Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojaagari Poonam, is celebrated on Aso Sud Punam. This auspicious night, illuminated by the bright full moon, is rich in cultural and spiritual significance. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, is believed to descend to the Earth, asking, "Ko jaagarti?" meaning "Who is awake?" She bestows blessings upon those who stay awake, keeping vigil and worshiping, as a sign of their devotion.
The night also commemorates Shri Krishna's divine Raas Leela with the gopis of Vrundavan. The gopis, displaying unwavering devotion, left behind societal constraints to experience Shri Krishna's pure, divine love. This dance, a celebration of devotion and divine love, symbolizes the soul's eternal bond with God.
In the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, Sharad Purnima holds a special significance as it marks the birth of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. Born in 1785 CE (Samvat 1841) in the village of Bhadra, Gunatitanand Swami is revered as the eternal spiritual successor and the embodiment of Aksharbrahma, the ideal devotee and divine form who resides eternally with Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami
Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami’s life is celebrated with great reverence within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, particularly at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) mandirs worldwide. His teachings, service, and unwavering devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan have inspired countless devotees to pursue a spiritual path focused on God-realization. His life exemplifies the ideals of spiritual discipline and the importance of having a spiritual guide or Guru for attaining liberation.
Just as the night sky of Sharad Punam is clear and suffused with lunar resplendence, the aspirant should similarly endeavor to purify their 'antahkaran' (inner self). To do this, they must eradicate body-consciousness and mundane desires, and imbibe Brahma-consciousness, to incessantly experience Parabrahma (the Supreme Being) (Gita 18/54, Shikshapatri 116). For this, the aspirant needs to seek the Gunatit Sadhu, who is the gateway to moksha, as proclaimed in the Bhagavatam (3/29/20):
Prasangamajaram paashamaatmanaha kavayo viduhu,
Sa eva sadhushu kruto mokshadwaaram apaavrutam.
The sages say that if a person becomes as attached to the Gunatit Sadhu as they are to their body and loved ones, the path to liberation (moksha) will open for them.
On Sharad Purnima, BAPS devotees gather in large numbers to celebrate Gunatitanand Swami’s birthday. The festivities are marked by singing devotional songs, offering prayers, and conducting rituals such as the offering of dudh pauva (flattened rice soaked in milk). Devotees perform five artis, creating a joyous atmosphere where the life and teachings of Gunatitanand Swami are extolled. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, celebrates Sharad Purnima at the Akshar Mandir, which is built on the sacred site of Gunatitanand Swami’s cremation.
Through the celebration of Sharad Purnima, devotees not only commemorate the birth of a great spiritual leader but also renew their own commitment to remain vigilant, keeping the light of devotion burning brightly within their hearts.
Lenin Joshi
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
