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Sharad Purnima, also known as Ashwina Purnima is one of the most revered festivals in the Hindu calendar and is being celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The full moon of this auspicious month has great spiritual significance, and is also referred to as Sharad Poonam, which signals arrival of autumn. It is customary to offer kheer to deities while looking at the full moon, followed by elaborate rituals.
Date and Moonrise timings for Sharad Purnima 2024
Moonrise timings for Sharad Purnima this year is scheduled for 5:05 PM on October 16, as mentioned on Drikpanchang’s website. It will serve as a great night for all the followers, allowing them to carry out all the necessary prayers and rituals without any challenges.
Mythological significance and spiritual beliefs
The festival is celebrated across the country and even in Nepal and Bangladesh. There are various legends associated with the festival. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna performed Raas Leela with the Gopis and thus the day came to be known as Raas Purnima. Moreover, many believe that Goddess Lakshmi on this night comes down on earth to give appeasements to her devotees with money and wealth leading to this day being referred to as Kojagari Purnima.
On this night, full moon is particularly important because it is bathed in all the 16 kalas that are said to be sweet like nectar. It is believed that this “nectar” helps in cleansing and refreshing both the physical and spiritual self. People also fast, pray and worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in order to gain physical and spiritual wealth in the next year, as well as performing some rites.
Unique rituals and traditions
One of the most enchanting traditions of Sharad Purnima is the preparation of kheer (sweet rice pudding), which is left under the moonlight to absorb its divine rays. This practice is believed to infuse the kheer with healing and purifying properties, which is then offered to Lord Vishnu the following morning. The dish is then shared with loved ones, symbolizing the transfer of divine blessings.
Devotees also observe various other rituals, including:
Offering Water to the Moon: Chanting mantras and offering water to the moon is a significant act, invoking divine blessings.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi: Lamps are lit, and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Spiritual Fasting: Many devotees fast on this day, considering it a time for spiritual growth and inner peace.
Temple Visits: Devotees visit temples to receive blessings and seek tranquility.
Dos and Don’ts for Sharad Purnima
To make the Sharad Purnima economically and spiritually worthwhile, devotees must follow certain dos and don’ts:
Things to do:
Chant mantras while performing the water offering to the moon.
In honor of Goddess Lakshmi, light lamps at home to invite the lady of luck.
Donate to the less fortunate and read religious scriptures for spiritual merit.
Things that should be avoided:
Indulging in negative thinking, fighting with people or getting angry is prohibited on this day.
Do not eat food containing garlic or onion that is tamasik in nature.
Wearing black is prohibited; white dress, which is a symbol of purity, should be worn instead.
A festival of spiritual renewal and prosperity
To say that Sharad Purnima is just a festival would be an understatement as it is also an occasion to renew one’s spirit and embrace prosperity. The festivities, the prayers to the Goddess of Wealth-Lakshmi, and the interesting practice of serving kheer in the open under the moonlight make this occasion one of spirituality and preservation of culture.
With the full moon on October 16, millions of devotees residing in India and other parts of the world will congregate to mark Archana celebrating Sharad Purnima and placing their prayer for health, wealth, and happiness for the year.
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