Introduction to the Festival:
Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, Rasa Purnima, or Kaumudi Vrat, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashwin month. This festival is particularly significant due to the moon's 16 phases of completeness and its nectar-like rays. On this day, both Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God (Chandradev) are worshipped, and it is customary to keep kheer (a sweet dish made from milk and rice) under the moonlight during the night and consume it, which is considered auspicious for health and prosperity.
The Story Behind Sharad Purnima:
Once upon a time, a merchant had two daughters. Both of them observed the Purnima Vrat, but the elder daughter followed the rituals properly, while the younger one observed it incompletely. As a result, the younger daughter’s children would die soon after birth. One day, she asked the priests about the reason for this, and they explained that her incomplete vrat was the cause of her children's death. On their advice, she decided to observe the vrat correctly.
After some time, she gave birth to a son, but he died shortly after birth. She placed the child on a bed and covered it with a cloth, then called her elder sister to sit on the bed. When the elder sister sat down, her cloth touched the child, and the child began to cry. The elder sister initially thought that the younger sister was trying to deceive her, but the younger sister explained that the child was already dead and came back to life due to the power of the vrat she had performed. After this incident, the tradition of observing the full Purnima vrat became popular in the city.
Why We Celebrate This Festival:
Sharad Purnima is celebrated because of the moon's full form and its nectar-like rays. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God are worshipped to seek blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity. This festival symbolizes fasting, devotion, and spiritual purification.
Key Traditions of Sharad Purnima:
Vrat and Puja: On this day, people observe a fast and worship Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God.
Making Kheer: Kheer made from cow’s milk is placed under the moonlight during the night and consumed the next morning.
Offering Arghya to the Moon: Arghya (offerings) are given to the moon at night.
Rasa Leela: In some places, Rasa Leela (dance performance) depicting Lord Krishna’s divine play is performed.
Significance of the Festival:
Sharad Purnima is considered significant for health and prosperity due to the moon’s completeness and its nectar-like rays. By observing the vrat and performing puja, individuals pray for happiness, peace, and prosperity in their lives. The festival is a symbol of spiritual purification, devotion, and spiritual elevation.