Kojagiri Purnima occurs on the full moon night (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (September-October) in the Hindu calendar.
Other Names
It is also known as Sharad Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima, and Kojagrat Purnima, among others.
Etymology
The word “Kojagiri” comes from Sanskrit/old Hindi roots. “Ko” means who, and “jagiri/jagriti” means awake or wakefulness. This implies the question, “Who is awake?” It refers to the belief that on this holy night, the divine, particularly Goddess Lakshmi, moves around and blesses those who stay awake.
Mythology & Beliefs
Goddess Lakshmi’s Roaming and Blessings
One key belief is that on Kojagiri night, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, walks the earth and visits homes. She blesses those who are awake, alert, and praying. Those who are asleep may miss her presence.
The mythology sometimes connects this to Lakshmi’s emergence from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Some versions say that Goddess Lakshmi revealed herself after the cosmic churning, making the Ashwin Purnima night important for worship.
The “Ko Jagrati?” Legend
Due to the focus on staying awake through the night, the phrase “Ko Jagrati?” (“Who is awake?”) is often linked to this festival. Devotees believe that the goddess asks this question while wandering. Those who can respond, meaning those who stay awake, are seen as blessed.
Raas Leela & Krishna Connection
In traditions around Vrindavan, Sharad Purnima night is also associated with Lord Krishna and the Raas Leela (divine dance). It is believed that on this full moon night, Krishna danced with the gopis under the moonlight.
Thus, the night has dual significance: with Goddess Lakshmi (prosperity) and divine union/devotion (Krishna’s dance).
Legends in Regional Texts
Some Puranic or local legends tell the story of a Brahmin who questioned the origin of Lakshmi (whether from the sea or from a mortal womb) and sought an answer. Reciting or hearing such Vrat Katha (fasting story) on Kojagiri Purnima is believed to bring spiritual benefits.
In areas like Mithila, there is a related observance called Kojagra, performed in the households of newly married couples. According to lore, King Janaka first performed Kojagra in honor of his son-in-law Rama.
Rituals & Customs
While practices vary by region, here are some common rituals and traditions:
Fasting/Abstinence | Many devotees keep a Nirjala (waterless) or liquid fast during the day and break it after moonrise.
Lakshmi Puja | In the evening, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi with lamps, flowers, incense, and offerings. Some place her idol on a wooden board and decorate the surroundings.
Offering of Kheer/Milk Dishes | One hallmark custom is preparing rice kheer (a pudding made with milk and sugar/jaggery) and placing it in silver or metal vessels under the open sky or moonlight. The next morning, it is eaten as Prasad. Moonlight is believed to charge the kheer with healing properties.
Staying Awake/Vigil (Jagaran) | Devotees stay awake through the night by singing bhajans, chanting, reading sacred texts, or engaging in devotional music. This is to welcome Lakshmi and not miss her visit.
Moon Worship/Indra Puja | People sometimes worship Chandra (moon god) and Indra (rain god) along with Lakshmi since moon rays are thought to have special power this night.
Charity & Giving | Some devotees share food, clothes, or alms with the needy. Sharing prasadam is also common.
Regional Variations | In Maharashtra, people prepare masala milk with nuts and spices and keep it under moonlight. In states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, the night is associated with Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.
Symbolism & Spiritual Significance
**Harvest & Season Transition**
Kojagiri Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of Sharad (autumn). It is sometimes viewed as a harvest festival, where nature is clear and abundant.
**Moonlight as Elixir**
According to traditional belief, on this night, the full moon shows all 16 “kalas” (aspects/phases). The moonlight is thought to carry “amrita” (nectar or elixir), so offerings left under moonlight are considered spiritually potent.
**Awareness & Vigilance**
The main motif of staying awake (jagaran) symbolizes spiritual alertness—being mindful, receptive, and aware of divine blessings.
**Divine Union, Devotion & Grace**
The blend of Lakshmi’s blessings with the Krishna-Raas Leela story emphasizes that this night links prosperity with devotion and abundance with spiritual beauty.
**Purification & Renewal**
Metaphorically, the festival invites inner purification—cleansing the mind, offering devotion through discipline (fasting, vigil), and renewing faith in divine grace.
Modern Relevance & Observance
Many urban households still maintain the old tradition of preparing kheer and milk dishes, placing them outside to absorb moonlight, and consuming them after dawn.
Cultural programs, devotional gatherings, and bhajan nights are organized in temples or community halls.
On social media, people share moonlit photographs, festival greetings, and even host moonlight milk parties.
Some health and wellness narratives connect the custom of drinking cold milk under moonlight with cooling effects, encouraging sleep or skin benefits (although these beliefs are more traditional than scientifically proven).
Kojagiri Purnima (Sharad Purnima) is a bright festival filled with layers—from tales of Goddess Lakshmi roaming the earth to Krishna’s Raas Leela, and the faithful vigil and moon-touched offerings passed down through generations. It brings together nature, devotion, and cultural heritage in one radiant night.
Whether seen as a spiritual observance or a celebration of moonlight and tradition, the festival continues to inspire reverence, longing, and faith in divine kindness.
