Sharad Purnima Significance and Timing

Sharad Purnima: The Night When the Moon Blesses with Health, Wealth, and Prosperity

Sharad Purnima is one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant festivals celebrated in India. Observed on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashvin, it holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Not only does this festival mark the end of the monsoon season, but it also has deep connections to health, prosperity, and religious traditions. Each year, the full moon on Sharad Purnima is believed to be the brightest and closest to Earth, creating a magical atmosphere in the night sky.

In this post, we’ll explore the significance of Sharad Purnima, its mythology, rituals, and how it is celebrated in different parts of India. We’ll also look at the date and time of Sharad Purnima in 2024, along with what special activities and rituals are performed on this auspicious day.

Sharad Purnima Significance

The significance of Sharad Purnima goes beyond just a full moon night. It is believed that the moon shines with its most potent healing energy during this night, and the rays of the moon carry medicinal properties that can benefit those who bathe in them. In ancient Indian traditions, it is said that the cool, soothing light of the full moon on Sharad Purnima helps to restore balance to the body after the harshness of the monsoon season.

This night is also dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is believed to roam the Earth and bless devotees with prosperity and good fortune. Many people stay awake all night, singing devotional songs and offering prayers to seek her blessings.

In several parts of India, it is customary to leave food like kheer (a type of rice pudding) out in the moonlight, as it is believed that the moon’s rays will infuse it with healing properties. The next day, this kheer is consumed as prasadam (blessed food), which is thought to promote good health.

Sharad Purnima Kab Hai?

Sharad Purnima typically falls in the month of October, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on October 16th. The full moon will rise early in the evening, and the celebrations will continue throughout the night.

The exact date of Sharad Purnima is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, and it falls on the full moon day, or Purnima, of the Ashvin month. This day is eagerly awaited by devotees because it marks the perfect time to worship both the moon and Goddess Lakshmi.

Sharad Purnima Ki Katha

The mythology and stories surrounding Sharad Purnima add to the rich tapestry of its celebration. One of the most popular stories associated with this day is from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. It is said that during Sharad Purnima, Lord Krishna performed the famous Raas Leela with the gopis (milkmaids) of Vrindavan. According to the tale, Krishna played his flute on this full moon night, and the gopis, enchanted by the divine melody, gathered around him to dance in perfect harmony. This divine dance, known as Raas Leela, symbolizes the bond between the soul and the Divine.

Another well-known legend is related to Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that on this night, she descends to Earth to bless her devotees with wealth and prosperity. Many people observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer prayers in the hope of gaining her favor. This is why Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima in some regions, as it is believed that those who stay awake throughout the night will be rewarded by the goddess.

In Bengal, Sharad Purnima is also associated with Goddess Durga’s return to her abode after her annual visit to her parents’ home during Durga Puja. People celebrate this occasion by worshipping the goddess and offering her sweets.

Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi

The rituals and customs of Sharad Purnima are elaborate and steeped in tradition. The day typically starts with devotees taking a bath early in the morning and offering prayers to the moon and Goddess Lakshmi. A special prayer is performed in the evening when the moon rises.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to the Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi:

Clean and purify the puja area: The area where the puja is conducted must be thoroughly cleaned. Decorate the space with flowers and rangoli.
Prepare the offerings: The most common offering on Sharad Purnima is kheer. It is prepared with rice, milk, and sugar, and sometimes cardamom and nuts are added for flavor. Many also offer fruits and sweets to the deities.
Moon worship: Once the moon rises, devotees place the kheer or other food offerings outside in the moonlight. This is done with the belief that the moonlight will bless the food with its healing energy.
Lakshmi Puja: Along with the moon, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Devotees light lamps, chant mantras, and offer prayers, seeking her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
Consuming the blessed food: The next morning, the kheer left in the moonlight is consumed as prasadam. This is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring health benefits.

What Is Special About Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima is unique for several reasons. Unlike other Purnimas, this full moon night is said to have a magical quality, especially due to the belief in the medicinal properties of the moonlight. The connection to Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela and Goddess Lakshmi further enhances the spiritual significance of the day.

Many people fast on Sharad Purnima, not only for religious reasons but also for the health benefits. Fasting and consuming the moonlit kheer the next morning is believed to purify the body and soul.

Additionally, the festival is seen as a celebration of the harvest season in some parts of India. After the rains, the land is fertile and abundant, and Sharad Purnima is a way of giving thanks to nature and the divine.

What Is the Time of Sharad Purnima in 2024?

Sharad Purnima 2024 Timing falls on Sunday, October 16th. According to the Hindu calendar, the Purnima Tithi (full moon phase) will begin at 8:40 PM, 2024, and end at 04:55 PM on October 17th, 2024. Most rituals and moon worship will take place in the evening when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

History of Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima, is deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions and mythology. Its celebration has been passed down through generations, with each region contributing unique cultural and religious aspects to the festival. The history of Sharad Purnima can be traced back to Hindu scriptures, which associate it with divine events, seasonal changes, and spiritual practices.

The festival is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month Ashvin, which falls in the post-monsoon season. Historically, this time was considered significant as the rains had just ended, and the land was fertile and flourishing with new life. The bright full moon of Sharad Purnima is regarded as the closest and most radiant moon of the year, and it is believed to have a unique healing energy.

In Hindu mythology, Sharad Purnima is connected to several important stories. One of the most famous is the Raas Leela of Lord Krishna, which is said to have taken place on this night. According to the legends, Krishna played his divine flute, and the gopis (milkmaids) of Vrindavan gathered around him, entranced by his music. The gopis danced with Krishna under the bright full moon, and this divine dance is seen as a symbol of spiritual devotion and the soul’s connection to the Divine.

Another important story linked to Sharad Purnima is about Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed that on this night, Lakshmi roams the Earth, blessing devotees with prosperity and good fortune. Devotees observe rituals and fasts in her honor, hoping to receive her blessings for a prosperous life.

The name Kojagari Purnima comes from the question, “Ko Jagarti?” which means “Who is awake?” It is believed that those who stay awake all night in prayer and devotion are blessed by the goddess. The night of Sharad Purnima is thus a celebration of the cosmic blessings of both the moon and Goddess Lakshmi, representing prosperity, health, and spiritual awakening.

Why Kheer is Special for This Day?

Kheer, a rice pudding made with milk, rice, and sugar, holds a special place in the Sharad Purnima celebrations. There are several reasons why kheer is prepared and offered on this day, and its significance stems from both religious beliefs and practical reasons related to the festival.

Moonlight Blessings: On Sharad Purnima, it is believed that the moonlight has unique medicinal properties. In ancient times, it was thought that the rays of the full moon on this night could rejuvenate and heal the body. Kheer, which is made with rice and milk, is left out under the moonlight as part of the ritual. The moon’s rays are believed to bless the kheer with healing and nourishing properties. Consuming this moonlit kheer the next morning is thought to promote good health and spiritual purity.
Symbol of Prosperity: Kheer is considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Since Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day, offering kheer is seen as a way to seek her blessings for wealth and well-being. The ingredients in kheer, such as milk and rice, are basic staples that represent nourishment and fulfillment, making it an ideal offering to the goddess of wealth.
Cooling and Soothing Properties: Sharad Purnima comes right after the monsoon season, and traditionally, this time of year is marked by a shift from humid to cooler weather. The ingredients in kheer, particularly milk, are believed to have cooling and soothing effects on the body. Eating this dish after a day of fasting or as part of the evening ritual is said to help balance the body’s energies after the heat and rains of the previous months.
Cultural Tradition: Kheer has been a part of Hindu festivals and rituals for centuries. It is considered a sattvic (pure) food, suitable for religious offerings. Preparing and consuming kheer on Sharad Purnima is not only a religious practice but also a continuation of a cultural tradition that emphasizes simplicity, devotion, and the connection between food and spirituality.

How to Make Kheer for Sharad Purnima?

Kheer is a simple yet delicious dish that can be easily prepared at home for Sharad Purnima. The following is a traditional recipe for making kheer, which can be placed under the moonlight to absorb its blessings before being consumed the next day.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of basmati rice (you can also use any other type of rice)
1 liter of full-fat milk
1/2 cup of sugar (adjust according to your taste)
4-5 green cardamom pods (crushed)
A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
A few strands of saffron (optional)
2-3 tablespoons of raisins
1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions:

Rinse the rice: Wash the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch from the rice and ensures that the kheer has a smooth texture.
Boil the milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Cook the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the boiling milk and stir gently. Continue to cook the rice in the milk over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan. Let the rice cook slowly in the milk for about 20-25 minutes or until it becomes soft and fully cooked.
Add sugar and cardamom: Once the rice is cooked, add sugar and crushed cardamom pods to the mixture. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely. Let the kheer simmer for another 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the nuts: In a small pan, heat the ghee over low heat. Add the chopped nuts and raisins and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Add the nuts and saffron: Once the nuts are roasted, add them to the kheer along with the saffron strands (if using). Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
Cool and serve: Remove the kheer from the heat and allow it to cool. For Sharad Purnima, it is customary to place the kheer under the moonlight as part of the ritual. The next morning, this blessed kheer can be offered to the deities and then consumed by the family.

What to Do During Sharad Purnima?

There are several activities that devotees engage in during Sharad Purnima to ensure they maximize the benefits of the festival:

Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise. This is done to purify the body and seek divine blessings.
Worshipping the Moon: The moon is worshipped as a symbol of calm, balance, and rejuvenation. Devotees offer prayers and food to the moon, seeking its healing energy.
Consuming Moonlit Kheer: A special ritual during Sharad Purnima involves preparing kheer and placing it under the moonlight. The next morning, this blessed kheer is consumed, believed to provide health benefits and spiritual purity.
Staying Awake: It is a popular belief that those who stay awake through the night will be blessed with good fortune and the favor of Goddess Lakshmi. Many people sing devotional songs or meditate throughout the night.

Conclusion

Sharad Purnima is more than just a festival; it is a night of divine blessings, healing energy, and spiritual renewal. Whether through the enchanting stories of Krishna’s Raas Leela, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, or the moon’s mystical powers, Sharad Purnima holds deep significance for millions of devotees across India. By performing the rituals and staying awake under the moonlight, people believe they can invite prosperity, health, and happiness into their lives. So, as Sharad Purnima 2024 approaches, prepare yourself to embrace the beauty and spirituality of this sacred night.

Sharad Purnima FAQs

1. What is Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon night of the Ashvin month, marking the end of the monsoon and dedicated to the worship of the moon and Goddess Lakshmi.

2. When is Sharad Purnima in 2024?
In 2024, Sharad Purnima falls on Sunday, October 20th. The full moon will be visible throughout the night.

3. What is the significance of Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is believed to be the brightest full moon night with special healing properties in the moonlight. It is also associated with the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna and blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.

4. Why is kheer special on Sharad Purnima?
Kheer is left under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima as it is believed that the moon’s rays infuse it with healing energy. It is consumed the next morning for health benefits.

5. How is Sharad Purnima celebrated?
Devotees fast, worship the moon and Goddess Lakshmi, prepare kheer, and place it under the moonlight. Many people stay awake all night, singing devotional songs and seeking blessings.

6. What to do during Sharad Purnima?
Fasting, performing puja, offering kheer to the moon, and staying awake throughout the night to receive blessings from Goddess Lakshmi are common practices.

7. What is the Raas Leela on Sharad Purnima?
Raas Leela is the divine dance performed by Lord Krishna and the gopis on the night of Sharad Purnima, symbolizing the union of the soul with the Divine.