Kojagari Puja, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is an important festival celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. This year, Kojagari Purnima falls on October 16, 2024. This auspicious occasion is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. As Diwali approaches, Kojagari Puja offers a perfect opportunity to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and invite prosperity into our homes.
The Significance of Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Purnima holds great importance in Hindu traditions. The term “Kojagari” is derived from the Sanskrit phrase “Kojagarti,” which means “Who is awake?” According to Dr. Ganesh Mishra, an astrologer from the Central Sanskrit University in Puri, it is believed that on the night of Kojagari Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth, seeking out devotees who are awake and attentive. This unique aspect of the festival emphasizes the importance of vigilance and devotion.
Kojagari Purnima occurs 15 days before Diwali, making it an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming celebrations. By observing Kojagari Puja, devotees believe they can enhance their prosperity and abundance as they step into the festival of lights. This festival serves as a reminder to honor wealth and well-being and encourages individuals to express gratitude for the blessings they have received.
The Date and Timing of Kojagari Purnima 2024
In 2024, Kojagari Purnima will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16. The full moon, or Purnima, will occur at 8:40 PM, and the auspicious period for Kojagari Puja will last until October 17, Thursday, at 4:55 PM. The Nishita Muhurat, which is considered the most favorable time for performing the puja, is set for the night of October 16.
Kojagari Purnima: Timing for Lakshmi Puja
The auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja during Kojagari Purnima will be from 11:42 PM to 12:32 AM on the night of October 16. This one-hour window is particularly sacred for devotees to perform rituals and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.
On this night, the moon will rise at 5:05 PM and will be in the zodiac sign of Pisces, under the Rohini Nakshatra. The presence of the moon is vital for this festival, as it enhances the auspiciousness of the rituals performed.
Ravi Yoga on Kojagari Purnima
This year, Kojagari Purnima coincides with the formation of Ravi Yoga, which is believed to enhance the blessings and effectiveness of the puja. Ravi Yoga will be present from 6:23 AM to 7:18 PM on the day of Kojagari Purnima, providing an additional layer of auspiciousness for the celebrations.
Rituals and Customs for Kojagari Purnima 2024
Kojagari Purnima is marked by specific rituals and customs that devotees follow to honor Goddess Lakshmi. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Kojagari Lakshmi Puja:
- Prepare Your Space: Begin by cleaning your home thoroughly, as cleanliness is considered essential for inviting positive energies. A tidy space helps in creating an inviting atmosphere for the goddess.
- Setting Up the Altar: In the evening, create a small altar for Goddess Lakshmi. Place a wooden platform (Chowki) where you will install the idol or image of the goddess.
- Lighting Diyas: On this night, it is customary to light seven lamps (deepaks) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. These lamps symbolize the illumination of knowledge and the dispelling of darkness in one’s life.
- Offering Essentials: Offer various items to the goddess, including rice (Akshat), red vermilion (Sindoor), red roses, lotus flowers, lotus seeds (Kamalgatta), yellow cowries, incense (dhoop), candles, fragrant oils (gandh), and naivedya (food offerings).
- Chanting Mantras: As you perform the puja, chant the Lakshmi mantra with devotion. Reciting sacred texts such as the “Shri Lakshmi Chalisa,” “Shri Sukta,” and “Kanakadhara Stotra” can enhance the spiritual atmosphere.
- Offer Food: Present sweets made from milk or any white confectionery as bhog (offerings) to Goddess Lakshmi. The traditional practice of offering sweets signifies sharing one’s abundance with the divine.
- Aarti Ceremony: Perform the aarti, a ritual involving the ringing of bells and the blowing of conch shells, as a mark of devotion. It is essential to express your heartfelt prayers to the goddess during this ritual.
- Expressing Gratitude: Pray sincerely to Goddess Lakshmi for the fulfillment of your desires and for the well-being of your family. Express your gratitude for the blessings you have already received.
- Keep the Main Door Open: After the puja, keep the main door of your house open throughout the night. This gesture signifies your willingness to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. It is believed that she will visit the homes of those who stay awake and keep their doors open, bringing in prosperity and good fortune.
- Night Vigil: Many devotees choose to stay awake during the night of Kojagari Purnima, engaging in prayers and singing devotional songs. This practice is not only a way to honor the goddess but also a means of fostering a spiritual connection.
The Spirit of Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Purnima is not merely a ritualistic observance but a heartfelt celebration of abundance and gratitude. It encourages individuals to reflect on their blessings and seek a deeper connection with the divine. The essence of this festival lies in recognizing the importance of wealth, both material and spiritual, and sharing it with those around us.
In our modern lives, it is easy to overlook the significance of such traditions. However, Kojagari Purnima serves as a gentle reminder to cultivate a sense of gratitude and to actively invite prosperity into our lives. By participating in the rituals with sincerity and devotion, we can strengthen our bonds with our families and our community.
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Conclusion
As Kojagari Purnima approaches on October 16, 2024, may the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi illuminate your home and fill your life with abundance and joy. Embrace the traditions and rituals of this auspicious occasion, and let the spirit of Kojagari inspire you to stay awake to the possibilities of prosperity and growth in your life. By honoring the goddess and engaging in acts of devotion, you invite the light of abundance into your world, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future.
