Sharad Purnima

Today is Sharad Purnima. There is a close connection between the moon and the Sharad Purnima, the moon is believed to be close to the earth on this day and it is believed that moon’s rays contain nourishing elements. People believe that as the moon is nearest to the earth on this night and as the moon’s rays has several curative properties it will be helpful to human beings. So people spend the evening under moonlight.

On Sharad Purnima, the moon and the Earth are very close to each other. The rays of the moon have some healing properties which is said to nourish the body and soul of an individual. That is why food kept in the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is considered equal to Amrit (the immortal drink) or elixir. Hence, people in the Eastern regions follow a custom of preparing kheer and keeping it open under the moonlight throughout the night of Sharad Purnima.

The next day it is consumed by all the members of the family as it becomes 'Amrit' according to local beliefs. The night of Sharad Poornima holds its own significance. It makes the mind peaceful and reduces the effect of 'pitt', one should acquire this important moonlight on this night. ‪Maharishi Ved Vyas in Shrimad Bhagwatam has described the night of 'Sharad poornima' as the night of the Raasotsav of Lord Krishna on the earth, because unlike the moon showering the cool nectar Lord Krishna too, showered 'Bhakti ras ' on the earth. thousands of fortunate Gopis enthrilled themselves by enjoying the bhakti ras in the accompaniment of Lord Krishna.

The day of Sharad poornima is celebrated with full enthusiasm in Brij, Mathura, Vrindavan. As the Lord says "Pushnaami Chausadhi : Sarvaa Somo Bhootvaa Rasatmak" ~ I provide strength to the medicines in the form of Moon. Moon means calmness in the spiritual form ,one should remain undisturbed by the outwardly unfavourable conditions and be powerful deep within so that one cannot be affected by troubles, big and small. Even Many divine incarnations faced many problems in life. Shri Krishna faced problems from the very moment he took birth, Shri Ram was sent to exile at the time of his coronation, he had to leave for the forest barefooted instead of acquiring the crown. but still he was calm ,and did not lose patience. Lord Krishna himself faced so many hardships but always kept smiling. hence he has been named Krishna Chandra (Moon). Lord Shiva himself is known as Chandrashekhara, the lord who holds the moon on his head. Someshwaraya, Shiva the lord of lords with moon! Hari Om Tat Sat Namah Shivaya ~ Jai Shri Chandarshekharaya Namah !