[Shrikruti Sharma]

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ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं श्रीकृष्णाय गोविंदाय गोपीजन वल्लभाय श्रीं श्रीं श्री

Sharad Purnima, a sacred and enchanting festival, also known as Rass Purnima, holds deep significance in Sanatan Dharma and is steeped in tradition and devotion. This festival, celebrated on the Full Moon Day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin, pays homage to Mata Lakshmi and Shri Krishn, particularly in the Brij region. Sharad Purnima is a day of spiritual significance, characterized by rituals, prayers, and age-old customs.

In the Brij region of India, Sharad Purnima is a day dedicated to Shri Krishn, the embodiment of divine love. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Shri Krishn performs the Maha-Raas, the dance of divine love, with his beloved gopis. Devotees celebrate this divine dance through various forms of worship and reenactments of Krishn’s leelas (divine acts).

One of the central rituals of Sharad Purnima is the holy dip in rivers or sacred water bodies. Devotees immerse themselves in the water to purify their souls and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity. This act of immersion is symbolic of washing away impurities and emerging spiritually rejuvenated.

Fasting is another significant aspect of Sharad Purnima. Devotees abstain from consuming food or water until the moon rises in the evening. This self-discipline is a way to demonstrate dedication and devotion to the deities. The fast is broken only after partaking in the evening’s moonlight celebrations.

A unique tradition associated with Sharad Purnima is the preparation of rice kheer (sweet rice pudding). The rice used for this kheer is washed with Ganga Jal, the holy water from the Ganges River, which is believed to possess purifying properties. The kheer is then placed under the moonlight for the entire night. The next morning, it is consumed as prasad (a sacred offering).

The significance of preparing kheer on Sharad Purnima is rooted in mythology and tradition. It is believed that the change in weather during this season, with the arrival of winter, impacts the composition of milk and rice. The winter dew is thought to reduce the lactic content of milk, making it lighter and more digestible. Similarly, the moonlight is believed to have the power to decrease the starch levels in rice. When the kheer is stored in silverware, it is said to enhance its quality and health benefits, including an immune system boost.

Furthermore, Sharad Purnima is considered a night of divine blessings. It is believed that on this day, Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, descends to roam the earth. Those who offer kheer to the moon in her honour receive her divine grace and blessings, enhancing their wealth and well-being.

In Sanatan Dharm Granths and Purans, Sharad Purnima is also associated with the concept of “kalas,” or phases of the moon. It is believed that on this day, the moon appears with all sixteen kalas, each of which represents a unique human quality or attribute. To be considered complete as a person, one must attain all sixteen kalas, signifying the importance of balance and growth in life.

To make the most of Sharad Purnima and receive the blessings it offers, there are certain dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s:
1. Take a holy dip: Begin your day with a purifying bath in a river or sacred water source.
2. Fasting: Observe a fast throughout the day until you break it in the evening.
3. Prepare and offer kheer: Make rice kheer with Ganga Jal and keep it under the moonlight overnight. Offer it to the moon as a mark of devotion.
4. Engage in prayers: Spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking the blessings of the deities for happiness and prosperity.
5. Participate in moonlight celebrations: In the evening, gather with family and fellow devotees to celebrate the rising of the full moon, offering your prayers and breaking your fast with the moonlit kheer.

Don’ts:
1. Avoid consuming grains: While fasting, abstain from eating grains or cereals.
2. Refrain from eating during the day: Do not eat or drink until the moon has risen in the evening.
3. Negative actions: Practice self-discipline and avoid negative thoughts, words, and deeds.

In conclusion, Sharad Purnima is a sacred festival that celebrates the divine love of Shri Krishn, the blessings of Mata Lakshmi, and the powerful influence of the full moon. It is a day of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and devotion, where devotees partake in rituals and traditions that have been passed down through generations. By observing the dos and don’ts associated with Sharad Purnima, individuals can ensure that they receive the full benefits of this auspicious day, including spiritual growth and prosperity.

 

src: Brahmavevrat Puran

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