Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima or Raas Purnima, is one of the most significant and spiritually charged nights in Hindu tradition. It marks the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin (usually in October), when the moon shines with all its sixteen Kalas (divine phases). In 2025, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on October 6, 2025.
This auspicious night is believed to be the only full moon when the moon’s rays have a nectar-like quality, spreading health, peace, and prosperity on Earth.
The Spiritual Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is celebrated to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and abundance. According to Hindu belief, Maa Lakshmi descends to Earth on this sacred night and blesses those who remain awake and worship her with devotion. That’s why the night is also called Kojagari Purnima, derived from the Sanskrit phrase “Ko Jagarti?” meaning “Who is awake?”
It is believed that those who stay awake and perform Lakshmi Puja on this night attract divine grace, financial stability, and peace in their homes. Sharad Purnima also symbolizes the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season, a time when nature feels pure, calm, and rejuvenated.
The Mythological Story (Katha) Behind Sharad Purnima
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela with the Gopis of Vrindavan on the night of Sharad Purnima. It is said that when Krishna played his flute, every Gopi felt irresistibly drawn to him. In that divine moment, Krishna manifested his presence beside each Gopi, symbolizing that God resides in every devotee’s heart.
This night of Raas was not merely a dance but a spiritual union between the soul and the Supreme Being, representing eternal love, devotion, and surrender. Because of this, Sharad Purnima is also called Raas Purnima.
The Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the Kojagari Vrat
On this sacred night, devotees observe Kojagari Vrat (fasting) and perform Maa Lakshmi Puja with full devotion. The rituals begin with cleaning the home, especially the place of worship, as cleanliness is considered dear to Goddess Lakshmi.
Devotees light oil lamps (diyas), decorate the altar with flowers, and offer lotus, rice, milk, and sweets to the Goddess. Some people also place silver coins or idols of Lakshmi and Vishnu together and chant the Lakshmi Stotra or Vishnu Sahasranam.
It is said that Maa Lakshmi visits only those homes that are clean, peaceful, and filled with devotion. Therefore, staying awake through the night and performing Lakshmi Aarti is a key part of Sharad Purnima observance.
The Divine Tradition of Kheer under Moonlight
One of the most popular and beautiful traditions of Sharad Purnima is preparing kheer (a sweet dish made of milk and rice) and placing it under the open sky during the full moon night.
It is believed that on this night, the moon’s rays have special healing and cooling properties, which infuse the kheer with divine energy and medicinal value. When devotees eat this moon-blessed kheer the next morning, it is considered as Amrit (nectar) — purifying the body, calming the mind, and bringing inner peace.
This custom has both spiritual and scientific significance. Spiritually, the act of offering food to the moon symbolizes surrender and gratitude to the cosmos. Scientifically, it is believed that the moon’s rays on Sharad Purnima contain nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which positively affect the body when absorbed through food or exposure.
Sharad Purnima in Ayurveda and Nature
Ayurveda describes Sharad Purnima as a night of healing and rejuvenation. The moonlight on this day helps to balance pitta dosha (the body’s heat element) and promotes mental calmness. That’s why many people sit in the moonlight or meditate outdoors during this night.
It’s also a night when nature is at its most tranquil — clear skies, gentle breeze, and luminous moonlight create an ideal setting for spiritual reflection and gratitude.
The Essence of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima teaches us that true wealth lies not just in money, but in purity of heart, faith, and gratitude. Staying awake and praying to Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes awakening the inner consciousness — the light within.
As per Hindu belief, this night brings together the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth), Lord Vishnu (protection), and Lord Chandra (mental peace). Hence, it is considered the most auspicious full moon of the year.
On this Sharad Purnima 2025, let us welcome divine energy into our homes and hearts.
Prepare kheer, place it under the moonlight, chant the names of Goddess Lakshmi, and allow the soothing rays of the full moon to fill your life with prosperity, love, and serenity.
“Hi, I’m Rekha Choudhary — a content writer and yoga instructor. Welcome to my news website, Desh News Hub
, a platform that covers a wide range of categories including health, lifestyle, education, technology, and current affairs. Through my work, I strive to inspire mindful living while keeping readers informed with authentic and insightful updates.”