Sharad Purnima
Also known as 'Kojaagari Punam,' the festival is celebrated on Aso sud 15 - Purnima. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth moves around in the night sky, asking `Ko jaagrati' searching for people below who are awake. In Sanskrit, `Ko jaagrati' means, ' who is awake?' And to those who are awake she gifts wealth.
Origin
On this night, Lord Krishna invited his faithful devotees, the Gopis of Vrundavan, to play the Maha Raas (traditional folk-dance) with him.
Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, the choicest devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan was born on Sharad Punam, Samvat 1841. He granted 'wealth' by blessing spiritually 'awake' devotees with God-realization.
Sentiments
The spiritual import of 'Jaagrati' (awake) is to remain vigilant. In Vachanamrut Gadhada III-9, Bhagwan Swaminarayan elaborates on this vigilance. He says that the vigilance in one's heart is the gateway to the Lord's divine abode.
Symbolic Importance
Just as the night sky of Sharad Punam is clear and suffused with lunar resplendence, the aspirant should similarly endeavor to purify his 'antahkaran.'
Ritual
'Dudha-Pauva' - parched rice soaked in milk - is offered to God.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrates the festival with great fervor in all mandirs at night. Devotees sing kirtans and extol the glory of Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami. Five artis are performed during the assembly. Pramukh Swami Maharaj usually celebrates Sharad Punam in Gondal mandir - built on the sacred site of Gunatitanand Swami's cremation.
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