Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comSharad Purnima (Kojagara Puja)
Sharad Purnima is observed on Ashwin Purnima, a night on which the worship of Maa Lakshmi and the moon's nectar-like rays are believed to hold special significance.
This same tithi is celebrated with grandeur in Bengal and Odisha as 'Kojagari Lakshmi Puja', immediately following Durga Puja. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Sharad Purnima (Kojagara Puja)
The word 'Kojagari' comes from 'Ko Jagarti', meaning 'who is awake'. It is believed that on the night of Sharad Purnima, Maa Lakshmi herself roams the earth asking this very question, and devotees who stay awake through the night to worship her receive her special blessing of wealth and prosperity. This is why there is a tradition of a night-long vigil dedicated to Maa Lakshmi on this night.
It is believed that on this very night, Lord Krishna performed the Maha Raas with the gopis in Vrindavan, expanding himself into as many forms as there were gopis, so that each one felt his exclusive presence. This divine play is regarded as the most exquisite symbol of the soul's longing for union with the divine.
The moon on Sharad Purnima is believed to be the brightest of the year, its rays likened to nectar. Based on this belief, kheer is prepared on this night and kept under the open sky in the moonlight, then eaten as prasad the next morning, believed to be beneficial for health.
How Sharad Purnima (Kojagara Puja) Is Celebrated
On this night, devotees keep vigil while worshipping Maa Lakshmi, reciting the Lakshmi Chalisa and Lakshmi Suktam. There is also a tradition of wearing white clothes and sitting under the moonlight for devotional singing.
Kheer made of milk and rice is kept out under the moonlight through the night, and eaten as prasad by the family the next morning. In Vrindavan and the Braj region, temples hold special Raas Leela performances on this night.
In Bengal and Odisha, this same tithi is celebrated with grandeur as 'Kojagari Lakshmi Puja', immediately following Durga Puja, with special worship of Maa Lakshmi in homes and pandals.
Sharad Purnima (Kojagara Puja) Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the evening and wear white clothes. Set up an idol of Maa Lakshmi and worship her, reciting the Lakshmi Chalisa. Prepare a milk-rice kheer and keep it under the moonlight through the night. Keep vigil with devotional singing, and eat the kheer as prasad the next morning.
About Sharad Purnima (Kojagara Puja)
Sharad Purnima is observed on Ashwin Purnima, tied to the worship of Maa Lakshmi and the special significance of the moon's rays. This page covers the festival's significance, the legend behind the name Kojagari, Lord Krishna's Maha Raas, and the tradition of keeping kheer under the moonlight.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sharad Purnima observed?
Sharad Purnima is observed every year on the Purnima tithi of the Ashwin month, usually falling in October.
What does the name Kojagari mean?
'Kojagari' means 'who is awake', reflecting the belief that Maa Lakshmi roams the earth on this night asking this very question.
Why is kheer kept under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
It is believed that the moon's rays on this night carry nectar-like properties, which is why kheer is kept under the moonlight through the night and eaten the next morning as health-giving prasad.
Where is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja especially observed?
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is observed with special grandeur in Bengal and Odisha, immediately following Durga Puja.