Sharad Purnima 2024: Significance and Rituals of This Auspicious Day

Sharad Purnima is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Hindu calendar, falling right after the grand festivities of Navratri and Dussehra. This festival is observed every year on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2024, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion on October 16th.

Sharad Purnima holds a unique significance, especially in the way it is celebrated with rituals involving Kheer. A major aspect of this festival is the practice of keeping Kheer under the moonlight throughout the night, which is believed to have both religious and scientific benefits. This article delves into the profound importance of this tradition and why it has been upheld for generations.

Why is Kheer Kept in the Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?

The ritual of keeping Kheer in the open under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima night is deeply rooted in Hindu beliefs. According to tradition, the moon is said to shower nectar (Amrit) through its rays, which purifies and blesses the food.

Religious Significance:

As per Hindu mythology, on the night of , the moon is at its brightest and closest to the earth, radiating its healing and nourishing light. It is believed that the moon showers Amrit or nectar onto the earth, and food kept under this moonlight becomes blessed. This is why people prepare Kheer (a sweet dish made from milk and rice) and leave it out under the open sky to absorb the divine rays. The next morning, this Kheer is consumed as Prasad, and it is believed to bestow health, prosperity, and well-being on those who eat it.

Scientific Significance:

Sharad Purnima also has a scientific explanation for why Kheer is kept in the moonlight. According to some researchers, the cooling and nourishing rays of the full moon on this night have medicinal properties. The moonlight is believed to have the ability to kill bacteria and purify the food, making it more beneficial to consume. Additionally, the moon’s rays are considered cooling and soothing, which is why food kept under the moonlight is thought to have a calming effect on the body and mind.

The Link Between Moon and Milk:

Milk has a special connection with the moon in Hindu tradition. It is said that milk is a symbol of purity and nourishment, just like the moon’s rays. On Sharad Purnima, when the moon is at its most powerful, the energy of the moon is believed to enhance the spiritual and medicinal qualities of the milk in Kheer. Therefore, milk becomes like Amrit (nectar) when exposed to the moonlight on this auspicious night. Eating this moonlight-infused Kheer is said to bring positive energy, happiness, and health to the family.

Religious and Scientific Reasons for Eating Kheer on Sharad Purnima

The tradition of consuming Kheer on Sharad Purnima is supported by both religious beliefs and scientific reasoning.

Religious Perspective:

Blessings of Goddess Lakshmi: It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the earth on the night of Sharad Purnima, and anyone who performs the rituals with devotion is blessed with wealth and prosperity. The Kheer made and kept under the moonlight is said to attract the blessings of the goddess, and consuming it can help remove Chandra Dosh (moon-related afflictions) from one’s astrological chart.

Divine Energy: On Sharad Purnima, it is said that the divine energy in the atmosphere is at its peak. Keeping Kheer under the open sky allows it to absorb this energy, and eating the Kheer brings divine protection and positivity into one’s life. The ritual is considered to bring mental peace, spiritual growth, and harmony in the family.

Scientific Perspective:

Health Benefits of Moonlight: From a scientific standpoint, the moon’s rays on Sharad Purnima are believed to have the power to reduce body heat and have a calming effect on the nervous system. This is why it is recommended to consume food kept under the moonlight on this night to enjoy its cooling properties.

Detoxification and Healing: The cooling effect of the moonlight, combined with the nutritional properties of milk and rice, is thought to help in detoxifying the body and improving digestion. This is especially beneficial during the transition from summer to winter, as it helps the body adjust to the changing weather.

How to Perform the Sharad Purnima Ritual Preparation of Kheer:

• Kheer is made from milk, rice, and sugar and is considered a sacred offering on Sharad Purnima.
• After sunset, the prepared Kheer is placed in an earthen or silver pot and left under the open sky, where it can absorb the moon’s rays throughout the night.

Consuming the Kheer:

• The next morning, the Kheer is consumed by family members as Prasad. It is also shared with neighbors and friends, symbolizing the spreading of health, happiness, and prosperity.

Offering to the Gods:

• Before consuming the Kheer, it is customary to offer it to Lord Krishna or Goddess Lakshmi, seeking their blessings for the family’s well-being.

Sharad Purnima and Its Astrological Importance

Sharad Purnima is also significant from an astrological perspective. The full moon during this time is believed to have a powerful influence on one’s emotional and mental state. By performing the Sharad Purnima rituals and consuming the blessed Kheer, devotees believe they can mitigate the negative effects of Chandra Dosh in their horoscopes.

According to astrology, Chandra Dosh can cause emotional instability, health issues, and financial troubles. By observing the rituals of Sharad Purnima and seeking the blessings of the moon, one can remove these negative influences and restore balance in life.

Conclusion: The Spiritual and Healing Power of Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima is a festival that beautifully combines spiritual beliefs with scientific reasoning. The practice of keeping Kheer in the moonlight is not just a religious tradition, but also a healing ritual that has been followed for centuries. Whether one seeks the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the healing rays of the moon, or the nourishment of Kheer, Sharad Purnima offers a unique opportunity to experience divine grace and well-being.

By observing the rituals of this auspicious night and consuming the blessed Kheer, devotees believe they can invite health, happiness, and prosperity into their lives for the coming year.