Sharad Purnima: rituals and spiritual benefits

Q: Dear Mahesh, I would like to know when I should leave the kheer out at night. lalways look forward to it at this part of the year.

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A: Sharad Purnima night, known as the night to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, will occur in South Africa on the night of October 6th.

So, on the 6th night, the moon will be closest to the earth and at its brightest.

It is believed that when this occurs, the moon directs its divine rays on earth and with its full complement of 16 kalas.

On Sharad Purnima night, the moon showers nectar (Amrit) on human beings. Exposure to moonlight, at least until midnight, is encouraged during this period, to receive the “Amrit”.

Ritual, legends, religious and astrological significance and benefits of Sharad Purnima:

On the evening of October 6, prepare a kheer dish (made with tice, cow's milk, sugar and dried fruit). It can be covered with a transparent net if necessary, and it must be exposed to the moonlight.

Before sunrise the next day, or at midnight, offer the kheer dish first to your favourite deity, before it is distributed or eaten by your family.

Astrologically, this is called the “Night of Prosperity”. On this night, Mother Lakshmi is believed to visit places where people are awake and engaged in spiritual activity and she would reward them with wealth and prosperity, even if it is not in accordance with their horoscope. Happiness (positive thoughts) and sorrow (negative thoughts) are all projections of the mind.