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Of all the full moons in the Hindu calendar, Sharad Purnima holds a special, almost magical, place. It is celebrated as the brightest full moon of the year, marking the end of the monsoon and the onset of winter. It’s a night steeped in spirituality, celestial beauty, and unique traditions, believed to be when the moon is closest to the Earth and its rays are infused with a divine, healing nectar.
Sharad Purnima in 2025: Key Timings
In 2025, Sharad Purnima will be observed on Monday, October 6. While the full moon phase (tithi) begins at 12:23 PM on October 6 and concludes at 9:16 AM on October 7, all the main rituals and worship are performed in the evening.
- Moonrise Time: The moon is expected to rise at approximately 5:31 PM IST on October 6, 2025. This time may vary slightly depending on your geographical location.
The Sacred Rituals of the Night
1. Offering Arghya to the Moon
One of the central practices is offering Arghya to the moon god, Chandra, after he has risen. This is a respectful offering of water, often mixed with flowers, milk, and rice, to show gratitude and receive the moon's blessings.
2. The Moonlight Kheer Tradition
The most famous and cherished tradition of Sharad Purnima is the preparation of kheer (a sweet rice pudding). This kheer isn't just for eating; it's a part of a beautiful ritual:
- The kheer is cooked in the evening and placed in an open area, like a terrace or balcony, where it can bathe in the moonlight all night.
- It is believed that on this specific night, the moon's rays drip Amrit (the nectar of immortality), which infuses the kheer with healing and divine properties.
- The following morning, this moon-charged kheer is distributed among family members as prasad (a blessed offering). Consuming it is said to bring good health, prosperity, and cure ailments.
The Spiritual Significance of Sharad Purnima
Also known as Kojagiri Purnima or Rasa Purnima, this night is rich with meaning:
- The Divine Dance (Maha-Raas): It is famously believed to be the night when Lord Krishna performed the Maha-Raas, a celestial dance of divine love, with Radha and the Gopis of Vrindavan.
- The Vigil for Goddess Lakshmi: The name Kojagiri comes from the Sanskrit phrase Ko Jagarti, meaning "Who is awake?". It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, descends to Earth on this night and blesses the households of those who are awake, observing fasts, and worshipping her.
Sharad Purnima is a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and a deep connection with nature. It’s a night to stay awake, bask in the positive lunar energy, and partake in a tradition that nourishes both body and soul.
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