Sharad Purnima 2024: Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is celebrated today, October 16, 2024. This festival holds great significance in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and spiritual abundance. It is believed that on this day, the moon is full of all sixteen qualities, radiating beams that are said to carry the nectar of immortality, known as Amrit.
Significance of Sharad Purnima
On this auspicious night, devotees prepare kheer (a sweet rice pudding) and place it under the open sky, allowing it to absorb the moonlight. The following day, this kheer is offered as prasad (sacred food) to family and friends. From a scientific perspective, the moon’s rays on Sharad Purnima are considered to be infused with special energy that can be beneficial to health.
Rituals at Mahakal Temple
At the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, the festivities for Sharad Purnima will include traditional rituals. The temple management will offer sweet milk infused with dry fruits (kheer) to the deity, followed by distribution of prasad after the evening aarti.
In line with tradition, the timings for the three main aartis conducted at the temple will be adjusted:
- Dayodak Aarti: 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
Other rituals, including the Bhasma Aarti (held from 4 AM to 6 AM) and the Shayan Aarti (from 10:30 PM to 11 PM), will continue as scheduled.
When Will the Amrit Fall?
According to astrologers, the auspicious timing for the Amrit to fall will be between 9:30 PM and 1:00 AM. Various celebrations and events will be held in temples during this time, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of Sharad Purnima.
Cultural Celebrations
The festival is known as Kojagari Poonam because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth on this night, checking who is awake and engaged in devotion. As a result, people celebrate with dance, music, and various religious activities.
