Kojagiri Purnima, also known as Sharad Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to honor Goddess Lakshmi and the full moon. It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes and blesses those who are awake and engaged in spiritual activities. Here’s a powerful ritual to perform on Kojagiri Purnima:
Kojagiri Purnima Ritual:
Items Needed:
A small bowl of rice
A silver or copper plate
A picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi
A lamp with ghee or oil
Saffron (kesar) or turmeric
Red vermillion (kumkum)
Sandalwood paste
Incense sticks
Camphor
Flowers
Fresh fruits
Sweet dishes
A new piece of white or yellow cloth
Procedure:
Preparation: Cleanse yourself by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. Place the silver or copper plate on a clean surface, preferably facing east.
Setting Up the Altar: Place the picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi on the plate and decorate it with kesar or turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste. Offer fresh flowers and light incense sticks.
Lighting the Lamp: Light the lamp with ghee or oil. This lamp symbolizes the presence of Goddess Lakshmi and the dispelling of darkness.
Offering Sweets: Offer sweets and fruits to the Goddess as a symbol of your devotion and a request for her blessings. You can offer traditional sweets like kheer (rice pudding) or other favorites.
Chanting Mantras: Chant Lakshmi Mantras such as “ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मयै नमः” (Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah) or any other Lakshmi mantra of your choice.
Aarti: Perform aarti by circling the lit lamp in a clockwise direction while singing aarti songs dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Meditation and Prayer: After the aarti, meditate on Goddess Lakshmi and pray for prosperity, wealth, and well-being for your family and loved ones. Express gratitude for the abundance in your life.
Breaking the Fast: If you have been observing a fast, break it after the ritual by consuming a portion of the rice from the small bowl.
Offering New Cloth: On Kojagiri Purnima, it is a tradition to offer a new piece of white or yellow cloth to a goddess idol or a married woman to seek blessings and good fortune.
Stay Awake: To fully embrace the tradition, many people stay awake throughout the night, engaging in singing devotional songs, playing games, and celebrating with loved ones.
Performing this Kojagiri Purnima ritual with sincerity and devotion is believed to invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and ensure prosperity and well-being in your life.
