Welcome again to Samarthguru Dhara’s festive section.
On 6th October 2025, devotees across India will celebrate Sharad Purnima, a night filled with divine grace and prosperity. This sacred Purnima is also called Kojagari Purnima. According to scriptures, Goddess Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity – appeared from the great Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) on this night. It is also said that Indra, the king of gods, along with his elephant Airavata, is worshipped on Sharad Purnima.
This Purnima carries unique importance because the full moon shines with all sixteen kalas (phases) and showers nectar (amrit) upon the earth. Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu descend to earth together and bless those who remain awake in prayer and devotion.
Purnima Tithi begins – 12:23 PM on Oct 06, 2025
Purnima Tithi ends – 09:16 AM on Oct 07, 2025
🌕 Moonrise – Around 5:33–5:40 PM IST (exact time varies by location)
The Vrat and Its Katha
Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, holds immense importance in Hindu tradition. Scriptures say that Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the Samudra Manthan on this night, and the full moon, adorned with all sixteen kalas, showers nectar upon the earth. It is also believed that Lakshmi and Vishnu wander on earth together, blessing those who remain awake in devotion.
A famous story is associated with this vrat. A merchant had two daughters. Both observed the Purnima vrat, but the elder one performed it sincerely with all rituals, while the younger treated it casually, ignoring its discipline. After marriage, the elder daughter was blessed with healthy children, while the younger’s children died shortly after birth. A Brahmin explained to her that since she was observing the vrat incompletely, she was suffering from its defect.
Determined to correct her mistake, she resolved to perform the vrat with devotion. But before the next Purnima, she again gave birth to a child who died immediately. She placed the child on a wooden seat, covering him with a cloth. When her elder sister visited, she offered her the same seat to sit upon. As her sari touched the lifeless child, he miraculously came alive and began to cry. Startled and angry, the elder sister scolded her, but the younger explained that it was only through the power of her vrat that the child had revived. From that time onwards, she too performed the vrat with full sincerity and was blessed with fortune.
Sharad Purnima Utsav in Braj
In Braj, especially near Giriraj Ji in Govardhan, the celebration of Sharad Purnima is most unique. For four days, Raas Panchadhyayi is recited and kirtans are sung, filling the atmosphere with the moods of divine love. On the night of Sharad Purnima, devotees gather not in pandals but under the open sky, at the foothills of Giriraj Ji.
The entire area is dark except for two small lights near Vyasa Ji, and all devotees sit in silence under the moonlight. The full moon of Sharad Purnima shines directly upon them, and in that light alone, the Gopi Geet is sung, Raas Panchadhyayi is recited, and devotees dance in devotion. The atmosphere becomes so secret and divine that it feels as though Shyam Sundar Himself may appear at any moment to join the Raas. Such is the mystical and exalted celebration of Sharad Purnima in Braj.
How to Celebrate Sharad Purnima
On the day of Sharad Purnima, Thakur Ji should be adorned completely in white. He should be offered white clothes, white garlands, a white crown and white turban. The food prepared on this day must also be white – especially kheer, which is considered most auspicious. Other dishes like pakodi may be made, but the main offerings should remain white. Whatever bhog you place before the Lord should be in the form of white delicacies, symbolizing purity.
The entire temple and altar should be decorated in white. The seat of Thakur Ji, the backdrop, and the canopy must all be covered with white cloth. White flowers should be used for decoration, and if possible, small idols of the gopis can be placed around the Lord. A beautiful vessel filled with water and lotus flowers should be placed in front, with mogra flowers spread around and a lotus placed at the center, filling the temple with fragrance and beauty.
The atmosphere of the temple should be kept serene with very dim lights so that only the divine form of Shyam Sundar is visible. Devotees should sit before the Lord and recite the Gopi Geet. Even if only a few verses are sung, they should be offered with devotion. After the recitation, the entire family – husband, wife, and children – should sit together, well-dressed, ready for the divine celebration.
Bhajans and kirtans should then be sung, and the devotees should dance with the feeling that Thakur Ji Himself is dancing among them. In front of the deity, the Raas Panchadhyayi from the Bhagavata Purana may be opened and recited, filling the environment with the mood of Raas Leela.
On this night, it is believed that Thakur Ji engages in Raas Bihar with the gopis. After the evening prayers and celebrations, the Lord may be left alone for some hours, with prasad, flowers and water placed before Him. With folded hands, devotees should pray: “Lal Ji, please perform Raas, we are leaving.” The Lord can be left in solitude for two hours, or even the entire night, after which He may be put to rest in the morning.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima is not just a night of rituals, but a night of nectar, devotion, and divine union. Dressing the Lord in white, preparing white bhog, decorating the temple, singing the Gopi Geet, performing bhajan and Raas, and offering solitude to the Lord all become ways to experience the divine play of Shyam Sundar. The vrat brings the blessings of Lakshmi and Vishnu, and the devotee who celebrates Sharad Purnima with sincerity receives the nectar of divine grace.
🌕 Sharad Purnima – FAQs
Q1. When is Sharad Purnima in 2025?
Sharad Purnima falls on Monday, 6th October 2025.
- Purnima Tithi begins – 12:23 PM, 6th October 2025
- Purnima Tithi ends – 09:16 AM, 7th October 2025
- Moonrise time – around 5:33–5:40 PM IST (exact time may vary by location)
Q2. Which God is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima, devotees primarily worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Vishnu. In many traditions, Lord Krishna is worshipped in His Raas Leela form, especially in Braj and Vrindavan, where He is adorned in white and offered white bhog. Indra Dev, the god of rain, and his elephant Airavata are also remembered.
Q3. Why is kheer prepared and kept in the moonlight?
It is believed that on Sharad Purnima night the moon showers amrit (nectar) on earth. Kheer kept under the moonlight absorbs this nectar, making it spiritually nourishing and highly auspicious to consume the next morning as prasad.
Q4. What should devotees avoid on Sharad Purnima?
Devotees observing the vrat should avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, alcohol, or anything tamasic. The vrat must not be done carelessly or half-heartedly, as the story of the merchant’s daughters shows that incomplete observance reduces its fruit. Avoid sleeping early at night—traditionally, devotees stay awake in prayers and kirtans.
Q5. What is the spiritual benefit of staying awake on Sharad Purnima night?
Remaining awake in devotion is called Kojagari Vrat, meaning “Who is awake?”. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth on this night and blesses those who are awake, praying, and remembering the Divine. Staying awake symbolizes readiness to receive prosperity and grace.
Q6. How is Sharad Purnima celebrated in Braj?
In Braj, especially at Govardhan, devotees gather under the open sky, lit only by the full moon. They sing the Gopi Geet, recite the Raas Panchadhyayi, and dance in devotion. The entire mood is one of surrender, love, and the feeling that Krishna Himself is present to perform Raas with the devotees.
Q7. Can families celebrate Sharad Purnima at home?
Yes. Families can celebrate by adorning the Lord in white, preparing kheer, reciting the Gopi Geet, singing bhajans together, and leaving the deity in solitude for some hours to symbolize Raas Bihar. This brings divine blessings even at home.
