Unlocking the Mysteries of Sharad Purnima: Rituals, Significance, and Traditions
On the occasion of Sharad Purnima, the shadow of a lunar eclipse falls. What should one do during a lunar eclipse, and what should be avoided? When is it best to offer kheer (rice pudding)? In Hinduism, every full moon holds significance, but among them, Sharad Purnima is deemed the most auspicious.
According to religious scriptures, on Sharad Purnima, the moon is closest to Earth. Positive energy radiates from beyond our celestial neighbors through moonbeams, showering upon our planet.
On the night of Sharad Purnima, kheer is prepared and placed under the open sky, and after one hour of the night, it is offered to Goddess Lakshmi.
However, this time, it's imperative to exercise caution in the preparation and placement of kheer due to the lunar eclipse.
This time, the lunar eclipse will occur between 01:06 and 02:22 on the midnight of October 28. A period of ritual impurity, known as 'sutak,' precedes the lunar eclipse. During 'sutak,' temples are closed, and the worship of deities is prohibited.
'Sutak' lasts for approximately 9 hours, commencing on the evening of October 28 at 02:52 and concluding on the morning of October 29 at 02:22. The eclipse's touch will be at 11:32 PM on the night of October 28, causing 'sutak' to begin at 02:52 on the evening of October 28.
During 'sutak,' deities are not touched, and no offerings are made.
However, after the conclusion of the lunar eclipse, which is at 02:22 AM in the night, you can offer kheer to Goddess Lakshmi under the open sky, and you can prepare it for consumption in the morning.
You can also prepare kheer during the day, but ensure that it contains a basil leaf and keep it under the open sky after the lunar eclipse ends.
During a lunar eclipse, you should refrain from idol or photo worship, but you can sit in one place and recite mantras. This not only energizes the mantras but also yields immediate positive results.
Reciting the following mantras during the eclipse bestows prosperity: First, chant the mantra 'Om Shraam Shreem Shroum Sah Chandramase Namah' at least 108 times, and then, recite Goddess Lakshmi's mantra, 'Om Shri Maha Lakshmaye Namah.'
On the day of Sharad Purnima, offer Goddess Lakshmi pink flowers and fragrance, such as itra (perfume). This pleases Goddess Lakshmi swiftly.
The worship of Ashta Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima involves wrapping a betel nut in a red cloth and offering it after the puja. Keep the betel nut in your safe, and your wealth will grow rapidly.
On Sharad Purnima, offer kheer, makhana (lotus seeds), batasha, and white clothes to Goddess Lakshmi. This will bring blessings of wealth and prosperity.
The moonlight on Sharad Purnima is considered ambrosial. Observing the moon and doing 'tratak' (gazing at it) at night alleviates eye ailments and benefits respiratory conditions.
Do not do these practices during the eclipse; perform them before or after the eclipse.
On the night of Sharad Purnima, stay awake and recite the mantras of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi extensively. Due to the vigil, this night is also known as 'Kojagari Purnima' or 'Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.' Chanting these mantras on the night of the eclipse also brings relief from debts, so you can practice it during the eclipse, but refrain from idol worship.
Chanting the Sri Sukta, Kanakadhara Stotra, Vishnu Sahasranama, and reciting Lord Krishna's Madhurashtakam during the eclipse time grants success in your endeavors and invokes the presence of Lord Krishna.
On the night of Sharad Purnima, when the moonlight bathes the surroundings, light a four-faced lamp (choumukha deepak) in front of Lord Hanuman. Perform this ritual after the eclipse concludes.
On the day of Sharad Purnima, follow these precautions:
- Attempt a complete fast by consuming only water and fruits.
- If you are not fasting, opt for a sattvic (pure) diet.
- Purify your body by fasting and keeping it empty, allowing you to receive ambrosia more effectively.
- Wear white or shiny clothing on this day to receive positive energy.
- During the eclipse, stitch a thread on a needle in the moonlight.
The presence of Goddess Lakshmi is believed to grace homes where cleanliness and purity are upheld. Sharad Purnima is the right time to commence cleaning your home. It is highly auspicious and eliminates all kinds of negative influences from your home.
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