Sharad Purnima, an enchanting full moon night in the Hindu month of Ashwin, holds profound spiritual significance. This celestial event marks the celebration of divine love between Shree Radha Krishna, embodying the eternal bond between the Supreme Divine entities. The night influences both the physical and spiritual realms, inviting devotees to immerse themselves in devotional practices and to seek a deeper connection with the divine.
Apart from Sharad Purnima, this is also known as Raas Purnima. It’s because Shree Krishna along with Gopis performed Maharas on this Day. This divine dance occurred at Sur Shyam Sarovar, located near Govardhan Parvat.
As Shree Krishna played his flute, the enchanting melody irresistibly drew the Gopis away from their tasks. Each Gopi, captivated by his divine allure, longed for the chance to dance with him. In a miraculous act of love, Shree Krishna danced with every Gopi, fulfilling their deepest desires. It is said that Shree Krishna manifested in countless forms, dancing with each one simultaneously. So captivating was this divine event that even the moon, awestruck, halted its path to witness the Maharas, casting a magical glow over the blissful scene.
The festival provides an opportunity to reflect on the timeless teachings of Shree Radha Krishna and their relevance in modern life. It encompasses various rituals and customs, including fasting, moonlight bathing, and the preparation of special offerings. The occasion also commemorates the divine appearance day of Jagadguruttam Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, the 5th original Jagadguru of Indian history.
The Spiritual Essence of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. This auspicious full moon night in autumn is believed to have a powerful influence on both the physical and spiritual realms, offering devotees a unique opportunity to deepen their connection with the divine.
Cosmic Alignment and Divine Grace
On Sharad Purnima, the moon and the nine planets align, creating a cosmic harmony that is said to have a special effect on Earth. This alignment is believed to strengthen the moon's gravitational pull, which is thought to assist in the quick digestion of water-rich foods eaten at midnight. The spiritual essence of this celestial event lies in its potential to facilitate a deeper connection between the human consciousness and the divine realm.
Many devotees observe a night-long vigil, known as Jagran, on Sharad Purnima. This practice is considered auspicious for spiritual awakening. It is believed that those who stay awake and participate in religious activities on this night are blessed with prosperity and wealth by Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra. This tradition underscores the importance of mindfulness and spiritual dedication during this special time.
The Symbolism of the Full Moon
Sharad Purnima's full moon is thought to embody all 16 kalas, or attributes, making it the one day of the year when the moon radiates in its complete brilliance. This unique phenomenon is thought to imbue the moonlight with healing properties and spiritual energy. Many devotees meditate under the moonlight, believing that it can enhance their spiritual awareness and foster a deeper sense of peace within.
The moon's symbolism extends beyond its physical appearance. In Hinduism, it represents tranquillity, emotional balance, and the cosmic connection between humans and the divine. The moon is revered as a celestial deity, with its soothing radiance symbolizing the nurturing and compassionate aspects of divine feminine energy.
Awakening the Inner Devotee
Sharad Purnima serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth and self-realization. It invites devotees to engage in introspection nurturing a culture of mindfulness and deep reflection. The festival encourages individuals to awaken their inner self and strengthen their connection with the divine.
Many spiritual practices are associated with this auspicious night. Devotees often begin their celebrations with a sacred bath, symbolizing the cleansing of the soul and bringing a sense of renewal. As evening approaches, families gather to perform Pooja, invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The practice of moonlight meditation is particularly significant, as it is believed that the moon's rays carry healing energies that can enhance spiritual awareness and foster inner peace.
Shree Radha and Krishna: The Divine Couple
In the enchanting realm of Hindu history, the divine love between Shree Radha Krishna stands as a beacon of eternal devotion and spiritual union. Their relationship transcends the boundaries of mortal love. This divine couple's story continues to inspire devotees and serves as a guiding light for those seeking a deeper understanding of love and devotion.
Understanding Divine Love
The Divine Love shared by Shree Radha Krishna epitomizes the highest form of devotion and spiritual union. The divine love between Shree Radha Krishna are the highest form of love, often described as prema bhakti—a pure, selfless love. One Divine Entity has taken on two forms – Shaktimaan and Shakti or the energetic and energy or the source and its powers. They are inseparable just like you can’t separate whiteness from milk, similarly, Shree Radha and Shree Krishna can’t be separated.
Shree Radha's Supreme Devotion
Shree Radha's unwavering devotion to Shree Krishna exemplifies the path of Bhakti yog. Her love for Shree Krishna is so profound that she merges her identity with his, symbolizing the ultimate union of the devotee with the divine. Shree Radha's devotion transcends all worldly desires and attachments, teaching us the importance of surrendering our ego and desires at the feet of the divine beloved. Her longing for Shree Krishna symbolizes the soul's yearning for union with the divine, inspiring devotees to cultivate a deep longing for spiritual union.
Shree Krishna's Reciprocation and Grace
Shree Krishna's reciprocation of Shree Radha's love demonstrates the divine's response to pure devotion. Their Leelas are divine, and it’s not recommended to use our minds to understand these divine Leelas. One Supreme Entity has taken these two divine forms out of compassion to provide the nectar of their Names, Leelas, Virtues, Abodes, and Saints. These are priceless gifts (Graces) bestowed by God which empower us to purify our minds by attaching it to any.
Celebrating Sharad Purnima: Rituals and Their Significance
Fasting and its Spiritual Benefits
Fasting on Sharad Purnima is considered highly auspicious and has an influence on both spiritual and physical well-being. Devotees observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, abstaining from grains, salt, and spicy foods. This practice is believed to purify the body and mind, enhancing spiritual awareness and fostering a deeper connection with the divine. The fast is typically broken after offering prayers to the moon and consuming the blessed kheer or flavored milk.
The spiritual benefits of fasting on Sharad Purnima are numerous. It has an effect on balancing body metabolism, controlling acid content, enhancing endurance power, and cleansing the digestive system. Moreover, fasting provides an opportunity for the mind and body to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge, bestowing prosperity and happiness upon the devotee.
Offering Kheer to the Moon
One of the most significant rituals of Sharad Purnima is the preparation and offering of kheer to the moon. Devotees prepare a special rice pudding made with milk, rice, sugar, and dry fruits. This kheer is then placed under the moonlight throughout the night, allowing it to absorb the moon's healing energies. It is believed that the moonlight on Sharad Purnima has special qualities that imbue the kheer with medicinal and healing properties.
The tradition of offering kheer to the moon has both spiritual and scientific significance. From an Ayurvedic perspective, consuming this moonlight-infused kheer influences reducing pitta (heat) in the body, preventing seasonal illnesses. The combination of cooling ingredients in the kheer, along with the moon's soothing influence, influences balancing the body's energies and promoting overall well-being.
Chanting and Meditation Practices
Sharad Purnima is considered an ideal time for spiritual practices such as chanting and meditation. The full moon on this night is believed to possess all 16 kalas or attributes, making it exceptionally powerful for spiritual growth. Devotees engage in night-long vigils, known as Jagran, chanting mantras and meditating under the moonlight to harness their divine energy.
Chanting mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Devata influences invoking their blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment. The practice of meditation on Sharad Purnima influences deepening one's connection with the divine and enhancing spiritual awareness. It influences attracting positive vibrations to the mind and fostering a sense of oneness with the Higher Power.
The Divine Appearance Day of Jagadguruttam Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Historical Event
On the auspicious night of Sharad Purnima in October 1922, a divine breeze permeated the entire universe as Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj appeared in Mangarh village, near Allahabad, India. This momentous occasion coincided with the night when Shree Radha Rani revealed the true Vrindavan Bliss about 5,000 years ago. From the very first day, Shree Maharajji delighted the hearts of everyone around him with his sweet smile and serene demeanor.
His Guidance and Teaching
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, lovingly called Maharajji by his devotees, dedicated his entire life to distributing Shree Radha- Krishna’s love to souls who associated with him. He simplified the core teachings of Hinduism, making them accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Maharajji emphasized that the goal of life is to attain unlimited and everlasting bliss through the Divine Love of God and His eternal service.
Maharajji's teachings focused on the practice of devotion, or bhakti, as the easiest and surest path to God. He stressed the importance of 'Roopdhyan,' or meditating on the personal form of God, for at least one hour every day in isolation. This practice, he taught, helps grow an affinity towards God and is essential in devotion.
Devotees' Sentiments Towards Divine Appearance Day
The Divine Appearance Day of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj holds immense significance for his devotees. They consider it a day of great spiritual importance, marking the advent of a divine personality who brought about a spiritual revolution in the world. Devotees celebrate this day with Kirtans, RoopDhyan Meditations, Maharajji’s birthday Celebration, Prasad Distribution, and many such activities, reflecting on the profound impact Maharajji has had on their lives.
Many devotees view Maharajji as the embodiment of divine love and compassion. His ability to immerse himself and his followers in the nectar of love, known as Braj Ras, is seen as a testament to his spiritual prowess. Devotees often recount how a single darshan (sight) of Maharajji was sufficient to awaken strong spiritual feelings that had been dormant in their hearts for countless lifetimes.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima provides a unique opportunity to increase our devotion to the divine. This auspicious night celebrates the divine love of Shree Radha Krishna. Shree Krishna engaged in the Divine Dance with the Gopis, an event so significant that Sharad Purnima is also referred to as "Raas Purnima" in honor of the joyous Rasa Lila that took place. There are various rituals and customs performed by Hindu families on the auspicious day to attract success and prosperity. It stretches from offering Kheer to the moon, fasting, meditation, and many more. Moreover, devotees and their families engage in spiritual practices such as Kirtans, RoopDhyan Meditations, celebrating Maharajji’s birthday, Prasad Distribution, and many such activities, reflecting on the profound impact Maharajji has had on their lives.
To truly embrace the essence of Sharad Purnima, devotees are encouraged to explore the teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj through JKYog. His wisdom continues to guide seekers on the path of devotion and self-realization. For those looking to deepen their understanding and practice, subscribing to Swami Mukundananda's YouTube channel offers valuable insights into Vedic wisdom and practical spirituality, helping to cultivate a stronger connection with Shree Radha Krishna.
Visit the Radha Krishna Temple Website to learn about the upcoming Sharad Purnima celebration here.
FAQs
What is the special relevance of Sharad Purnima for Shree Krishna & its spiritual significance?
On Sharad Purnima, Shree Krishna demonstrated his divine love by multiplying himself to dance with each of the gopis, fulfilling their deepest spiritual longings. This full moon night is celebrated with great reverence in Shreedham Vrindavan as a key festival. This event is symbolic of divine presence and celebration, making it particularly associated with beauty and spiritual revelry.
What are the traditional rituals performed during Sharad Purnima?
During Sharad Purnima, the full moon is venerated in the evening. Devotees break their fast by preparing and offering a dish made of fried paddy, fruits, curd, and jaggery in front of a tulsi plant to the moon god. Following the offering, young women engage in traditional games and sing under the moonlight.
What should be avoided during Sharad Purnima celebrations?
It is customary to stay awake throughout Sharad Purnima night, engaging in devotional songs dedicated to Shree Krishna, the Moon, and Goddess Lakshmi. To maintain a serene and positive atmosphere, one should avoid consuming spicy foods and instead focus on eating sweet dishes like rice kheer, which are primarily made from milk.