Ashwin Purnima 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebration Guide

Ashwin Purnima 2024: Ashwin or Sharad Purnima is the name given to Purnima in the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. It goes by the name Raas Purnima as well. According to Vedic Astrology, this is the only day of the year when the Moon is fully composed of its sixteen virtues, and the rays it emits are likened to elixir (Amrit). On the evening of Ashwin Purnima, milk pudding (Dudh ki Kheer) is kept under the moonlight in North and Central India. Pudding is thought to become more pure and healthy when exposed to the moon’s light.

Significance of Ashwin Purnima 2024

The significance of Ashwin Purnima 2024 is rooted in various mythological stories and religious beliefs. The day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. The full moon of Ashwin is believed to be imbued with healing powers, and according to scriptures, the moon’s rays on this night possess medicinal qualities that can heal ailments and bless devotees with good health.

Ashwin Purnima is also celebrated as Kojagari Purnima or Sharad Purnima, a night when the moon shines its brightest, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and new beginnings. The word “Kojagari” is derived from the question “Ko Jagarti?” meaning “Who is awake?” It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth on this night, bestowing wealth and blessings upon those who stay awake and worship her. Additionally, Ashwin Purnima is associated with the Raasa Lila of Lord Krishna, which he performed with the Gopis of Vrindavan, making the day significant for followers of Vaishnavism.

Ashwin Purnima 2024 Date

Ashwin Purnima 2024 – 17th October 2024 Thursday / गुरूवार

Tithi Begins – 20:40:46 on 16th Oct 2024

Tithi Ends – 16:56:11 on 17th Oct 2024

Also Read: https://ptrahulshastri.com/astrology-and-career-your-guide-to-growth/

What are the Rituals Performed On Sharad Purnima?

There are some unique rites carried out on Sharad Purnima. Here’s a brief look at them. 

• Get up early and have a bath in a lake, pond, or river that is considered sacred.
• Visit local temples or your own home on Purnima Vrat or fast, say prayers, and deck out the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi with exquisite clothing and jewelry. Worship the deity afterward and make special offerings, known as Dakshina, such as lamps, grains, flowers, clothing, perfume, betel or paan, and naivedyam.
• Make a kheer by combining sugar, ghee, and cow’s milk. On the evening of Sharad Purnima, give this Kheer to the Almighty.
• Fill a copper pot with water, place rice on a leaf-covered plate, and place wheat grains in a glass. Then, worship the pot and present Dakshina. Afterward, hear the Ashwin Purnima narrative and ask the Lord for blessings.
• Honor Lord Chandra and present Kheer as Naivedyam when the moon is in the center of the sky and fully illuminated.
• Store the Kheer overnight in the lunar light and eat it as a prasad the following day. It is deemed healthful to consume this kheer and share it with others. 
• Worshiping the gods Kartikeya, Parvati, and Shiva is considered to be highly auspicious.

Celebration Guide for Ashwin Purnima 2024

Here’s a simple guide on how you can celebrate Ashwin Purnima 2024 to ensure you perform the rituals correctly and make the most of this auspicious day:

1. Preparation for the Day

• Cleanse Your Home: On the morning of Ashwin Purnima 2024, thoroughly clean your home to create a sacred space for the divine energies to flow. Decorate your home with flowers, and place oil lamps in various corners to symbolize the dispelling of darkness.
• Prepare Offerings: Begin the day by preparing special offerings such as kheer, sweets, and fruits. These offerings will be placed before the deities during the evening puja.

2. Performing the Puja

• Lakshmi Puja: In the evening, set up an altar with an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Offer flowers, incense, fruits, sweets, and coins to symbolize prosperity. Chant the Lakshmi Ashtakam or Lakshmi mantras with complete devotion.
• Full Moon Worship: Once the full moon rises, step outside and gaze upon it with reverence. Place the kheer or other offerings under the moonlight and recite the mantra “Om Chandraya Namah.” Offer water to the moon as a symbol of gratitude.

3. Kojagari Vrata

• Staying Awake: According to the Kojagari Vrata tradition, it is important to stay awake throughout the night, meditating on the moon and the divine energies of the day. Devotees engage in singing hymns and reciting prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Many families play devotional music, read sacred texts, or gather for group prayers.

4. Consuming the Prasad

• Moon-Infused Prasad: On the morning after Ashwin Purnima 2024, the kheer or food offerings left in the moonlight are consumed as prasad. This is believed to provide protection against diseases and bring good health, wealth, and overall well-being.

Astrological Importance of Ashwin Purnima 2024

Astrologically, Ashwin Purnima 2024 holds immense importance due to the special position of the moon. The full moon’s rays on this night are said to be the most potent of the entire year. This lunar energy is believed to have healing powers that benefit physical health and strengthen spiritual energies. For those seeking astrological remedies, performing prayers, meditations, and rituals under the full moon can help resolve planetary doshas (faults) and remove obstacles caused by negative planetary influences.

Ashwin Purnima 2024 is a day that brings together spirituality, devotion, and celebration. From fasting and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi to honoring the moon and celebrating Lord Krishna’s Raasa Lila, this day is filled with divine rituals that can bring immense blessings. Observing the day with full devotion and following the rituals can lead to prosperity, well-being, and spiritual growth. As you celebrate Ashwin Purnima 2024, may you be blessed with happiness, wealth, and health for the coming year.