Sharad Purnima

The Sharad Purnima or Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September–October). It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi meaning moonlight.

At night, goddess Lakshmi is worshiped and night vigil is observed. According to a folk-tale, once a king fell on evil days, and was in great financial straits, but then his queen observed this fast and night vigil, and worshiped the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. Consequently, they were blessed by the goddess and they regained their prosperity.

It is also believed that on this day as moon and the earth are very close to each other, the moon rays have certain healing properties of nourishing the body and the soul.

Raas Purnima:

On the magnificent night of Sharad purnima Lord Krishna invited Gopis to play the Maha Raas with him. Shri Krishna played his bansari and the sacred Maha Raas began. When Lord Shiva heard this mesmerizing sound of flute, he thought of being the part of this divine happening. Lord Shiva followed the transcendental sound of Krishna’s flute and reached Vrindavan. Shri Krishna recognized Lord Shiva instantly and gave Him the name of Gopeshwar which means – the Lord of gopis.

On the occasion of Sharad purnima 2013, temples across India and exclusively in Vrindavan organise many religious programmes. Special puja and beautiful decoration are done. Krishna bhakt from all over the world gather to seek blessings on this pious night. You can also get benefit of prasad. Click here and get prasad from Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan.

Kojaagari Poonam:

In Sanskrit, `Ko jaagarti’ means, ‘ who is awake? It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi moves around asking `Ko jaagarti’. She searches for people below who are awake and gifts them wealth and prosperity.

Rituals for Sharad purnima:

1. The main ritual is worshiping Lord Krishna, Moon and Maa Laxmi.
2. You should keep vigil at night to seek the blessings of Maa Laxmi.
3. Prepare Kheer and keep it in moonlight to get the divine essence.
4. In Gujarat, people perform Garba, Raas and eat rice flakes with milk.
5. Bengalis call it Lokkhi Pujo, they arrange several bhog and worship maa Lakshmi.

Raas 

Raas Purnima