As the sky is bathed in the silvery glow of the full moon on October 6, 2025, millions of devotees across India will look up in awe, hope, and devotion. This luminous night marks Sharad Purnima, one of the most spiritually vibrant nights in the Hindu calendar.
Also known as Kojagiri Purnima, Kumara Purnima, Navanna Purnima, or Kaumudi Purnima, this festival is deeply rooted in faith, mythology, and cosmic energy. It’s a night when the heavens seem closer, when moonlight is believed to turn into nectar, and when the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi flow freely into the homes of those who are awake in devotion.
Why Sharad Purnima Is So Special
The word “Sharad” refers to the Sharad Ritu (autumn season). It’s the time when the air is crisp, the skies are clear, and the full moon appears at its brightest. In many parts of India, this day is also celebrated as a harvest festival, offering thanks for abundance and prosperity.
But Sharad Purnima is more than just a seasonal celebration—it’s a spiritual gateway.
The Spiritual Significance
Sharad Purnima is believed to be the night when Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, descends to Earth asking, “Kojagiri?”—Who is awake?
Those who are awake in her devotion are said to receive her blessings. People stay up all night, praying, singing, and connecting with the divine energy of the universe.
According to Vedic astrology, the Moon is at its fullest strength on this day, and its light has powerful healing effects on the human mind and body. The festival also honors Lord Chandra (the Moon God), Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu.
Sharad Purnima 2025 Date and Timings
- Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 12:23 PM, Oct 06
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 09:16 AM, Oct 07
- Moonrise: 05:33 PM on October 6
Important Rituals on Sharad Purnima
- Women traditionally fast all day and prepare bhog (offering) for the Goddess. Some observe a nirjal vrat (without water), while others consume fruits or coconut water.
- Rice kheer is a must-have. It’s left overnight in the moonlight, absorbing the moon’s healing rays. This kheer becomes prasad the next morning.
- Devotees spend the night in Jagran (night-long vigil), singing bhajans and chanting mantras to seek blessings from Lakshmi and Indra.
- Donating food and daily essentials to the poor is considered highly meritorious.
- Taking a holy dip in the Ganges or other sacred rivers is recommended, followed by meditation and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.
Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja in Eastern India
In Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and parts of Bihar, Sharad Purnima is celebrated as Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja. Here, Lakshmi is affectionately called Maa Lokkhi, and her nature is seen as chapala—restless. Worshippers stay awake all night to invite her presence into their homes.
“Kojagiri” is derived from the Bengali phrase “Ke Jago Re”—Who is awake? Devotees believe the Goddess visits only those homes where people are awake and engaged in worship.
Sharad Purnima Vrat Katha (The Legend)
There’s a popular tale of three sisters who fasted on every Purnima. The youngest would only fast for half a day. Eventually, her son died. In desperation, she visited her elder sister, whose devotion was so powerful that the boy came back to life. The moral of the story? True devotion brings miracles.
Sharad Purnima and the Raas Leela
In the Brij region, Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima, the night when Lord Krishna performed the Maha-Raas with the Gopis of Vrindavan. According to legend, the dance went on for an entire night of Lord Brahma—equivalent to billions of human years. The story speaks of pure divine love and eternal bliss.
Why Kheer in Moonlight?
It’s not just tradition—it’s believed that on this night, the Moon drips amrit (nectar). When kheer is left under moonlight, it’s infused with this celestial elixir. This moon-charged prasad is shared the next day with family and friends and is believed to heal and purify.
Astrological Importance of Sharad Purnima
According to Vedic Astrology, the Moon rules the mind and water—two essential elements of life. On Sharad Purnima, the Moon’s rays are thought to positively impact not just the tides but the aqueous content in the human body as well.
- Performing Chandra Puja, offering milk and water to a Shivling, and meditating under the moonlight can help balance emotions and bring mental clarity.
- Performing personalized rituals on this day helps strengthen the Moon in one’s birth chart and remove its malefic effects.
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Wishing You a Blessed Sharad Purnima
On this sacred night, may your wishes come true, your mind find peace, and your home be filled with abundance. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and honoring the divine Moon can open doors to health, wealth, and happiness. For those seeking deeper spiritual insights or personalized remedies during this auspicious time, Astrovijay is the best astrologer in India, offering guidance rooted in ancient Vedic wisdom to help you align with cosmic energies.