Sharad Purnima Kheer Ritual: Why Is Kheer Kept Under Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima Kheer Ritual

Sharad Purnima, a significant festival in Hindu culture, celebrates the full moon of the month of Ashwin. This year it will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. It is known for its spiritual significance and the tradition of worshipping Lord Chandra, the Moon God, to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. One of the most unique and cherished rituals of Sharad Purnima is preparing Kheer and placing it under the moonlight overnight.

Why is Kheer kept under Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?

The moon on Sharad Purnima is believed to shine with all sixteen Kalas or qualities, which signify human perfection. It is said that this is the only night of the year when the moon’s rays carry divine, healing properties. The ritual of placing Kheer under the moonlight is to imbue the food with these beneficial energies, making it a sacred offering that brings health and blessings to those who consume it.

Sharad Purnima 2024: Date, Time, and Significance of Ashwina Purnima

Sharad Purnima 2024: Significance of the Kheer Ritual

The practice of preparing Kheer with cow’s milk and rice and leaving it under the open sky in the moonlight is steeped in religious and spiritual belief. Hindus believe that the rays of the full moon on Sharad Purnima have medicinal properties that can heal the body and purify the soul. Therefore, the Kheer absorbs these divine qualities and eating it the following day is thought to be highly beneficial.

The next morning, the Kheer is distributed as Prasad (a sacred offering) among family members and loved ones, symbolizing the sharing of blessings and divine grace. This simple yet profound tradition adds a layer of reverence to the celebrations of Sharad Purnima.

Sharad Purnima 2024 Date: When is Sharad Purnima - October 16 or 17? Know rituals, fasting rules, puja vidhi, and more

What Happens When Sharad Purnima and Chandra Grahan Coincide?

In some years, Sharad Purnima coincides with a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan), creating a unique set of challenges and considerations for those observing the festival. According to Hindu scriptures, a Sutak period begins before the lunar eclipse, during which cooking and consuming food are strictly prohibited.

The onset of Sutak raises questions about whether or not it is appropriate to prepare or leave Kheer under the moonlight during the eclipse. Religious scholars offer clear guidance on this matter: Kheer should neither be prepared nor placed outside in the moonlight during the eclipse period, as the eclipse's influence can contaminate the food.

Sharad Purnima 2024: 9 Must-Buy Items on Ashwin Purnima for Success and Good Fortune

Sharad Purnima 2024: How to Observe the Kheer Ritual During an Eclipse?

If Sharad Purnima and the lunar eclipse fall on the same day, it is essential to follow specific steps to avoid the negative effects of the eclipse. Here’s a simple guide:

• Before the Sutak begins: Place Kusha grass (a sacred grass used in Hindu rituals) in cow’s milk and store it in a place where it won’t be exposed to moonlight affected by the eclipse.
• Once the eclipse ends: Devotees should take a bath and prepare the Kheer.
• After preparing the Kheer, leave it in the remaining moonlight for the night, allowing it to absorb the moon’s divine energy.
• The following morning, the Kheer can be consumed and shared with family as Prasad, ensuring the spiritual and health benefits are retained.

Ashwin Purnima 2024: Kojagara Puja and Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima is also celebrated as Kojagara Puja in certain parts of India, particularly in West Bengal. Kojagara Puja is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and is observed to seek her blessings for prosperity and happiness.

During the Kojagara fast, devotees stay awake all night, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and engaging in games such as Chausar (an ancient board game). Coconut water is traditionally consumed as part of this ritual. However, if a lunar eclipse coincides with Sharad Purnima, these activities are paused during the Sutak and eclipse period.

Temples remain closed during the Sutak, and worship is suspended until the eclipse has passed. Once the eclipse concludes, the rituals, including Lakshmi Puja and the traditional festivities, can resume for the remainder of the night.

In rare instances, the lunar eclipse may continue until moonset, in which case the entire Sharad Purnima celebration is considered disrupted. This means the Kheer ritual and Kojagara Puja cannot be performed at all during that night, and devotees must adjust their observances accordingly.

Kojagara Puja 2024 Date, Time, and Significance of Kojagara Vratam

Sharad Purnima is a festival filled with spiritual significance, especially with its unique Kheer ritual that symbolizes purity and divine blessings. While the presence of a lunar eclipse may complicate the traditional practices, religious guidelines provide clear solutions to continue the celebrations while respecting the sacredness of the day. By following these customs, devotees can enjoy the festival, partake in the blessings of the moon, and invite prosperity, health, and happiness into their lives.

Also Read: 'Brightest of the year': Don't miss the special upcoming full moon, which is both a supermoon, Hunter's Moon; check date here