Sharad Purnima 2025: Date and Puja Timings
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Kojagari Vrat, Kheer Tradition and Lakshmi Puja Significance
Table of Contents
Sharad Purnima, also known as Ashwin Purnima or Kojagari Purnima, is a deeply auspicious festival celebrated with profound devotion across India. It is not only regarded as a celestial and astronomical occurrence but also as a spiritually transformative event. On this full moon night, the moon manifests with all sixteen kalas (arts), radiating heavenly nectar-like energy that is believed to bless all devotees who observe fasting, prayer and vigil.
In 2025, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on Monday, October 6, 2025. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the Purnima Tithi begins at 12:23 PM on October 6 and continues until 9:16 AM on October 7. The moonrise on this auspicious day will occur around 5:33 PM.
Auspicious Timings for Sharad Purnima 2025
- Brahma Muhurat (4:39 AM to 5:28 AM):
Considered the most sacred time for performing ritual baths in holy waters such as the Ganges. Acts of penance, meditation and prayer during this phase are believed to awaken inner purity, remove accumulated karmic debts and confer divine blessings. - Unnati Muhurat (10:41 AM to 12:09 PM):
This time is considered beneficial for engaging in donations, wealth prayers or thanksgiving rituals. Worship and charity in this auspicious window are believed to open paths for growth in health, prosperity and even relationships. - Amrit Muhurat (12:09 PM to 1:37 PM):
The most auspicious time span of the day for rituals. Every act of devotion, whether daan, puja or mantra recitation, during this period is said to deliver multiplied merit and draw divine amrita (nectar) into one’s life.
Spiritual and Religious Significance
- Moon’s Special Influence: On Sharad Purnima night, the moon is said to come closest to Earth. Its rays are charged with an invisible healing power. Exposure to moonlight on this night is believed to strengthen immunity and invigorate the body.
- Amrit-Infused Moonlight: It is said that the moonlight on this night showers nectar-like energy onto Earth, promoting longevity, vigor and vitality.
- Deity Worship: Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shiva and Chandra Devta. Offerings of flowers, incense, cereals and fruits are made with devotion.
- Kojagari Night: Known also as Kojagara, which means “who is awake?”, this observance emphasizes that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi roam the Earth at night. Whoever keeps vigil with devotion receives their blessings, especially abundant wealth from Goddess Lakshmi.
Ritual Practices of Sharad Purnima
- Sacred Bath: Taking an early morning dip in holy rivers purifies the body and soul, removes sins and allows the devotee to start the full moon day with divine sanctity.
- Clean Clothing: Wearing clean and fresh garments after bathing symbolizes both physical and spiritual purity, making the devotee fit for worship.
- Fasting and Self-Restraint: Many devotees observe rigorous fasts or consume only milk and fruits, dedicating themselves to discipline, prayer and meditation throughout the day.
- Worship of Deities: Rituals are performed for Lord Vishnu, Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shiva. Special offerings are made to Chandra Devta, signifying acknowledgement of the moon’s life-giving energy.
- Preparation of Kheer: A sacred pudding made of rice and milk is prepared and placed under the moonlight overnight. The belief is that the rays of the full moon infuse the food with celestial energy.
- Consumption of Kheer Prasad: The energized kheer is consumed at dawn the next day. This prasada is thought to enhance health, heal chronic ailments and bring divine blessings.
- Charity and Offering: Acts of daan (donation) of rice, grains, fruits and clothing to the poor are important, with the belief that generosity opens pathways for divine prosperity.
Cultural and Seasonal Importance
- Sharad Purnima signals the commencement of Sharad Ritu (autumn). This is a significant period for agriculture in India, marking ripened harvests and thanking divine forces for abundance.
- It holds mythological importance as it is associated with the Raas Leela of Lord Krishna with the Gopis, viewed as a celebration of divine love, joy and complete surrender.
- Staying awake all night while chanting hymns and performing devotional singing (bhajans) during Kojagara Vrat is considered meritorious, as it is believed to invite blessings of prosperity from Goddess Lakshmi herself.
Essence of Sharad Purnima 2025
Sharad Purnima 2025 combines devotion, spirituality, culture and cosmic symbolism. The observance of night-long vigil, the preparation and sharing of moon-infused kheer, charity and worship all amalgamate into a grand spiritual event. It symbolizes illumination, renewal of health and the eternal hope of prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will Sharad Purnima be celebrated in 2025?
A: On Monday, October 6, 2025.
Q2: What are the timings of the Purnima Tithi?
A: It begins on October 6 at 12:23 PM and ends on October 7 at 9:16 AM.
Q3: Why is the moon of Sharad Purnima considered so significant?
A: Because it is believed to shine with complete sixteen kalas, with rays carrying nectar-like energy that promotes health and longevity.
Q4: Why is kheer placed under moonlight on this night?
A: It absorbs the moon’s amrit-like energy and consuming it the next day as prasad ensures health benefits and divine grace.
Q5: What is the meaning of Kojagara night?
A: The word Kojagara literally means “who is awake?” Goddess Lakshmi is believed to roam the Earth during this time to bless those who remain spiritually awake.
