Once every year, the distance between the Moon and the Earth reduces that the normal on a full moon night. The rays from the Moon on this night have special curative properties. This night, is celebrated as Sharad Purnima around the world. In this blog, we discuss the spiritual importance, how we can make best use of this night and how it helps us get healthier, happier and spiritually rich.

Also known as Kojagari Purnima, Rasa Purnima, Sharath Purnima or Kumar Purnima, Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu Lunar month of Ashvin.

The word “Sharad” signifies the season of Sharad or harvest season and “Purnima” signifies full moon since ‘Purn’ means complete.

The Spiritual Significance –
It is believed that Sharad Purnima is the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi and she visits us on this day. This is why in the eastern parts of India, Lakshmi Puja is conducted on this day, unlike the other parts when it is performed on Diwali.

The second myth associated is with the other name Kojagari Purnima. It is said that Maa Lakshmi comes to Earth and visits people who are awake and blesses them. The word Kojagiri breaks in to Ko – who and Jagiri – is awake. So, everyone stays awake the entire night and dances and celebrates under the moonlight, awaiting Maa Lakshmi to come and bless them.

It is also very important from the spiritual awakening perspective. It is believed that all our Chakras open up and awaken and are ready for activation and alignment if we meditate under the moonlight. The Chakras can be healed, aligned, activated and empowered if meditated upon on this night.

People also observe a fast on this day and spend the day in preparation and anticipation of the night when the moon comes in and blesses us all. It is believed that on this night, the moon rays contain elixir in them. Therefore, sweets and foods including milk and rice are prepared, and kept under the moonlight. Right after midnight, people consume the sweets and foods, as they are now filled with elixir and healing properties.

Another importance is that Kumar or Kartikeya, Lord Shiva’s son is believed to have been born this day. So, girls who wish for a handsome husband end up fasting this day and pray for a suitable groom.

Medical Benefits –
You can keep milk and rice custard under the moonlight and consume it to heal acidity.

For women suffering from gynaecological issues, you can keep water in a transparent jar all night and consume it in the morning to heal PCOD, PCOS and any other female issues.

Consuming food kept under the moonlight also helps controlling one’s emotions and improvising mental health.