When is Sharad Poornima 2025: Date, timings, pooja rituals and its special link with health and ayurveda

Sharad Purnima , also known as Raas Purnima or Kojagari Purnima, is one of the most significant and auspicious full moon nights in the Hindu calendar. Falling in the month of Ashwin, this day marks the ending of the monsoon and the arrival of the harvest season.

Significance of Sharad Poornima:

According to tradition, this is the only night when the moon is said to radiate all sixteen kalas (divine energies).In Hindu philosophy, every human virtue is seen as a Kala-a distinct quality of personality. When these sixteen Kala(s) come together, they form the image of a ‘perfect human being’. Such completeness is rare, but in the divine, Lord Krishna is revered as the only one born with all sixteen Kala(s), making Him the Purnavatara-the complete incarnation of Lord Vishnu, embodying perfection in every sense.

This is the reason why this day is considered especially auspicious for healing, inner cleansing, and spiritual growth. Based on the English calendar , Sharad Purnima falls in the middle or end of October month. In 2025, devotees will observe Sharad Purnima on Monday, 6 October.The purpose of this day is to honor Lord Vishnu as devotees observe fast and devote themselves to the ultimate energy. For this reason, offering prayers to Chandra Dev, the Moon, on Sharad Purnima is regarded as especially auspicious.

The day also carries a unique significance for newlywed women, who traditionally begin their year-long Purnimasi fast on this very night, seeking blessings for harmony and prosperity in their married life.

Timing of the Sharad Purnima 2025:

According to Drik Panchang,

Why is it also called ‘Raas Purnima'?

According to the traditional beliefs, Sharad Purnima is the night when Lord Krishna blessed the world with the Maha-Raas, the eternal dance of divine love. Enchanted by the melodious sound of Krishna’s flute, the Gopis of Vrindavan left behind their homes and worldly ties, drawn only by the call of devotion.

Under the full moon, they danced with Krishna through the night.Some also believe Lord Krishna created multiple Krishnas to dance with the Gopis.

Rituals & Puja Practices

1.Kheer under Moonlight Based on the age-old belief, on this night, many people prepare Kheer (rice pudding ) and keep it under the open moonlight during the night. It is believed the moon’s rays on this night impart a special healing or nourishing quality to it. After keeping it overnight under moonlight,consume it the next morning as Prasadam is believed to bring back good health.

2. Fasting / VratMany devotees observe fast (either full or partial) during Sharad Purnima, sometimes abstaining from grains or heavy food, or following a simple diet during the day. The fast is often broken after moonrise. 3. Lakshmi / Kojagiri Puja Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, since it is believed she visits homes on this night and blesses those who are awake. Devotees clean their houses, light lamps (diyas), arrange offerings, do aarti, chant mantras.

The name ‘Kojagiri’ (or ‘Kaumudi’) comes from the phrase 'Ko Jagarti?' meaning “Who is awake?”-the belief being that keeping vigil invites blessings. 4. Devotional activities throughout the night On this day , many people choose to stay awake throughout the night-singing bhajans, reading scriptures, chanting, moon-gazing, meditation, etc.

Health & Ayurvedic Connections

There are ancient beliefs and some Ayurvedic views that tie Sharad Purnima’s rituals to health and well-being.Bringing cooling effects to body: The moon is traditionally believed to be associated with certain cooling energies. Foods like milk, kheer or ingredients like cardamom, saffron, etc which are used in Sharad Purnima, are considered cooling and nourishing in Ayurveda. Thus, eating kheer kept under moonlight is believed to help soothe the body, especially after the heat and humidity of the monsoon. Fasting brings digestive rest:Fasting or partial fasting is said to give the digestive system a rest.

Ayurveda suggests that periodic fasting helps to cleanse toxins from the body, improving metabolism and overall health.The rituals of Sharad Purnima align with this principle.Helps in seasonal transition:Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and transitions towards autumn. In Ayurveda, changes in season require certain adjustments in diet and lifestyle to maintain balance. The rituals such as light foods, cooling milk ,help the body to adapt to the climatic shifts by creating a shield against seasonal illnesses.