Sharad Purnima is the full moon of the month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It is also known as “Kozhagari Purnima” and “Ras Purnima”, as it is believed that on this night the moon attains its full form with all its 16 phases and showers moonlight like nectar.
This night is considered beneficial for positive energy and spiritual practices. To increase happiness, prosperity, wealth, and good fortune in the family, it is traditional to perform religious pujas, fasts, wake-up, and offer kheer in the moonlight on this tithi.
Below, we will know about the auspicious timings, puja methods, fasting stories, and dos and don’ts of Sharad Purnima 2025 – a complete guide.
1. Date and Time of Sharad Purnima 2025
This year, the tithi of Sharad Purnima is October 6, 2025.
On this day, the Purnima Tithi begins at 12:23 PM and lasts till 9:16 AM the next day.
This year, the special auspicious time to keep kheer under the moonlight begins at 10:37 PM and lasts till 12:09 PM.
Also, the auspicious times this year are Abhijit Muhurt from 12:03 PM to 12:50 PM, Vijay Muhurt from 2:25 PM to 3:13 PM, and Godhuli Muhurt from 6:23 PM to 6:47 PM.
This year, Amrit Kaal is considered from 11:40 PM to 1:07 AM the next day.
It is important to know these times so that rituals like puja, fasting, etc. are performed at the right time and get the benefits.
2. Sharad Purnima Vrat — Story and Significance
The significance of Sharad Purnima Vrat is not only related to rituals but also to beliefs, rules, and devotion. There is a famous story behind this fast, called “The Story of the Moneylender’s Daughters”.
The Story of the Moneylender’s Daughters
Long ago, a wealthy moneylender had two daughters – the elder sister, a pious and observant devotee, and the younger sister, a careless and irregular one. Both observed the full moon fast, but the younger sister observed it incompletely. Over time, the elder sister’s house enjoyed peace, happiness, children, and prosperity. The younger sister repeatedly suffered from the loss of children and hardship.
When the younger sister asked the priests, they said that she had not observed the fast with full devotion and faith. The next time, she observed the fast with full rituals, prayed, and kept vigils. Even then, the baby was born dead. But due to the virtue of the elder sister, when the baby was touched, the baby came back to life. This miracle spread the message: “Fasts should not be incomplete – they should be observed with discipline, devotion, and completeness.”
This story teaches us that if a religious work is not completed, it does not bear any fruit. Fasting on Sharad Purnima is especially believed to bring blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, happiness, and prosperity of children.
3. Puja Procedures and Rituals
Performing rituals on Sharad Purnima is considered very auspicious. Below are instructions on the Puja procedure and rituals:
Daily Routine and Resolution
Take a bath before sunrise and wear holy clothes.
Resolve to observe a fast – this can be a waterless fast or a light fast, depending on one’s capacity.
Prepare a place for the Puja: place a clean seat, flowers, incense, lamps, offerings, etc.
2 Puja
Remember the deities (especially Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and the Moon God) in the morning and evening.
Special Puja materials include flowers, lamps, incense, coconut, fruits, unbroken rice grains, and kheer (sweet pudding made of milk and rice).
Recite Indrakrit Lakshmi Stotra or other Lakshmi Stotras.
Worship at midnight (Amardha Ratri) and offer kheer in the moonlight.
The best time to expose kheer to the moonlight: 10:37 PM to 12:09 AM.
Distribute kheer as prasad the next morning.
3 Meditation and Awakening
Stay awake all night – you can recite bhajans, kirtans, or kathas.
The rays of the moon are considered to be like nectar during this time, so moon darshan is considered especially fruitful.
4. Remedies and precautions for Sharad Purnima
During this period, Panchak Kala (when auspicious activities should not be done) is effective. Panchak Kala is from October 3rd to October 8th, and its effects will be felt on the full moon as well. Therefore, take special precautions during this period and avoid unnecessary auspicious activities.
Do not leave the fast incomplete—If you leave the puja or fast midway, its benefits are lost. As a result, the puja remains incomplete. This is also the main message of the story.
Only fasts observed with prescribed rituals are considered fruitful.
Take care of cleanliness while making kheer.
If one has health problems or is not able to fast, then simple measures like meditation or eating a small amount of fruits or light fasting may be acceptable (depending on personal beliefs).
Read more:- 50 Powerful Dussehra Wishes, WhatsApp Messages & Greetings for Friends and Family
5. Sharad Purnima: Spiritual and Social Significance
Sharad Purnima is not just a festival, but an opportunity for spiritual strength and life improvement.
This day symbolizes the fullness of the moon, the growth of its phases, and the divine power.
It is considered very auspicious to perform any religious ceremony (waking, bhajan-kirtan, meditation) in the light of the moon on this night.
There is a special significance in worshipping the moon by offering kheer (sweet rice pudding) – it is called ‘Chandra Amrit’.
Socially, sharing prasad serves as a means of connecting families and society.
It is an opportunity for individuals to revive their faith, find inner peace, and channel positive energy into their lives.
Hi readers. I’m Piyali Batabyal, a passionate blogger who loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences across a variety of topics—from lifestyle and beauty to personal growth and creativity. With a curious mind and a love for words.
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