The bright, moonlit night of the full moon falls on 25th October this year. It is Sharad Purnima, also called the night of Sharadiya Raas.

The Purnima of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin is the night when Lord Krishna performs his famous Raas dance pastimes. It also marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Kartik.

This blog will help you understand the deeper secrets, true significance, and must-do rituals of Sharad Purnima.

What Is Sharad Purnima? What Is Its Significance?

Sharad Purnima is a significant festival in Sanatan Dharma. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashwin month, usually in September or October.

It marks the arrival of autumn (according to the Gregorian calendar) and the beginning of Kartik month as per the Hindu Panchang. The festival is deeply associated with Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani, commemorating their Raas dance pastimes in Vrindavan.

What Is The Raas Lila?

The Raas Leela is a divine pastime of Lord Krishna. It is described in the Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 10, Chapters 29–33) as the highest exchange of love between Krishna and his devotees.

The gopis are considered the topmost yogis and transcendentalists because they give up everything to serve Krishna. The Caitanya-mata-mañjūṣā is a prestigious Sanskrit commentary on the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam that states:

ārādhyo bhagavān vrajeśa-tanayas tad-dhāma vṛndāvanam

ramyā kācid upāsanā vraja-vadhū-vargeṇa yā kalpitā

śrīmad-bhāgavataṁ pramāṇam amalaṁ premā pum-artho mahān

śrī-caitanya-mahāprabhor matam idaṁ tatrādaro naḥ paraḥ

Lord Krishna, the Prince of Vraja, is the supreme object of worship, and His holy abode, Vrindavan, is equally divine. The highest form of worship is the pure devotion shown by the Gopis of Vraja. The Srimad-Bhagavatam is the spotless scriptural authority, and attaining pure love for God is life’s ultimate goal. This is the absolute conclusion of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

It narrates Lord Krishna’s dance with the gopis of Vrindavan on a beautiful full-moon night. This divine pastime expresses the highest form of pure, selfless devotion to the Supreme Lord.

The Raas Leela is not merely a dance. The Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition explains that it represents the soul’s loving relationship with Krishna, free from material desires and selfish motives.

It is especially associated with Sharadiya Purnima, when devotees remember and celebrate this divine pastime.

The Raas Leela teaches that pure devotion (bhakti) is rooted in selfless love and complete surrender to Lord Krishna.

Stories Related To Sharad Purnima

The stories associated with this festival highlight devotion, divine love, and prosperity. The most prominent stories are connected with Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.

1. Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela

According to the Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 10, Chapters 29–33), Lord Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela with the gopis of Vrindavan on a beautiful autumn night.

Drawn by Krishna’s flute, the gopis left their homes to meet him. Their actions expressed their profound devotion to the Lord.

This divine pastime represents pure love for Krishna and the soul’s longing for a relationship with the Supreme Lord. Sharadiya Purnima is traditionally associated with this sacred event in many Vaishnava Sampradayas.

2. Goddess Lakshmi and the Kojagari Vrat

According to the traditional Kojagari Vrat Katha, Goddess Lakshmi travels across the world on Sharadiya Purnima night, asking, “Ko Jagarti?” meaning “Who is awake?”

According to the Narada Purana, the Kojagara vrata is observed on Ashwin Purnima through Goddess Lakshmi’s worship, offerings, and a night vigil. Traditional accounts describe Goddess Lakshmi asking, “Ko Jagarti?” (“Who is awake?”) and blessing devotees who remain awake in worship.

This observance symbolizes devotion and the seeking of prosperity and well-being.

3. The Story of the Two Sisters

According to a popular folk tale, a moneylender had two daughters who observed the Purnima fast differently. The elder sister followed the fast with devotion, while the younger sister observed it incompletely.

After their marriages, the younger sister faced difficulties related to her children. She eventually followed the fast properly, and the story concludes with a miraculous recovery.

This traditional tale emphasizes sincerity, discipline, and devotion while observing religious vows. Its details vary across regional retellings.

In essence, all the stories of Sharad Purnima emphasize pure devotion to Lord Krishna, faith in Goddess Lakshmi, and sincerity in religious observances.

Why Is Kheer Kept Under The Moon On Sharad Purnima?

Keeping kheer under the moonlight on Purnima is a traditional Hindu practice.

It is rooted in the belief that the moon’s rays on this night carry divine nectar (amrit) and promote nourishment and well-being. The kheer is left under the open sky for some time and later offered as prasad to everyone.

Must-Do Rituals On Sharad Purnima

• Worship Goddess Lakshmi: Perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening and pray for prosperity, abundance, and well-being.
• Offer Prayers to Lord Krishna: Worship Lord Krishna and remember his divine Raas Leela, associated with this Purnima.
• Prepare Kheer: Make kheer and place it under the moonlight as part of the traditional observance. Offer it as prasad and share it with family.
• Observe Kojagari Vrat: Devotees in some parts of the country may observe a fast and remain awake at night while chanting prayers and performing devotional activities.
• Offer Prayers to Chandra Dev: Offer prayers to the Moon God as a symbol of peace, serenity, and spiritual well-being.
• Perform Charity: Donate food, clothes, or other essentials to those in need as an expression of compassion and generosity.

Check Your Rashifal This Sharad Purnima With Astrolive

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• Today’s Panchang: Check important Hindu calendar details to plan your religious observances.

Celebrate the divine Purnima with devotion and discover these features on Astrolive.

5 FAQs

1. What Is Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashwin month. It is associated with Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

2. What Is the Significance of Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima symbolizes divine love, devotion, and prosperity. It is especially significant in Krishna-bhakti traditions because of its association with the Raas Leela.

3. Why Is Kheer Kept Under the Moon on Sharad Purnima?

Devotees traditionally keep kheer under the moonlight because they believe the moon’s rays on this night carry divine nectar (amrit) and symbolize nourishment and well-being.

4. Which Deities Are Worshipped on Sharad Purnima?

Devotees worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. Some traditions also include prayers to Chandra Dev, the Moon God.

5. What Are the Must-Do Rituals on Sharad Purnima?

Common rituals include performing Lakshmi Puja, offering prayers to Lord Krishna, preparing kheer, observing the Kojagari Vrat, praying to Chandra Dev, and performing charity.