Ashwin Purnima (Sharad Purnima) अश्विन पूर्णिमा (शरद पूर्णिमा)
Ashwin • Purnima
Also known as: Kojagari Purnima, Lakshmi Jayanti, Kumar Purnima
Story — Significance of Ashwin Purnima (Sharad Purnima)
Sharad Purnima is when the Moon is closest to Earth and brightest of the year. Goddess Lakshmi roams the world asking 'Ko-jagarti?' (Who is awake?) — blessing those staying awake. Krishna performed the Maha Raas with gopis on this night.
Benefit
Lakshmi's wealth-blessings for those keeping vigil; Moon's nectar (amrit) descends; healing properties
Special Note
Kheer is left under the moonlight overnight to absorb amrit, then eaten as prasad. Considered to cure asthma and respiratory ailments. Stay awake (jagaran) for Lakshmi's blessings.
Vrat Vidhi (Procedure)
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1
Pre-Sunrise Bath
Wake before sunrise. Take a holy bath — ideally in a sacred river, otherwise add Ganga jal to water. Wear clean white or yellow clothes.
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2
Satyanarayan Vrat (most common)
Setup a kalash, Vishnu/Satyanarayan murti or photo. Offer panchamrit, banana, panchamrit prasad (banana-flour-jaggery-ghee mix). Recite the 5 chapters of Satyanarayan Katha. Distribute prasad.
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3
Day Observance
Maintain saatvik food. No grains in some traditions; others permit one full meal. Visit a temple, give donations, feed Brahmins. Practice Vishnu Sahasranama or naam-japa.
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4
Moonlight Offering
After moonrise, offer arghya (water libation) to the Moon. Place kheer or sweet rice in moonlight to absorb lunar nectar (especially on Sharad Purnima). View the moon with reverence — Purnima is the day to gaze at the Moon as a deity.
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5
Charity
Donate white items: rice, milk, sugar, white cloth, silver. Feed cows. Light lamps in temple — 108 lamps is especially meritorious.
Mantras
Browse all Purnima dates for the year: