Sharad Purnima
शरद पूर्णिमा • Śarad Pūrṇimā
"Full Moon of Autumn"
Timing & Schedule
Presiding Deity
Mythology & Legends
Celebrates the brightest full moon when moonlight is believed to have healing properties. Associated with various legends.
Lakshmi's Visit
On this night, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth and visits each home asking 'Ko Jagrati?' (Who is awake?). Those awake and worshipping receive her blessings of wealth and prosperity.
Source: Skanda Purana
Krishna's Raas Leela
Lord Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela (cosmic dance) with the Gopis on this full moon night. The Gopis' devotion was so pure that Krishna multiplied himself to dance with each one.
Source: Bhagavata Purana
Moon's Healing Light
The Moon is at its brightest on Sharad Purnima, positioned closest to Earth. Its rays contain special healing amrit (nectar), especially beneficial for health.
Source: Ayurvedic traditions
Sharad Purnima is the only night when moonlight has medicinal properties. The kheer left in moonlight absorbs healing energy. It marks the end of monsoon and beginning of the pleasant autumn.
Rituals & Puja
Preparation
- Preparing kheer (rice pudding)
- Arranging moonlight viewing area
- Setting up for night vigil
Main Rituals
Chandra Puja
Worship of the full moon with offerings
Timing: When moon rises
Kheer in Moonlight
Keeping kheer under moonlight all night
Timing: Entire night
Night Vigil
Staying awake to receive Lakshmi's blessings
Timing: Entire night
Eating Moon-soaked Kheer
Consuming kheer that absorbed moonlight
Timing: Next morning
Puja Items
Puja Procedure
- 1 Prepare fresh kheer with milk, rice, and sugar
- 2 Set up puja under open sky
- 3 Perform Chandra puja at moonrise
- 4 Place kheer in silver vessel under moonlight
- 5 Stay awake playing games, singing bhajans
- 6 Offer prayers to Lakshmi
- 7 Consume moon-soaked kheer in morning
Mantras
Chandra mantras
Lakshmi stotras
Krishna bhajans
Food & Celebrations
Traditional Celebrations
- Moon-gazing celebrations
- Eating kheer under moonlight
- Raas Leela performances
- All-night festivities
Special Foods
Prasad: Moon-soaked kheer
Decorations
Activities
- Staying awake all night
- Playing games (especially gambling in some regions)
- Singing bhajans
- Moon-gazing
- Raas Leela performances
Regional Variations
Sharad Purnima
Local Name: Sharad Purnima
- Kheer in moonlight
- Lakshmi worship
- Night celebrations
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
Local Name: Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
- Major Lakshmi Puja
- Ko Jagari tradition
- Alpana decoration
Kumara Purnima
Local Name: Kumara Purnima
- Unmarried girls worship moon for good husband
- Special rituals
- Kumar (Kartikeya) worship
Sharad Purnima
Local Name: Sharad Purnima
- End of Navratri period
- Garba celebrations continue
- Kheer tradition
Sharad Purnima
Local Name: Sharad Purnima
- Major celebration
- Raas Leela performances
- Krishna worship
Astrological Significance
Benefits
Spiritual Benefits
- Lakshmi's blessings for prosperity
- Krishna's grace through Raas Leela remembrance
- Purification through moon energy
Health Benefits
- Moonlight has healing properties on this night
- Kheer helps respiratory ailments (tradition)
- Cooling effect balances doshas
Material Benefits
- Wealth and prosperity from Lakshmi
- Good fortune for the year
- Marriage prospects (Kumara Purnima)
