Kojagara fast is observed on the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. It is observed to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. On this day, primarily Lakshmi Mata is worshiped. When one is blessed by Goddess Lakshmi all the financial crises in life are eliminated.
Kojagara fast is also known as Kojagara Purnima Vrat or Kojagiri Purnima. According to a popular belief, this period marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi wanders around the earth on the night of this Kogajar fast. Whoever worships her on this day and observes Jagran at night is blessed with a grand life by Goddess Lakshmi. Poverty is eliminated and one is blessed with a lot of money on observation of this fast.
Kojagara Vrat Puja Muhurat Time
Kojagara fast will be celebrated on 17 October 2024 on Thursday.
Nishita time 23:44 to 24:33
- Full Moon Date Start – 16 October 2024 at 20:41
- Full moon date ends – 17 October , 2024 at 16:56
Kojagara Vrat Puja Procedure
- On the day of Kojagara fast, one should get up early and take a bath before sunrise. Fresh and clean should be worn after bathing. One must then resolve to fast throughout the day.
- The idol of Lakshmi should be placed in the temple or place of worship. Red colored clothes should be offered on the Goddess.
- Goddess Lakshmi Mantra should be chanted and a Ghee lamp should be lit.
- Offer flowers and garlands on Mata Lakshmi.
- Maa Lakshmi should be offered Panchamrit.
- Offer flowers, Ritufal and Naivedya to the mother and perform Aarti for her.
- The above Puja procedure should again be repeated in the same order in the evening.
- Kheer made of up of milk should be offered to Mata without fail on this day.
- 11 Ghee lamps should be lit when the moon rises at night.
- Moon should be worshiped with a mixture of raw milk and water.
- Goddess Lakshmi Aarti should be done.
- Sri Lakshmi Sukt and Lakshmi Stotra should be recited as they please the Goddess.
- All offerings made to Goddess Lakshmi and should be distributed as Prasad.
- Jagaran should be observed on the full moon day.
Kojagara fast story
Kojagara Vrat Katha should be heard along with observing the fast on this day. It is believed auspicious results are obtained by reading and listening to the story of the fast. The fast gets completed without any hindrance. The story of Kojagara Vrat is as follows: –
In ancient times there used to be a kingdom called Magadha. A benevolent and good Brahmin used to reside in that state. He had a lot of good qualities but was poor. The Brahmin’s wife was completely opposite. She was selfish, refused to listen to the Bhrahmin and was involved in doing evil deeds.
She used to curse the Brahmin because of poverty and would also insult him in front of others. She would also ask the Brahmin to steal or earn money through wrong means. The wife’s taunts tired the Brahmin and one fine day he left the house to live in the forests.
He meets Naag Kanyas in the forest. Seeing the Bhgramin completely dejected they ask him the reason behind his sadness. To resolve his problem the Naag Kaniyas ask him to fast on Ashwin Purnima and observe Jagran at night. They tell him to observe the Kojagar fast.
The Brahmin goes back to his house. He performs Lakshmi Puja and observes Jagran on Kojagara Purnima of Ashwin month following all rituals correctly. As a result of the fast, the Bharamin is blessed with wealth and prosperity and his wife’s nature too softens. After that, by the blessings of Goddess Laksmi, Bharmin and his wife lead a happy life.
Celebration of Sharad Purnima fast on Kojagara
The day of Kogajar fast is known by many other names. It is one of the most important full moons of the year. This day is also celebrated as Sharad Purnima, Ashwin Purnima, Ras Purnima, and in some places, it is known and celebrated as Kaumudi Utsav. The name Sharad Purnima is derived from the season Sharad which occurs at this time It is believed that Lord Krishna performedMaharas with Radha ji on this day. This tradition is alive till date.
Why is the moon worshiped during the Kojagara fast?
According to the Hindu calendar, when one worships the moon on Ashwin Purnima, it leads to healing and financial stability. According to astrology, the rays of the full moon on Kojagara contain Amrit and remain so for the entire night.
It is believed that if one sits under the moonlight for sometime on this night, he/she does not suffer from terminal diseases. It is said that on this day, Kheer made of milk should be kept in the light of the moon for some time. After that this Kheer should be consumed. In doing so, the body’s immunity system and eyesight improve.
Kaumudi Festival
Traditionally the Kaumudi festival is celebrated on the day of Kojagara fast. It is a cultural glimpse, which reflects affection and love by connecting religious beliefs. Kaumudi festival can also be called a celebration of folk life. At this time, houses and temples etc. are decorated with fragrant liquids and flowers. Everybody finds a wonderful image of love and beauty in this festival.
Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati are worshiped in Kaumudi festival. Wishes of a happy marriage and love are fulfilled on this day. Worshiping Shiva and Parvati on this day ensures Marriage remains intact and blissful. Life is always filled with love.