Sharad Purnima 2020: Know Significance Of Laxmi Puja, Rituals And Moon's Healing Powers

Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon that falls five days after Durga puja. Here's why goddess Laxmi is worshipped on this day.

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Sharad Purnima 2020: Sharad Purnima or Kojagiri Purnima is considered to be one of the holiest days and according to the Hindu lunar calendar it is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. On this day devotees worship the Moon to please Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva. Laxmi Puja The kojagari Lakshmi Puja is observed on the full moon night that falls five days after Durga Puja. The puja is especially popular in the eastern part of the country in states such as West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and parts of eastern  Bihar. Laxmi who is considered to be the goddess of wealth is supposed to visit earth on this day and bless the devotees. Puja Vidhi Devotees wake up in the Brahma Muhurta and take bath in a holy river. One can even sprinkle gangajal as it is not advisable to bathe in rivers due to the coronavirus pandemic. After this, a red cloth is placed on which the idol of goddess Laxmi is placed. Flowers and other offerings are made to the idol. Then prayers are offered to Laxmi. Chanting of mantras is also done. Moon's healing powers Besides this, the moon is also supposed to have healing powers on this day. It is believed that on Sharad Purnima the Moon is full of its sixteen Kala and its light has special powers. People prepare a special kind of kheer made of rice, milk, and sugar on this day which is then left in the moonlight the whole night. This is then consumed in the morning.