"Sharada Purnima"- Embrace Divine Radiance

"Sharada Purnima" is one of the most important and auspicious Purnimas of Hindu Calendar. As suggested by the name itself, it falls on the "Purnima" (full moon day) in the Hindu month of Ashvin as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either September or October.

This year, "Sharada Purnima" is on the 16th of October ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for 'Sharada Purnima' in the year ‘24 is as follows:

• Sharada Purnima on Wednesday, 16th of October ‘24
• Purnima Tithi Begins - 20:40 on 16th of October ‘24
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 16:55 on 17th of October ‘24

It is known by so many other names as well such as "Kumara Purnima", "Kojagiri Purnima", "Navanna Purnima", "Ashwin Purnima" or "Kaumudi Purnima."

Significance of "Sharad Purnima" in Hindu culture:

The very propitious festival of "Sharad Purnima" finds an immense significance in Hindi Dharma due to so many reasons. Some of them are as follows:

• There's a belief that "Sharad Purnima" is the only day in the whole year when the moon (Chandra) comes out in the sky with all sixteen (16) Kalaas. In Hinduism, each human quality is associated with a certain Kala. The 16 Kalaas are: "compassion, patience, forgiveness, justice, impartiality, detachment, spiritual powers, invincibility, generosity, beauty, dance, singing, honesty, truth, mastery of all arts, and control." Every Hindu Shastra believes that the combination of all these 16 Kalaas creates a perfect human personality. "Lord Krishna" was the complete incarnation of Lord Vishnu possessing all these 16 Kalaas. And, Shri Ram had 12 Kalaas out of 16.
• Also on "Sharad Purnima '', the shining rays of the Moon has a natural influence on the tide. They also possess healing properties carrying the capability to heal the body and the soul. It's also believed that moon rays drip nectar on this day.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

Moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day (16th of October ‘24) - 17:13

• Lord Krishna had performed "Maha-Raas", the dance of divine love, along with Radha and Gopis on this day. He supernaturally stretched the night of Sharad Purnima to the length of one night of Lord Brahma which was equivalent to billions of human years. Hence, "Sharad Purnima" is celebrated by the name "Raas Purnima" in Brij region.
• Mata Lakshmi is also believed to descend on the earth on "Sharad Purnima." And she calls everyone by saying "Kojagiri" meaning “Who is awake”, & blesses those who stay awake on the same night.
• "Sharad Purnima" is also considered as a harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season & the onset of winters.

Rituals & Observances on "Sharad Purnima":

• God Chandra (moon) is worshipped on "Sharad Purnima" by both unmarried women in hope of finding a suitable groom and newly wed women who take pledge to do Purnimasi fasting for the year, begin the fast from the day of Sharad Purnima.
• Mata Lakshmi is also worshipped by the devotees on this day. In Bengali, people worship Maa Lakshmi as "Maa Lokkhi" (meaning 'Chapala' or 'Fickle-minded' to receive her affection and blessings.
• The most important part of "Sharad Purnima" is the preparation of a social dish called 'Rice-Kheer.' It's prepared from cow milk, rice & sugar, and left in moonlight for the whole night of "Sharad Purnima." Later in the morning, when it gets fully fortified with the moonlight, it's distributed as Prasad.
• People stay vigil the whole night of "Sharad Purnima" & engage themselves in reciting bhajans, prayers & other Vedic hymns.
• The meditation and spiritual practices are also encouraged by many devotees on this day to receive blessings of Lord Indra and Maa Lakshmi.
• On this day, taking a holy dip in Ganga & other holy rivers is also considered very blissful.
• Donating food & other necessary items to the needy on this day blesses people with happiness & contentment in life.

Legend behind "Sharad Purnima":

There's also a great story behind this blissful day which is as follows:

A long time ago, there was a villager with three daughters. Every full moon, all three daughters fasted, but the youngest only fasted half a day. Sadly, her son passed away due to her perceived sins. Seeking comfort, she turned to her elder sister, who, upon seeing and touching the boy, made him cry. To everyone's surprise, the youngest daughter exclaimed, "Your devotion brought my son back!" This magical event made people realize the significance of Kojagiri Purnima.

Conclusion:

Apart from its religious connotations, Sharad Purnima is also associated with nature. The full moon during this time is believed to have a positive impact on health and well-being. Many people choose to spend the night outdoors, absorbing the moonlight and participating in activities that promote physical and mental wellness.

Overall, Sharad Purnima is a celebration of spirituality, gratitude for the harvest, and the natural beauty of the full moon. It brings people together in joyous observance, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural heritage.