Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Raas Purnima, is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashwin month. This year, Sharad Purnima falls on the 28th of October, 2023, marking the culmination of the year’s final lunar eclipse. This occasion holds immense significance in Hindu mythology, as it is believed that on this day, the moon is endowed with all sixteen of its phases, and the earth is showered with the nectar of prosperity.
Celebration of Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings
According to Hindu traditions, Sharad Purnima is considered a night of divine blessings bestowed by Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that on this night, the Goddess of wealth descends upon the Earth, gracing every home with her divine blessings. As a result, devotees undertake special rituals and offer prayers to invoke the special favor and benevolence of Goddess Lakshmi. Cleaning and adorning homes become customary to welcome the Goddess’s prosperity and ensure her continued blessings.
Significance of Kheer on Sharad Purnima
It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, the moon showers the earth with the elixir of life, resulting in the preparation of Kheer, a traditional Indian rice pudding. Placing this Kheer under the open sky during the night is considered an essential ritual. The medicinal properties acquired by the Kheer during this process are believed to boost the immune system of those who consume it, ensuring good health throughout the year. Consuming the cool Kheer also brings mental tranquility and peace.
Observances and Traditions
Observing a fast and taking a holy bath are common practices on Sharad Purnima. After the bath, devotees perform the traditional worship of Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for prosperity and happiness. Lighting ghee lamps after moonrise is customary, and the Kheer left under the moonlight is later offered to Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered auspicious to sit under the moon’s gentle glow, basking in its serene radiance and seeking its divine blessings.
Helping the Needy
One of the significant aspects of Sharad Purnima is the act of charity towards the less fortunate. Many people donate food, clothing, and other essentials to the underprivileged on this auspicious day. This practice symbolizes the spirit of compassion and generosity, reflecting the ideals of human kindness and communal harmony.
The Spiritual Significance and Community Bonding
Sharad Purnima holds deep spiritual significance, emphasizing the value of spiritual purification and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, humility, and gratitude. The collective observance of rituals and the act of sharing reinforce the bonds of community and promote social harmony. The essence of this festival lies in fostering a sense of togetherness and promoting the values of empathy and selflessness.
Embracing Divine Light and Prosperity
As the moon radiates its full brilliance on Sharad Purnima, it symbolizes the divine light that dispels darkness from our lives. This light is not only physical but also spiritual, illuminating our souls with the virtues of kindness, wisdom, and inner peace. The festival inspires individuals to embrace the divine blessings and spread the light of prosperity, happiness, and love in the world around them.
Embracing Divine Light and Communal Harmony reflects the rich spiritual tapestry of Indian culture, encapsulating the essence of gratitude, generosity, and spiritual devotion. This joyous occasion serves as a reminder to embrace the divine radiance within and share it with others, fostering a sense of unity and goodwill in the community. As the moon shines brightly, illuminating the path of righteousness, devotees celebrate the spirit of giving and the blessings of abundance that Sharad Purnima bestows upon them.
