The festival of Sharad Purnima holds great significance in India. Also known as Kojagari Purnima, this day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. According to religious beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi is in a very joyful state on this day, and it is believed that she roams the Earth under the moonlight at night. In the Western world, this phenomenon is known as the Blue Moon, which is said to appear only once a year. This year, after Sharad Purnima on October 16, the Sharad season will also begin. Let’s explore what should and shouldn’t be done on this auspicious day of Sharad Purnima in the month of Ashwin.
Table of Contents
Things to Do on Sharad Purnima
1. Milk Offering under the Moonlight: The night of Sharad Purnima is considered very special. It is believed that placing milk in a silver vessel on the roof or balcony under the moonlight on this night and then offering it to the gods brings blessings. This milk is then consumed as sacred prasad.
2. Offering Kheer under Moonlight: Many people worship the full moon and offer kheer (a rice-milk dessert) as a sacred offering. They place a bowl of kheer under the open sky, in the moonlight, and consume it the next day.
3. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Chandra Dev, Lord Shiva, Kuber, and Krishna: On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the Moon God (Chandra Dev), Lord Shiva, Kuber, and Lord Krishna. Worshipping these deities on this night is believed to bring the grace of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber for the entire year.
4. Lighting a Four-Faced Lamp for Lord Hanuman: Light a four-faced lamp in front of Lord Hanuman on Sharad Purnima. Use an earthen lamp with oil or ghee of your choice. This practice is believed to bring Lord Hanuman’s special blessings.
5. Offering to the Peepal Tree: According to religious beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Peepal tree every full moon. Therefore, wake up early, bathe, and offer some sweets and water at the base of the Peepal tree to receive her blessings.
6. Visit a Vishnu Temple: On Sharad Purnima, visit a Vishnu temple, light fragrant incense, and offer perfume to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings of prosperity, wealth, and happiness into your home.
7. Donate Items Related to the Moon: If your horoscope indicates a weak or strong Moon, donate items associated with the Moon, as it helps balance the Moon’s influence in your chart.
8. Listen to the Sharad Purnima Vrat Story: Listening to the story of the Sharad Purnima fast brings the benefits of fasting and also grants blessings for the happiness of one’s children.
Things to Avoid on Sharad Purnima
- Avoid Tamasik Foods: Refrain from consuming tamasik foods, such as meat, garlic, onions, and spicy foods on this day.
- Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol on Sharad Purnima, as it can have adverse effects on your body and future. The impact of alcohol is believed to be particularly intense on this day.
- Control Anger: Avoid any form of anger on Sharad Purnima. Scientific studies suggest that the moon’s influence is stronger on this day, which can activate neuro cells in the body.
- Avoid Wearing Black: It is advised not to wear black on Sharad Purnima. Instead, wearing white is considered auspicious.
- Avoid Family Arguments: Refrain from any arguments at home on Sharad Purnima. It is believed that arguments can displease Goddess Lakshmi, preventing her from entering the house, which may lead to financial difficulties.
- Avoid Giving Donations in the Evening: According to astrology, the morning is the best time to make charitable donations on Sharad Purnima. Donating in the evening is believed to bring financial problems.
By following these customs and avoiding certain practices, one can receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and ensure prosperity and happiness on this auspicious day.