The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja festival is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which typically falls in the month of October. Generally, full moons are considered powerful times for meditation, introspection, and inner work. The October full moon can shape conscious discipline behavior in our energy field.
The first full moon following the fall equinox is known as Kojagari Purnima. “Kojagari” is a term derived from the Sanskrit language and is commonly used in the Indian state of West Bengal, Asam and some other parts of India. This Ashwin full moon festival known as “Kojagari Lakshmi Puja”, “Kojagari Purnima”, or “Sharad Purnima.” The word “Kojagari” itself means “who is awake”, “who is aware” or “who is awake at night.”
Significance of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
The phrase “who is awake” or “who is aware” holds deep spiritual and metaphorical significance, touching upon various aspects of success, prosperity, self-discipline, and morality. In humna body there are 114 chakras. The influence of this full moon is on the “soma chakra” (near the crown chakra). This chakra offer a holistic perspective on human well-being and spiritual growth.
- Success and Prosperity: Being “awake” or “aware” in the context of success and prosperity refers to a state of mindfulness and consciousness. Success often requires a heightened awareness of one’s goals, opportunities, and surroundings. Those who are awake to their ambitions and the world around them are more likely to make informed decisions, spot opportunities, and navigate challenges effectively, thus enhancing their chances of success and prosperity.
- Self-Discipline: Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s impulses and stay focused on long-term goals. Being “awake” in terms of self-discipline means being fully aware of one’s desires and tendencies and exercising the willpower to make choices that align with one’s higher objectives. It involves recognizing and resisting temptations that might hinder personal growth and discipline.
- Morality: An individual who is “awake” in terms of morality possesses a heightened ethical consciousness. This awareness leads to a strong sense of right and wrong, guiding one’s actions and choices. Such individuals are more likely to uphold moral principles and act with integrity in various aspects of life.
- Cognitive ability: Neuroscience studies the intricate workings of the human brain and its impact on behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities. Being “awake” or “aware” from a neurological perspective refers to heightened brain activity and consciousness. This state of heightened awareness can lead to improved cognitive function, decision-making, and emotional regulation, all of which can be vital for success and well-being.
- Full Moon: In many spiritual and astrological traditions, the full moon is considered a time of increased energy and heightened consciousness. The full moon’s influence is believed to amplify one’s emotional and mental states, making it an ideal time for reflection, meditation, and spiritual practice. Being “awake” during the full moon can enhance one’s self-awareness and connection with the cosmos, potentially leading to personal growth and spiritual development.
- Soma Chakra: In yoga and Hindu spiritual traditions, the “soma chakra” is often associated with the crown chakra, located at the top of the head, near the crown chakar. This chakra is linked to higher consciousness and self-realization. Being “awake” in terms of the soma chakra signifies a deep spiritual awareness and a connection with one’s higher self. It is often associated with states of profound enlightenment and inner peace.
The concepts of being “awake” or “aware” extends to various aspects of human existence, from success and prosperity to self-discipline, morality, and spiritual growth. It involves heightened consciousness, mindfulness, and a connection with one’s inner self and the world around them. The influence of the full moon and the soma chakra can further amplify this state of awareness, offering a holistic approach to personal development and well-being.
Sicence of Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Purnima is the first full moon after the autumnal equinox. It has lots of subtle influence on our neurotransmitters and hormones. This is also known as the Harvest Moon in some other traditions. According to scientific studies, serotonin (5-HT) levels are highest in the fall (October and November) and lowest in the winter (December and January) [1]. Serotonin in your brain regulates your mood. Serotonin is often called your body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression. Generally, the concentrations of Serotonins reduces during the colder months.
Rituals of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
During Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, devotees observe an all-night vigil or fast, staying awake throughout the night to worship Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that the goddess visits the homes of her devotees on the night of Kojagari Purnima to bestow her blessings, wealth, and prosperity. As a sign of their devotion and readiness to receive the goddess, people engage in various rituals, including the lighting of lamps and offering prayers.
Lakshmi Puja Vrat Katha
During the festival, the Lakshmi Puja Vrat Katha holds particular significance. It is considered auspicious to perform the puja and read or listen to the Katha during this time. The Lakshmi Puja Vrat Katha is a story with profound spiritual and cultural significance. It inspires devotees to maintain their devotion and faith in Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and the well-being of their families.
Scientifically, Vrat Katha stories are about developing oxytocin and serotonin. Lakshmi Puja Vrat Katha is for building patience, persistence, social coordination, and other valuable virtues for success and prosperity. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin is linked to social bonding, devotion, trust, and empathy. Research has suggested that increased levels of oxytocin can enhance feelings of trust and cooperation, which are important elements of moral behavior [2]. Oxytocin influences positive behavior and empathy, making individuals more inclined to make morally sound decisions.
Goddess Lakshmi is pleased with simplicity. Hence, this puja doesn’t require elaborate preparations. Those who can, perform the puja, but it is essential to clean the puja area thoroughly before commencing. Then, a simple design or ‘alpana’ is made.
At every household’s doorstep and in the puja area, the footprint of Goddess Lakshmi are drawn. It should not be wiped away on that day. Then, the puja area is beautifully decorated with flowers, incense, fragrance, and lamps.
Dakshinavart Shankha
The “Dakshinavart Shankha,” often referred to as the “Lakshmi Shankha,” is considered a sacred and auspicious conch shell associated with Goddess Lakshmi. This conch shell typically has a unique feature; it spirals to the right when viewed with the aperture facing up, and this is why it is called “Dakshinavart,” meaning “right-turning.” These conch shells are based on special Fibonacci patterns following appropriate golden ratios.
In the conch shell, the lip vibration acts like a sinusoidal vibration. Studies on the conch shell spectrum revealed the presence of harmonics in both fundamental modes (odd and even multiples of the fundamental) [3]. The structural parameters of conch shell allows for the optimization and alteration of both the peak frequency and sound absorption bandwidth [4]. Researchers observed Alpha waves in the brain before and after listening to sound of conch shells [5]. These waves measure between 8 and 12 Hz. Alpha waves. It improves memory, intelligence, creativity, and alertness. Optimal enhancement of alpha waves in the brain can increase creativity levels [6]. Dakshinavart Shankha can also generate optimal beta and gamma rhythms in the brain. Which is normally associated with divergent thinking [7]. Dakshinavart Shankha is a powerful divine instrument for balancing brain regions and the environment.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Mantras
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Mantras hold immense significance during the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. These mantras are recited by devotees to invoke the blessings of the goddess and seek financial well-being. Some of the most commonly chanted mantras during Kojagari Lakshmi Puja include the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra and the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
Kojagarī Lakshmi Stotram:
कोजागरी लक्ष्मी स्तोत्रम्
त्रैलोक्य पूजिते देवी कमले विष्णुवल्लभे।
यथास्तं सुस्थिरा कृष्णे तथा भवमयि स्थिरा।।
ईश्वरी कमला लक्ष्मीश्चला भूति हरिप्रिया।
पद्मा पद्मालया सम्पद सृष्टि श्रीपद्मधारिणी।।
Kojāgarī lakṣmī stotram
trailokya pūjite devī kamalē viṣṇu-vallabhe।
yathā-staṅ su-sthiraḥ kṛṣṇe tathā bhavamayī sthirā।।
īśvarī kamalā lakṣmīśchalā bhūti hari-priyā।
padmā padmālayā sampada sṛṣṭi śrī-padma-dhāriṇī।।
Meaning: “O Devi Kamala, who is worshipped in the three worlds, the beloved of Lord Vishnu, just as you are steadfast with Lord Krishna, may you be similarly steadfast in bestowing fortune. You are the supreme goddess, Kamala, Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, beloved of Lord Hari. Like a lotus in a pond, you create prosperity and bear the mark of Sri (Lakshmi).”
Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
Mahalakshmi Ashtakam: This eight-verse hymn praises Goddess Mahalakshmi and is often recited with great devotion during the puja. Each verse highlights different aspects of the goddess and her significance in bestowing wealth and prosperity.
Summary
We discussed the science, significance, mantras, and rituals of the Kojagari Lakshmi Puja festival. This festival serves as a time-honored tradition for invoking blessings of prosperity and abundance, blending scientific and spiritual elements in a harmonious celebration. May there be harmony, love, respect, peace, success and prosperity everywhere.