Sharad Purnima is celebrated today. On this day, it is customary to prepare kheer, which is left under the moonlight. It is believed that the rays of the moon give kheer properties similar to amrita, and those who eat kheer receive wealth, abundance, and luxury.
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima. In connection with this, a special ritual of worship to the goddess Lakshmi is performed at night. According to religious beliefs, Lakshmi travels across the Earth on this night and showers blessings upon those devotees who engage in bhajans, kirtans, and remain awake.
The word 'Kojagari' is associated with the belief that 'those who stay awake.' Therefore, in many families, lamps are lit at night, worship of Lakshmi is performed, mantras are recited, and bhajans are sung. Pilgrims tidy up their homes and decorate places of worship. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Chandra are offered flowers, akshat, lamps, and naivedya. After the moonrise, the Arghya ritual is performed in honor of the Moon, wishing happiness and prosperity to the family.
According to religious beliefs, on the night of Sharad Purnima, the Moon is in perfection, possessing all sixteen of its phases. In Hinduism, sixteen phases are considered a symbol of completeness, prosperity, and ideal character. This is why special importance is given to worshipping Lord Chandra and contemplating the moonlight on this night. There is a belief that the moonlight during Sharad Purnima possesses the properties of amrita. Based on this belief, people prepare kheer and leave it outdoors to later consume it as prasad the next day.
The tradition of preparing kheer from milk, rice, and sugar is widespread on Sharad Purnima. After offering it to the gods, it is left under the moonlight. According to belief, contact with the moonlight imparts special qualities to the kheer. In the morning, it is distributed to family members and acquaintances as prasad. However, it is recommended to store kheer in a clean, safe, and covered place, rather than outdoors, to avoid dust, insects, or other impurities.
Acharya Ashok Kumar Dwivedi, former chairman of the Judicial Council of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, has been conducting special worships to Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima for 44 years. The main rituals of Mahayajna begin on Saturday. These rituals are conducted by 21 Vedic Brahmins. During this time, Shri Yantra will be established, appropriate worship will be performed, Shri Mantra, Sahasrarachana, and Havan will be recited. Through these rituals, worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi is performed.
