, by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and keeping vigil on this night, one wishes to receive her blessings.
Ashwin Purnima and Lord Shri Krishna
Ashwin Purnima also has special significance in some Vaishnav traditions as Raas Purnima.
The description of Raas Leela related to Lord Shri Krishna and the Gopis is very important in the Vaishnav Bhakti tradition. Therefore, on this day, devotion, bhajans and kirtans of Lord Krishna are also performed.
What to do on Ashwin Purnima?
According to religious beliefs, the following works can be done on this day:
Take bath in the morning.
Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Offer arghya to Moon God.
Chant Lakshmi and Vishnu mantras.
Offer kheer.
Stay vigil and do bhajan-kirtan.
Recite religious texts.
Donate to the needy.
Follow sattvik food and thoughts.
What should not be done on Ashwin Purnima?
From religious point of view, restraint and abstinence are advised on this day. It is advised to follow Satvikta.
Therefore:
Do not insult or disrespect anyone.
Avoid unnecessary disputes.
Try to stay away from intoxicants and Tamasic activities.
Do not show off in worship.
Donate only as per your capacity.
Do not argue with others regarding religious beliefs.
Spiritual message of Ashwin Purnima
Ashwin Purnima is considered a festival of light, devotion and positivity. The cool light of the full moon inspires the mind towards peace and spiritual contemplation.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi teaches us the importance of prosperity as well as contentment and virtue, whereas worship of Lord Vishnu inspires us to follow the path of religion and dignity.
FAQ: Ashwin Purnima
1. By what name is Ashwin Purnima known?
Ashwin Purnima is mainly called Sharad Purnima. In many regions it is also known as Kojagari Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima and Raas Purnima.
2. Who is worshipped on Ashwin Purnima?
On this day there is a tradition of worshipping Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev.
3. Why is Kheer made on Sharad Purnima?
In religious tradition, there is a tradition of making Kheer on the night of Sharad Purnima, offering it to God and keeping it in the moonlight. Later it is consumed as Prasad.
4. Is a fast observed on Ashwin Purnima?
Yes, many devotees observe a fast or eat fruits on this day. The method of fasting may vary according to the region and family tradition.
5. Which mantra should be recited on Ashwin Purnima?
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” can be chanted for Lord Vishnu, “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” for Goddess Lakshmi and “Om Somaya Namah” for Moon God.
6. What is Kojagari Purnima?
Ashwin Purnima is called Kojagari Purnima in many regions. The tradition of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and staying awake all night is especially prevalent on this day.
7. Is offering water to the Moon on Ashwin Purnima?
Yes, in many religious traditions, there is a tradition of offering water to the Moon and worshipping it on the night of Sharad Purnima.
Ashwin Purnima, also known as Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima in many regions, is an important full moon day in Hinduism. On this day, there is a tradition of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and Moon God, fasting, donating, chanting mantras, observing Jagran, and offering Kheer.
The festival of Sharad Purnima gives devotees the message of light, devotion, restraint, gratitude, and positivity. The rituals and beliefs of this festival may vary in different regions, so it is considered appropriate to worship according to local traditions and calendar.
Upcoming Purnima Vrat dates
- 25 October 2026, Sunday Ashwina Purnima Vrat
- 24 November 2026, Tuesday Kartika Purnima Vrat