Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagar Purnima or Kauumudi Vrat, is a significant festival in Hinduism that is celebrated annually on the full moon day of the Ashwin month. This year, Sharad Purnima 2024 will be observed on October 16th, 2024. The festival holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, and it is a day when devotees perform various rituals and worship to seek blessings from the divine.
The date of Sharad Purnima is determined by the Hindu Panchang, which is an ancient calendar system used to track the movements of celestial bodies. According to the Panchang, the full moon day of Ashwin month will begin on October 16th at 8:40 PM and end on October 17th at 4:55 PM IST. This timing is crucial for performing the rituals and worship associated with the festival.
One of the most significant aspects of Sharad Purnima is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that performing puja (worship) and daan (charity) on this day can bring them prosperity, good fortune, and happiness. The festival is also associated with the legend of Goddess Lakshmi emerging from the churning of the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, making it a day of great spiritual significance.
The moon on Sharad Purnima is considered to be in its 16th phase, which is why it is often referred to as the 'Chandra' or 'Moon' festival. This unique astronomical phenomenon adds to the mystique and spiritual significance of the day. Devotees believe that the moon's 16 phases symbolize the 16 qualities of the divine, making it an ideal time for spiritual practices and worship.
To prepare for the festival, devotees typically observe a fast and engage in various spiritual practices such as meditation, recitation of mantras, and performance of puja. The rituals include offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, as well as performing charitable acts like donating food, clothes, and other essential items to those in need.
The exact timing for performing puja and daan on Sharad Purnima is also specified in the Panchang. According to the astrological calculations, the auspicious time for worshiping Goddess Lakshmi is from 11:42 PM to 12:32 AM on October 17th. Similarly, the time for performing daan is from 4:42 AM to 5:32 AM on October 16th.
For those who cannot perform daan during these specified times due to various reasons, it is recommended to do it during any other auspicious moment, excluding Rahukala and Bhadrapada Kala. This flexibility ensures that everyone can participate in the festival's charitable activities without any hindrance.
The mantras and prayers recited during Sharad Purnima are believed to have powerful spiritual significance. Some of the popular mantras include:
1. Gaganaarvamana Manikyachandra Dakshayani Pati Grihanarghya Mayadatta Ganesh Pratirupak
2. Om Im Deva Aspatna Gvam Suvadhyam Mahate Kshtraya Mahate Jyaishtaya Mahate
3. Om Hrim Shrim Kleem Shri Lakshmi Mam Gruhe Dhan Puraye Dhan Puraye Chintayen Dure Dure Svaha
Additionally, devotees can recite other powerful mantras like:
1. Ya Raktaambujavasini Vilasini Chandaanshu Tejasvini Ya Rakta Rudhirambara Harisakhi Ya Shri Manolhadini Ya Rattanakarmanthanat Pragatita Vishnu Svaya Gehini Sa Maan Patau Manorama Bhagavati Lakshmiishcha Padmaavati
2. Om Shrim Hrim Kleem Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaank Daridrya Nashay Prachur Dhan Dehi Dehi Kleem Hrim Shrim Om
3. Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patni Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om
4. Om Sarvabhadha Vinirmukto Dhan Dhanyo Sut Anvit
The festival also holds cultural significance, with various traditional practices and customs being observed by devotees. For instance, some people believe that Goddess Lakshmi will visit the earth on this day, making it a time for renewal and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Sharad Purnima 2024 is a day of great spiritual and cultural significance. By following the rituals and practices associated with the festival, devotees can seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, leading to a more prosperous and happy life. Whether it's performing puja, reciting mantras, or engaging in charitable activities, every aspect of Sharad Purnima is designed to bring people closer to their divine selves.
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