Kojagiri Purnima, also known as Sharad Purnima or Kumar Purnima, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashvin month in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in September or October in the Gregorian calendar. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of many as it marks the end of the monsoon season and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and the Moon god. The word “Kojagiri” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Ko” meaning “who” and “Jagriti” meaning “awake.” The term reflects the essence of the night, as it asks, “Who is awake?” during the hours when Goddess Lakshmi is believed to bless those who remain vigilant.

Why is Kojagiri Purnima Celebrated?

The reasons for celebrating Sharad Purnima are steeped in various legends and customs:

1. Harvest Festival and End of Monsoon: Traditionally, Kojagiri Purnima is a harvest festival marking the end of the monsoon season. Farmers express gratitude and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for an abundant harvest, ensuring that their crops thrive throughout the coming year.

2. Birthday of Goddess Lakshmi: This day is also celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees pray to her for prosperity, wealth, and good fortune.

3. Goddess Lakshmi Visits Earth: It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth, moving from home to home, asking, “Who is awake?” Those who are awake receive her blessings of wealth and prosperity. As a result, people stay awake all night to welcome her and receive her grace.

Stories Associated with Kojagiri Purnima

Kojagiri Purnima has many stories linked to it, each adding a layer of meaning to the festival:

• The Story of a Brahmin and His Wife: In the ancient land of Magadha, a poor Brahmin named Valit lived with his greedy wife, who constantly pressured him to accumulate wealth through dubious means. Distraught, Valit retreated to the forest, where he encountered Nagakanyas (serpent maidens) who advised him to observe the Kojagiri Vrata to win the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Valit faithfully observed the Vrata, and soon after, he was blessed with immense wealth, transforming his life and his wife’s demeanor.

• The Story of the Bengali King: A righteous king in Bengal once promised his artisans that he would purchase any unsold items they created. One day, a statue of Goddess Alakshmi (the goddess of poverty) remained unsold, so the king, honoring his word, placed the statue in his palace. However, the presence of Alakshmi drove away Goddess Lakshmi, bringing misfortune to the kingdom. Upon seeking divine guidance, the king’s wife performed the Kojagiri Vrata, which led to the return of Goddess Lakshmi and prosperity to their land.

• The Tale of Two Sisters: In a village, a moneylender had two daughters who observed the Kojagiri Purnima Vrata. While the elder sister observed it with sincerity, the younger sister was less committed. Over time, the elder sister enjoyed a fruitful life with many children, while the younger sister’s children did not survive. A saint revealed that her insincere observance of the Vrata was the cause of her misfortune. The younger sister, realizing her mistake, observed the Vrata diligently, and with her sister’s support, her next child was miraculously revived by the Moon god’s grace.

Why is Milk Consumed on Kojagiri Purnima?

1. Medicinal Properties: According to ancient beliefs, on Sharad Purnima, the Moon appears with all its 16 kalas (phases), emitting special rays that bestow medicinal properties on milk. Drinking milk that has been exposed to the moonlight is thought to cure various ailments.

2. Ayurvedic Significance: In Ayurveda, it is suggested that Pitta (one of the three doshas) increases at the end of the monsoon season. The cooling effect of the Moon’s rays is believed to help counteract this and reduce acidity. Milk, with its natural cooling properties, complements this effect, promoting overall health.

3. Sustenance for the Night Vigil: Since staying awake all night is a significant part of Kojagiri Purnima, consuming milk with spices and dry fruits provides a nourishing option to sustain devotees throughout the night.

Kojagiri Purnima Celebrations

The observance of Kojagiri Purnima varies across India but typically includes:

• Fasting and Kojagiri Vrata: Many people fast and worship Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon god, offering prayers for health, wealth, and happiness.

• Rangoli Decorations: Women draw intricate Rangoli designs in front of their homes as an invitation for Goddess Lakshmi to enter and bless them.

• Masala Milk and Kheer: At midnight, families gather to consume masala milk or kheer that has been left under the moonlight, absorbing the divine rays.

• Garba and Lakshmi Puja: In Gujarat, people celebrate with Garba dances, while in Bengal, special Lakshmi Puja (Lokkhi Puja) rituals are conducted in honor of the goddess.

• Raas Purnima in North India: Known as Raas Purnima, it is believed that Lord Krishna performed the Raas Leela with Radha and the gopis on this night. In Vrindavan, people celebrate this event with dance and devotion.

• Valmiki Jayanti: On this day, Hindus also celebrate the birth anniversary of Sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, highlighting the significance of wisdom and literary contributions.

Kojagiri Purnima is a festival that combines divine blessings, traditional rituals, and cultural expressions. It reminds devotees of the importance of vigilance, devotion, and gratitude, fostering a sense of connection with the divine and with one another.

Reference:

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