Imagine a full moon night, and a cool breeze is blowing. You are sipping a glass of Masala milk, receiving the holy blessings of Maa Lakshmi showered by the moonlight. It’s none other than the day of Kojagiri Purnima, which is also called Sharad Purnima as a second name.
If you are new to this festivity, you might be wondering what exactly this day is, so we will explain everything about this wondrous day here in this blog:
So, let’s watch out:
What is Kojagiri Purnima?
Kojagiri Purnima is the day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, and it occurs only on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Aswin, which usually comes in October. The night is believed to be the most sacred, as the moon showers nectar from the sky in the form of ‘Amrit.’
It’s also said that the moonlight on that night has tremendous healing power, which blesses the faster or the devotee with great health, peace and prosperity. (the blessings as divine nectar).
In other words, Kojagiri is a term that came from the Sanskrit phrase ‘Ko Jagarti.’ This means ‘who is awake?’ because Goddess Lakshmi comes down to the Earth and sees the devotees, who are awake for her and praying. The people who are up and do Maa Lakshmi puja get her divine blessings.
Why is Masala Milk Consumed on Kojagiri Purnima?
Now the best part about this festivity is Masala milk, which is prepared using boiled full-fat milk and adding cardamom (Elaichi), saffron (kesar), nuts like almonds and pistachios, and a little sugar or jaggery.
Then this milk drink is kept under the moonlight in a silver or steel vessel to absorb the moon’s amrit. The milk is not just tasty but is also a healthy option for people with approved evidence of having divine energy.
Divine Ways How Kojagiri Purnima is Celebrated
1. Goddess Lakshmi Worship
The Goddess of wealth, fortune, success, and purity, Maa Lakshmi is worshipped on this day. People start cleaning the homes a few days before for purity. The abodes are decorated with flowers, lights, and rangolis.
While doing puja, Shri Lakshmi Kuber Yantra or the idol is kept at the altar. Lamp is lit before it, and then rice, sweets, and milk items are offered to the goddess. It’s also important to chant Maa Lakshmi mantras at that time, such as:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
2. Moonlight Milk Ritual
Masala doodh is prepared and drunk under moonlight. Families prepare sweetened milk adding saffron, cardomom, dry fruits, and it’s kept under the sky in the moon, so that it can absorb moon amrit.
When the milk is consumed, it is said that the body is spiritually nourished and has gained calmness.
3. Jagran
The people who do Maa Lakshmi puja on this day also stay awake at night under the moonlit sky. They sing bhajans, chant mantras, meditate, or read Maa Lakshmi's holy scriptures to reflect upon the purity.
4. Community Celebrations
Kojagiri is a festivity that is celebrated with families, friends, or nearby communities. In Maharashtra, people gather on terraces and take drinks together and do chanting.
In states like West Bengal, the day is observed as Lokkhi Pujo, where homes are decorated beautifully and sweets are offered to the goddess.
5. Fasting
Some people also keep fast on this day. They keep either a full-day fast or the milk-only fast. Lakshmi Maa Puja is done in the evening, following important puja steps. If keeping a milk fast, then milk is drunk standing under the moonlight.
In Essence
Kojagiri Purnima is a divine festival when nature’s beauty is appreciated and absorbed in the form of moonlight milk. The spiritual wealth is also attained by worshipping Maa Lakshmi.
Above everything, while lighting a lamp, sipping milk, and chanting mantras, you will experience that your soul is connecting to something higher.
So, this Kojagiri Purnima, may your life also be enlightened with eternal happiness and calm. May the grace of Goddess Lakshmi always bless you with love, light, and spiritual wisdom.
If you want to know about the Kojagiri Purnima Puja Vidhi, then talk to our divine Mahaguru & Spiritual Advisor, Pt. Rahul Kaushl,, for valuable insights. Connect with him at pandit.com,.
