Sharad Purnima is one of the important festivals in Hinduism, which is especially celebrated for the worship of Moon God and Lakshmi Mata. It is also known as Kojagari Purnima, Raas Purnima, and Kaumudi Vrat. Sharad Purnima falls on the full moon day of Ashwin month and it is believed that the rays of the moon on this day are especially Amritmayi, which are beneficial for the body and mind.
Importance of Sharad Purnima
Features of the Moon It is believed that on the night of Sharad Purnima, the moon is full of its sixteen arts and rains nectar on the earth. On this night, the rays of the moon have medicinal properties, which are beneficial for health. On this day, people make kheer and keep it in their courtyard or roof so that it becomes Amritmayi with the rays of the moon and it is consumed as prasad the next day. Wealth and Prosperity On the night of Sharad Purnima, special worship of Mata Lakshmi is done. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth and those who worship Lakshmi while staying awake, get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. For this reason, it is also called Kojagari Purnima, which means "who is awake." Devotees who worship by staying awake on this night, get the blessings of wealth and prosperity. Krishna Leela and Raas On Sharad Purnima, Lord Krishna performed Raas Leela in Vrindavan. This day is also known as Raas Purnima. This Raas Leela is a symbol of divine love between Lord Krishna and the Gopis. On this occasion, Raasleela is organized on a large scale especially in Mathura and Vrindavan. Symbol of health According to Ayurveda, on this day Moon and its rays are extremely beneficial for the body and mind. The coolness of the moon and its rays have a positive effect on the mental and physical health of a person.
Sharad Purnima rituals and traditions
Making kheer and keeping it in the rays of the moon On the day of Sharad Purnima, kheer is specially made and it is kept in the moonlight for the whole night. This kheer is eaten as prasad the next day, which is considered extremely beneficial for health. It is said that due to the rays of the moon, this kheer becomes like nectar, which helps in curing diseases. Raat bhar jagran On this day, people do Raat bhar jagran and worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. During this, bhajans and religious activities are organized. It is believed that the person who stays awake and worships Goddess Lakshmi on this night, gets the blessings of Lakshmi and wealth. Puja of wealth and prosperity Sharad Purnima is considered to be the best day to worship Goddess Lakshmi. In Lakshmi Puja, lamps are specially lit, incense, flowers, and sweets are offered. This puja is done to attain happiness, prosperity and wealth in the house. Also, on this day people start preparations for Dhanteras or Deepawali. Gayatri Mantra and Mantra Jaap On this day, chanting of Gayatri Mantra and other Vedic mantras has special significance. It is believed that the chanting and meditation done on this day brings mental peace and spiritual benefits.
Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi
1. Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. 2. Light a lamp in a clean place for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God. 3. Offer fresh flowers, incense, and akshat in front of the Moon God. 4. Offer incense, lamp, sandalwood, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi. 5. Make kheer at night and keep it in the open place in the moonlight. 6. Stay awake and spend the night singing bhajans.
Scientific View
On the day of Sharad Purnima, the moon is very close to the earth and its rays are considered to be more powerful. The tradition of keeping kheer in the moonlight is also believed to be related to the scientific fact that the rays of the moon have some special properties, which can make food healthy.
Cultural Festivals
Sharad Purnima is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. In some places it is celebrated as Lakshmi Pujan, while in some places it is celebrated as Raasleela. On this day people gather to see the moon and consume traditional offerings. This festival of Sharad Purnima is a symbol of physical, mental and spiritual health as well as attainment of wealth and prosperity.
Upcoming Purnima dates
- 04 December 2025, Thursday Margashirsha Purnima