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By Sanjay Parekh
NHSF Learning Team
4th October 2009 (15th Aashwin in the Hindu calendar)
Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojaagari Punam is celebrated on the full moon of the last month
in the Hindu calendar (Aashwin).
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth moves around the night sky
searching for people who may be awake. Ko Jaagari? in Sanskrit translates to
Who is awake? and it is to those that she bestows wealth.
Origin
The story of Kojaagari is cited in the Sanatkumar Samhita.
Samhita Vaalkhil Rishi narrates of a poor Brahmin named Valit who lived in
Magadhdesh, Bengal. He was a virtuous and learned man whereas his wife revelled
in quarrels and went against his wishes. Once, on the day of his fathers
Shraddh (day of respect towards a deceased one), his wife threw the pind
into the sewage instead of the Ganga River. When Valit understood what she had
done, he became infuriated and instantly renounced his home to search for
wealth.
On his travels, in the forest, he met Naagkanyas, the
girls of Kaliya Naags ancestry. They had been performing the Kojaagari Vrat
and were awake on Aashwin Punam. When Valit approached, they conversed and
began gambling. Valit lost everything he owned. At the same moment, Lord Vishnu
and consort, Lakshmi were passing by. Since Valit had incidentally observed
Kojaagari Vrat, Lakshmi graced him with handsomeness. Now attracted to him,
the Naagkanyas married Valit and gifted him their riches. Valit then returned
home and was warmly received by his wife.
Samhita thus declared, those who remain awake on this Punam
will be graced with wealth.
Celebrations
In Gujarat, a harvest festival is celebrated on this day of
the full moon. 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 Kaumudi (moonlight) celebration. Dudha-Pauva (parched rice soaked in
milk) is also made and eaten as Prasad.
To remain awake on this day, people sit in the moonlight
singing song and dancing. A fast from solid food is also observed and only
fluids like coconut water or milk is taken.
Sharad Purnima is celebrated throughout India, especially by
people residing in Maharashtra.
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