Sharad Purnima (22/10/2010) is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September-October). The rainy season is over and the brightness of the full moon brings special joy. This is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the Kaumudi, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.
At night, goddess Laxmi is worshiped and night vigil is observed. According to a folk-tale, once a king fell on evil days, and was in great financial straits, but then his queen observed this fast and night vigil, and worshiped the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. Consequently, they were blessed by the goddess and they regained their prosperity.
It is considered that the Moon and the Earth are at a closer distance on Sharad Poornima night. Due to this, the rays of the moon have several curative properties. Keeping food under the moonlight nourishes both the body and the soul. Following are some health tips which we all can benefit from during Sharad Poornima.
On Sharad Poonam/Purnima, make kheer of Rice, Milk, Mishri/Sugar in the evening. Put some gold or silver for sometime while making Kheer; then place it in the Moonlight for about 2-3 hours from about 9:00 PM onwards. Don’t cook any other food for that night, only eat Kheer. We should not take heavy diet in late night, hence eat Kheer accordingly. The Kheer which is placed in Sharad Poonam night can also be taken in next day break-fast after making it as Prasad by offering it to the Lord.
Pawan Kr Jain
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