Sharad Purnima 2026: Date, Auspicious Timings, Puja Vidhi, Chandra Mantras and Vrat Parana Time
Sharad Purnima is one of the significant festivals in Hinduism. It is associated with Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela, the worship of Chandra Dev (the Moon God), Goddess Lakshmi, and the traditional practice of keeping kheer under the moonlight. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin, this festival symbolizes devotion, peace, spiritual reflection, and prayers for prosperity.
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026? What are the auspicious timings for puja? Which Chandra mantras can be chanted on this occasion? When should kheer be prepared, and when should the fast be broken? Let us explore the date, religious significance, puja rituals, mantras, and vrat parana details for Sharad Purnima 2026.
Sharad Purnima 2026: Date and Auspicious Timings
In 2026, Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25. Devotees worship Lord Krishna, Chandra Dev, and Goddess Lakshmi on this occasion. Depending on their family and regional traditions, they may also observe a fast, perform puja, sing devotional hymns, and participate in charitable activities.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date and Time
Details | Date and Time |
Sharad Purnima 2026 | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
Purnima Tithi Begins | Approximately 11:55 AM on October 25 |
Purnima Tithi Ends | Approximately 9:41 AM on October 26 |
Moonrise | Approximately 5:00 PM on October 25 |
Nishita Kaal | Approximately 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM |
Traditional Time for Keeping Kheer | After moonrise, according to family tradition |
Vrat Parana | According to the prescribed fasting tradition and local Panchang |
Note: The timings above are approximate and refer to Delhi. Moonrise, puja muhurat, and parana timings may vary by location. Please consult a reliable local Hindu Panchang for accurate timings.
Religious Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima and Raas Purnima. The festival is associated with the worship of Chandra Dev, prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, and the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna.
According to Hindu traditions, the Moon is believed to shine with all sixteen kalas on this night. Its cool, luminous appearance symbolizes peace, purity, and serenity. Devotees offer prayers to the Moon and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
Sharad Purnima holds special significance in the Vaishnava traditions of Braj. Devotees remember Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela and reflect on the values of divine love, devotion, and surrender.
The festival also offers an opportunity to reconnect with spiritual traditions, spend meaningful time with family, and strengthen the values of compassion and service.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Puja Vidhi
Sharad Purnima puja is performed with devotion according to family and regional traditions. A commonly followed method is outlined below.
1. Morning Bath and Sankalp
Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. If you intend to observe a fast, make a sincere sankalp, or religious resolve, according to your tradition.
2. Prepare the Puja Area
Clean your home temple and arrange an image or idol of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Light a Diya and Perform Puja
Light a diya and offer flowers, akshat (rice grains), fruits, sweets, and other traditional puja items.
4. Recite the Vrat Katha and Chant Mantras
Read or listen to a traditional Sharad Purnima vrat katha. You may also chant Chandra mantras, recite devotional hymns, or sing bhajans according to your faith.
5. Worship Chandra Dev
After moonrise, look at the Moon and offer prayers. If offering arghya is part of your tradition, offer water using a clean vessel.
6. Perform Aarti and Distribute Prasad
Conclude the puja with aarti and offer kheer or another prepared food offering to the deity. Distribute the prasad among family members.
Puja practices vary across regions. Some traditions emphasize the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, while others focus on Radha-Krishna devotion and the remembrance of the Maha Raas Leela.
Significance of Worshipping Chandra Dev on Sharad Purnima
Worshipping Chandra Dev is one of the central traditions of Sharad Purnima. In Hindu religious beliefs, the Moon is associated with coolness, gentleness, and the mind.
In Vedic astrology, the Moon is traditionally associated with emotions, mental disposition, and inner stability. For this reason, many devotees include Chandra worship and mantra chanting in their spiritual practices.
On Sharad Purnima, devotees may offer prayers to the Moon, perform arghya, chant mantras, or meditate in a quiet environment.
Keeping kheer under the moonlight is another tradition associated with the festival. However, claims that moonlight gives kheer special medicinal properties or cures illnesses are not established scientific facts.
Chandra Mantras to Chant on Sharad Purnima 2026
The full moon and its luminous appearance make Sharad Purnima a special occasion for many devotees to remember Chandra Dev through prayer and meditation.
According to religious and astrological traditions, chanting Chandra mantras is a form of devotion and is sometimes practised as a spiritual remedy associated with the Moon. Devotees may find the practice helpful for mindfulness and spiritual concentration, although specific outcomes are not guaranteed.
1. Simple Chandra Dev Mantra
Mantra:
ॐ चं चन्द्रमसे नमः॥
Transliteration: Om Cham Chandramase Namah.
This is a simple mantra offered in reverence to Chandra Dev. Devotees may chant it after moonrise while maintaining a calm and focused mind.
2. Chandra Dev Dhyan Mantra
Mantra:
दधिशंखतुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णवसम्भवम्।
नमामि शशिनं सोमं शम्भोर्मुकुटभूषणम्॥
Transliteration:
Dadhishankha Tusharabham Kshirodarnava Sambhavam,
Namami Shashinam Somam Shambhor Mukuta Bhushanam.
This verse describes the radiant and serene form of Chandra Dev. It is traditionally recited as part of lunar worship and devotional meditation.
3. Chandra Beej Mantra
Mantra:
ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्रमसे नमः॥
Transliteration: Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah.
This is a traditional seed mantra associated with Chandra Dev. Devotees may chant it according to their religious practice or the guidance of their spiritual teacher.
4. Soma Mantra
Mantra:
ॐ ऐं क्लीं सोमाय नमः॥
Transliteration: Om Aim Kleem Somaya Namah.
This mantra invokes Soma, a name associated with the Moon in Hindu tradition. It may be recited during quiet prayer or meditation on Sharad Purnima.
5. Chandra Gayatri Mantra
Mantra:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः अमृतांगाय विद्महे।
कलारूपाय धीमहि तन्नो सोमः प्रचोदयात्॥
Transliteration:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah Amritangaya Vidmahe,
Kalarupaya Dhimahi Tanno Somah Prachodayat.
This Gayatri-style mantra is associated with meditation on Soma and is recited by devotees as an expression of reverence.
How to Chant Chandra Mantras on Sharad Purnima
Bathe in the evening and wear clean clothes.
Light a diya in your puja area and sit in a peaceful environment.
After moonrise, offer prayers or arghya according to your tradition.
Choose one mantra and chant it with devotion and concentration.
Spend a few moments in meditation and pray for the well-being of your family.
The recommended number of repetitions and the method of chanting vary across traditions. Choose a practice that is comfortable and appropriate for your beliefs.
Kubera Mantra for Sharad Purnima
In Hindu religious traditions, Lord Kubera is regarded as the guardian of wealth and the deity associated with material prosperity. Some families remember Kubera alongside Goddess Lakshmi during Sharad Purnima.
Devotees may chant the Kubera mantra while praying for financial stability, abundance, and prosperity.
Kubera Mantra:
ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये।
धनधान्यसमृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा॥
Transliteration:
Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye,
Dhanadhanya Samriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha.
The mantra may be recited with devotion as part of your traditional worship. Keep the puja area clean and follow your family’s customary practices.
Mantra chanting is a matter of religious faith and spiritual practice; it does not guarantee wealth or specific financial outcomes. Practical planning, responsible financial decisions, and consistent effort also play important roles in financial well-being.
Why Is the Night of Sharad Purnima Considered Special?
After the monsoon, the autumn sky often appears clearer, making the full Moon particularly beautiful. This natural phenomenon has inspired numerous religious and cultural traditions.
According to popular Hindu belief, the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is considered nectar-like, and the night is sometimes described as Amritmayi Raat, or a night of divine nectar. Devotees observe the Moon, sing bhajans, and remember their chosen deities.
In Braj traditions, the night is associated with the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the remembrance of Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela.
Sharad Purnima therefore brings together the beauty of nature, religious devotion, and spiritual reflection.
The Tradition of Preparing Kheer on Sharad Purnima
Preparing kheer from milk and rice is a cherished Sharad Purnima tradition in many Hindu households. The kheer is offered to the deity and later distributed as prasad.
According to traditional belief, kheer kept under the moonlight on this night is considered especially sacred. Many families place it in a clean, protected location after moonrise.
How to Prepare Sharad Purnima Kheer
Bring milk to a boil.
Add washed rice and cook over a low flame until soft.
Add sugar or mishri according to taste.
Add cardamom and nuts if desired.
Once prepared, offer the kheer to the deity.
If you follow the tradition, place it under the moonlight for a short period while keeping it protected.
Food safety reminder: Use a clean, mesh-covered container to protect the kheer from dust and insects. Do not leave milk-based food at room temperature for extended periods. You can observe the tradition while ensuring the food remains safe to eat.
Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is also considered an auspicious occasion for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. In parts of Maharashtra and western India, special Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is performed on this night.
The word Kojagari is traditionally associated with the question, “Who is awake?” According to popular belief, devotees who stay awake and worship Goddess Lakshmi on this night pray for her blessings and prosperity.
You may follow these simple steps for Lakshmi Puja:
Clean your home and puja area.
Light a diya before the image or idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets.
Recite a Lakshmi mantra, stotra, or aarti.
Pray for the well-being, wisdom, and prosperity of your family.
For Delhi, the approximate Nishita Kaal on October 25 is from 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM on October 26. Check a reliable local Panchang for the exact puja muhurat in your city.
What Is Considered Auspicious on Sharad Purnima?
Devotees may observe the following practices according to their beliefs and capacity:
Bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes.
Remember Lord Krishna, Chandra Dev, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Read or listen to the Sharad Purnima vrat katha.
Worship the Moon after moonrise.
Participate in bhajans, kirtans, or devotional recitation.
Donate food, clothing, or useful items to people in need.
Share prasad with family members and cultivate harmony.
Devotees in Mathura, Vrindavan, and the Braj region may also remember the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. If you plan to visit a temple, check its official timings and special-event arrangements beforehand.
What Should You Avoid on Sharad Purnima?
Religious traditions encourage self-restraint, kindness, and service on this day. The following practices can help you observe the festival thoughtfully:
Avoid unnecessary arguments and conflicts.
Be considerate toward people in need.
Maintain cleanliness in the puja area and with offerings.
Do not develop unnecessary fear or anxiety about fasting rules.
Avoid fasting beyond your physical capacity.
Follow religious practices in a way that respects your health and family traditions.
Customs vary between regions and religious communities. No single regional practice should automatically be treated as compulsory for everyone.
Significance of Charity on Sharad Purnima
In Hinduism, Purnima is traditionally considered an occasion for charity and service. On Sharad Purnima, devotees may help people in need according to their means.
Charitable activities may include donating food or grains, providing clothes to families in need, supporting older people, or contributing to animal care.
The value of charity is not measured only by the amount given but also by the intention behind it. Feeding someone who is hungry, supporting a person in difficulty, and contributing to community welfare are meaningful forms of service.
Those interested in cow welfare may also support a local gaushala or charitable organisation after checking its credibility.
Is Kojagari Purnima Different from Sharad Purnima?
Kojagari Purnima is generally another name for Sharad Purnima. The name is especially associated with regions where worship of Goddess Lakshmi and night-long devotional observances are important traditions.
According to popular belief, devotees stay awake, worship Goddess Lakshmi, and pray for prosperity. Some households also perform special prayers and sing devotional hymns.
However, the exact rituals vary across regions. In some places, Lakshmi Puja is the main observance, while others place greater emphasis on Chandra worship and offering kheer.
In 2026, Kojagari Purnima is associated with the night of Sharad Purnima on October 25.
Sharad Purnima and Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela
In the religious traditions of Braj, Sharad Purnima is closely associated with Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela. The Raas episode described in the Tenth Canto of the Shrimad Bhagavatam is an important part of the devotional literature surrounding Krishna and the gopis.
In Vaishnava traditions, the Raas Leela is understood as a divine expression of love, devotion, and surrender to God.
Temples in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and other parts of Braj may organise special decorations, bhajans, kirtans, or devotional programmes on this occasion. Schedules vary from one temple to another.
If you plan to visit Braj during Sharad Purnima, check official temple information before travelling.
The Connection Between Ashwin Purnima and Sharad Purnima
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Sharad Purnima falls on the full Moon day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. For this reason, it is also called Ashwin Purnima.
Hindu lunar dates are based on the Moon’s position and do not necessarily begin or end at midnight according to the Gregorian calendar. A tithi may begin on one calendar day and end the following morning.
In 2026, the Purnima Tithi is estimated to begin at approximately 11:55 AM on October 25 and end at approximately 9:41 AM on October 26. Confirm these timings using a reliable local Panchang.
Rules for Observing the Sharad Purnima Vrat
The Sharad Purnima fast is observed with devotion and personal resolve. Some devotees abstain from food for much of the day, while others follow a fruit-based diet or their family’s customary fasting practices.
A general approach to observing the vrat is as follows:
Bathe in the morning and make a devotional sankalp.
Follow your chosen fasting or fruit-based dietary practice.
Maintain self-restraint and set aside time for prayer.
Worship the Moon after moonrise.
Read or listen to the vrat katha and perform aarti.
Break the fast according to your customary observance.
If you have a health condition, take regular medication, or find prolonged fasting difficult, prioritise your well-being. Avoid strict fasting without appropriate medical advice when it may affect your health.
How to Observe Sharad Purnima Vrat for the First Time
If you are observing Sharad Purnima for the first time, you can keep the practice simple.
Morning: Bathe, remember Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi, and make a sankalp according to your tradition.
During the day: Read devotional texts, listen to bhajans, and follow your chosen fasting or fruit-based dietary practice.
Evening: Light a diya in the puja area and prepare offerings such as flowers, fruits, or kheer.
At night: Observe the Moon, offer arghya if customary, recite the vrat katha, and perform aarti.
The following day: If your tradition prescribes breaking the fast the next morning, do so according to the relevant local Panchang and family custom.
The purpose of the vrat is devotion, self-discipline, and remembrance of the divine. Follow the practice in a way that suits your tradition and health.
Sharad Purnima 2026: When and How to Break the Fast
The correct time for parana, or breaking the Sharad Purnima fast, depends on the fasting tradition being followed. Some devotees break their fast after the night-time puja and offering, while others observe the fast until the following morning.
In 2026, the Purnima Tithi is estimated to end at approximately 9:41 AM on October 26. However, the tithi-end time alone should not be used to determine parana for every fasting tradition.
Keep these points in mind when breaking the fast:
Follow your family’s fasting tradition or the guidance of a reliable local Panchang.
Remember the deity before breaking the fast.
Begin with light, easily digestible food.
Resume regular meals gradually after a prolonged fast.
Do not extend a fast in a way that compromises your health.
If you are uncertain about the correct parana time, consult a trusted local priest or Panchang.
Sharad Purnima Puja Samagri
Preparing the puja items in advance can make the observance more convenient. Commonly used items include:
An image or idol of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.
A diya, ghee or oil, cotton wicks, and matches.
Flowers, akshat, roli, and sandalwood paste.
Fruits, sweets, and ingredients for kheer.
A clean vessel containing water for offering arghya to the Moon.
Aarti text or a copy of the vrat katha.
This is a general list. Additional items may be required according to regional or family traditions.
How to Find the Moonrise Time on Sharad Purnima
Knowing the local moonrise time is useful for devotees who wish to offer prayers to Chandra Dev. Moonrise varies by location, so the time given for Delhi should not be assumed to apply exactly to Lucknow, Mathura, Vrindavan, or another city.
Check a reliable local Panchang for your city. Remember that the Purnima Tithi and moonrise are separate timings. If you plan to attend a special temple puja, confirm the temple’s schedule as well.
For Delhi, moonrise on October 25, 2026, is estimated at approximately 5:00 PM. Local timings should be verified.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharad Purnima 2026
1. When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Moon worship and evening or night-time puja are important traditions associated with the festival.
2. What are the date and timings of Sharad Purnima 2026?
For Delhi, the Purnima Tithi is estimated to begin at approximately 11:55 AM on October 25 and end at approximately 9:41 AM on October 26. Check a local Panchang for your city.
3. What is the auspicious muhurat for Sharad Purnima 2026?
The approximate Nishita Kaal for Delhi is from 11:40 PM on October 25 to 12:31 AM on October 26. Confirm the exact puja muhurat using a reliable local Panchang.
4. When should kheer be prepared on Sharad Purnima?
Kheer can be prepared in the evening for the puja. Many families place it under the moonlight after moonrise and distribute it as prasad after offering it to the deity.
5. Why is kheer kept under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
This practice is based on the traditional belief that the Moon’s rays are especially significant on Sharad Purnima. Keeping kheer under the moonlight is a long-standing religious custom.
6. How should the Sharad Purnima fast be observed?
Take a bath in the morning, make a devotional sankalp, follow your customary fasting practice, perform puja in the evening, and worship the Moon after moonrise. Break the fast according to your tradition.
7. When should the Sharad Purnima fast be broken?
Parana depends on the fasting tradition. Some devotees break the fast after the night-time puja, while others do so the following morning. Follow your family custom and local Panchang.
8. Are Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima the same?
Kojagari Purnima is generally another name for Sharad Purnima. In some regions, the occasion is marked by special night-time worship of Goddess Lakshmi and devotional observances.
9. What is the connection between Sharad Purnima and Raas Purnima?
In the Vaishnava traditions of Braj, Sharad Purnima is associated with the remembrance of Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela. It is therefore also known as Raas Purnima.
10. What can be donated on Sharad Purnima?
Devotees may donate food, grains, clothing, or useful items to people in need according to their means. Supporting credible charitable organisations and animal-welfare initiatives is another option.
11. Which Chandra mantras can be chanted on Sharad Purnima?
Devotees may chant “Om Cham Chandramase Namah,” the Chandra Dhyan Mantra, or the Chandra Gayatri Mantra according to their religious tradition.
12. Why is the Kubera mantra chanted on Sharad Purnima?
In Hindu religious belief, Lord Kubera is associated with wealth and prosperity. Some devotees chant his mantra while praying for financial stability and well-being.
13. Is staying awake all night necessary on Sharad Purnima?
Night-long worship is part of some Kojagari traditions, but it should not be considered compulsory for everyone. Follow your family’s customs while taking your health and personal circumstances into account.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima 2026 will be observed on Sunday, October 25. The festival brings together devotion to Lord Krishna, worship of Chandra Dev, prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, and the traditional offering of kheer under the moonlight. Devotees mark the occasion through puja, mantra chanting, fasting, charity, and prayers for peace and well-being.
Chandra mantras and remembrance of Lord Kubera are part of the spiritual practices followed by many devotees. For those in Braj and Vrindavan, Sharad Purnima is also an important occasion to remember Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela.
Puja timings, fasting rules, and parana practices may differ according to local customs. Confirm the date-specific timings with a reliable local Panchang before planning your observance.
Celebrate Sharad Purnima with devotion, self-discipline, kindness, and a spirit of service.
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