🌕 Sharad Purnima : The Night of Divine Nectar, Raas Leela & Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings

_Shokesh _
7 days ago
4 min read

🌙 Introduction

Sharad Purnima, also called Kojagari Purnima or Raas Purnima, is the most auspicious full moon night in the Hindu lunar calendar. Falling in the month of Ashwin, it celebrates prosperity, divine love, and celestial healing.

It’s believed that on this night, the Moon showers “Amrit” (divine nectar) upon Earth — a symbol of health, wealth, and spiritual bliss.

The festival also marks the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna with Radha and the Gopis, representing the union of the soul with the Supreme.

🕉️ The Spiritual Essence of Sharad Purnima

This night signifies completion, enlightenment, and divine awakening.

The full moon stands as a symbol of perfection and purity, reminding devotees to cleanse their thoughts and open their hearts to divine love.

Spiritually, it’s said that —

“The moonlight of Sharad Purnima removes darkness from the mind,

just as devotion removes darkness from the soul.”

🌼 Sacred Stories (Katha) of Sharad Purnima

🪔 1. Goddess Lakshmi and the “Ko Jagarti?” Blessing

Once, Goddess Lakshmi wished to see who among the people remained awake to pray and meditate on the night of full moon.

She roamed the Earth, asking “Ko Jagarti?” (Who is awake?)

Those who were awake, pure in heart, and engaged in devotion were blessed with prosperity and wealth.

From that day onward, devotees keep night vigil (Jagran) on Sharad Purnima — believing that staying awake brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Hence, the festival is also called Kojagari Purnima, meaning “The Night of Being Awake.”

🌸 2. The Divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna

In Vrindavan, Sharad Purnima is celebrated as the night of Maha Raas Leela — the most divine event in Hindu mythology.

According to Shreemad Bhagavatam, when the moon shone in full glory, Lord Krishna played his flute, and the Gopis, drawn by its melody, left their homes and rushed to the forest of Vrindavan.

There, under the moonlight, Krishna expanded himself into multiple forms, dancing with every Gopi — symbolizing that the Divine is equally present in every soul.

The Raas Leela was not physical but deeply spiritual — representing the eternal love between Jivatma (the soul) and Paramatma (the Supreme Being).

The moonlight that night was said to carry divine energy and eternal bliss.

🕊️ 3. The Kheer and Moonlight Legend

It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, the moon’s rays are filled with healing nectar.

A poor Brahmin couple once prayed to Goddess Lakshmi for health and wealth.

Following divine instruction, they cooked Kheer (rice pudding), placed it under the moonlight, and stayed awake chanting prayers.

By morning, their home was filled with divine fragrance, and they were blessed with prosperity and happiness.

Since then, devotees prepare Kheer, keep it in the open under moonlight overnight, and consume it as Amrit Prasad the next morning.

🪔 Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Perform these sacred rituals to invite blessings into your home:

Purify Your Space:

Clean the home and mandir area. Light a diya and decorate with flowers and rangoli.
Lakshmi-Narayan Puja:
- Place idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
- Offer lotus flowers, sandalwood, haldi-kumkum, and kheer.
- Chant Lakshmi Chalisa and Vishnu Sahasranamam.
Prepare Kheer:
- Cook milk and rice on low flame till thick and creamy.
- Add sugar, cardamom, and dry fruits.
- Place it outside (preferably in silver or clay pot) under the moonlight between 10 PM to 4 AM.
Stay Awake (Jagran):

Engage in bhajans, Lakshmi aarti, and reading holy texts like Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Puran.
Distribute Prasad:

Next morning, share the moon-charged kheer with family and neighbors as Sharad Purnima Prasad.

🌕 Astrological Importance

Sharad Purnima is the only night when the moon shines with 16 Kalas (phases) — symbolizing complete consciousness and divine beauty.
Astrologers believe it’s a powerful time for manifestation, healing, and gratitude meditation.
Fasting on this day helps remove planetary doshas and brings mental calmness and clarity.

🌿 Health and Ayurveda Connection

Ayurveda regards the moonlight on Sharad Purnima as cooling and rejuvenating.

It balances Pitta dosha, improves digestion, enhances skin glow, and helps regulate sleep cycles.

Eating moon-charged kheer acts as a natural detox and calcium supplement, especially beneficial for mind and body balance.

🛕 Celebrations Across India

Vrindavan & Mathura: The entire city glows with lights and Raas Leela performances.
Maharashtra & Bengal: Devotees perform Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, offering milk and coins to Goddess Lakshmi.
Odisha & Assam: Celebrated as Kaumudi Utsav, where people gather under moonlight to sing devotional songs.
Gujarat: Devotees dance Garba and Dandiya as a tribute to Krishna’s Raas Leela.