Changes

Thus, the sharp sun rays and resultant increased heat in the environment is expected in the Sharda rutu. This season is popularly known as October heat.  

Thus, the sharp sun rays and resultant increased heat in the environment is expected in the Sharda rutu. This season is popularly known as October heat.  

== शरदि अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Pravrt ==

== शरदि अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Sharada ==

These climatic changes in Sharada rutu affect the elemental balance in Human body or [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira.]] These directly affect the levels of 3 [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] which are the 3 controlling forces in body. The changes in dosaha leevls in Sharada rutu have been discussed by Ayurveda scholars as below, <blockquote>

These climatic changes in Sharada rutu affect the elemental balance in Human body or [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira.]] These directly affect the levels of 3 [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] which are the 3 controlling forces in body. The changes in dosaha leevls in Sharada rutu have been discussed by Ayurveda scholars as below, <blockquote>

# Increasing the amount of ghee in your food is recommended which helps to keep check on further pitta aggravation.

# Increasing the amount of ghee in your food is recommended which helps to keep check on further pitta aggravation.

== शरदि पंचकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas done in Pravrt Rtu ==

== शरदि पंचकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas done in Sharada Rtu ==

Sharada is the season of Pitta dosha vitiation and aggravation. Therefore it is said to be the season for pitta cleansing or pitta detox in the year. Specific Panchakarma procedures are advised in this season to remove the excess pitta from channels and get good health. <blockquote>तिक्तस्य सर्पिषः पानं विरेको रक्तमोक्षणम्| (Char. Samh. Su. 6.44)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Consuming ghee medicated with herbs that are bitter in taste, [[Virechana (विरेचनम्)|Virechana]] and [[Raktamokshana (रक्तमोक्षणम्)|raktamokshana]] are the panchakarma treatments of choice in sharada season.  

Sharada is the season of Pitta dosha vitiation and aggravation. Therefore it is said to be the season for pitta cleansing or pitta detox in the year. Specific Panchakarma procedures are advised in this season to remove the excess pitta from channels and get good health. <blockquote>तिक्तस्य सर्पिषः पानं विरेको रक्तमोक्षणम्| (Char. Samh. Su. 6.44)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Consuming ghee medicated with herbs that are bitter in taste, [[Virechana (विरेचनम्)|Virechana]] and [[Raktamokshana (रक्तमोक्षणम्)|raktamokshana]] are the panchakarma treatments of choice in sharada season.  

'''Fasting''': Fasting is an integral part of worship of Devi in navaratri of Sharada Rtu. While describing the changes in nature during Sharad rtu Ayurveda Acharyas describe that, in this period pitta [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] along with kapha dosha are aggravated. Also [[Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)|rakta dhatu]] gets naturally vitiated in this season.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 10)</ref> Considering these changes in doshas, Ayurveda acharyas have suggested use of food stuffs of ruksha (dry) and shita (cold) [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|gunas]] (properties).<ref>Ashtnaga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 56-57)</ref> While suggesting a treatment protocol for Rakta dhatu vitiation, Ayurveda scholars have clearly mentioned the practice of [[Upavasa or Fasting (उपवासः)|Upavasa]] as a treatment modality for curing Rakta dhatu related diseases which might develop in this season.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 18)</ref> Thus, fasting is not just a religious custom but a practice which is beneficial to preserve and promote good health in this season.

'''Fasting''': Fasting is an integral part of worship of Devi in navaratri of Sharada Rtu. While describing the changes in nature during Sharad rtu Ayurveda Acharyas describe that, in this period pitta [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] along with kapha dosha are aggravated. Also [[Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)|rakta dhatu]] gets naturally vitiated in this season.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 10)</ref> Considering these changes in doshas, Ayurveda acharyas have suggested use of food stuffs of ruksha (dry) and shita (cold) [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|gunas]] (properties).<ref>Ashtnaga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 56-57)</ref> While suggesting a treatment protocol for Rakta dhatu vitiation, Ayurveda scholars have clearly mentioned the practice of [[Upavasa or Fasting (उपवासः)|Upavasa]] as a treatment modality for curing Rakta dhatu related diseases which might develop in this season.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 18)</ref> Thus, fasting is not just a religious custom but a practice which is beneficial to preserve and promote good health in this season.

Since the heat of the sunrays is extreme in the day and it is better to avoid it to prevent further aggravation of pitta dosha, celebration on open spaces under moon light is certianly beenficial to preserve health. However, the period recommended is that of Pradosha and not of midnight. <ref name=":2" />

Since the heat of the sunrays is extreme in the day and it is better to avoid it to prevent further aggravation of pitta dosha, celebration on open spaces under moon light is certainly beneficial to preserve health. However, the period recommended is that of Pradosha and not of midnight. <ref name=":2" />

=== Sharat purnima /Kojagiri pournimi ===

=== Sharat purnima /Kojagiri pournimi ===

Sharad Purnima: Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) of the lunar month of Ashwin. This event is celebrated as the harvest festival and signifies the end of Monsoon Season. Sharad Purnima is also known as ‘Kumar Purnima’ or ‘Kojaagari Purnima’ and is celebrated with immense fervour and gaiety all across India. According to the Hindu beliefs, moon rays on the night of Sharad Purnima possess several curative properties. It is believed that the full mооn’s brightness brings joy, pleasure, and calmness on this day.

Sharad Purnima: Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) of the lunar month of Ashwin masa of Sharada Rtu. This event is celebrated as the harvest festival and signifies the end of Monsoon Season. Sharad Purnima is also known as ‘Kumar Purnima’ or ‘Kojaagari Purnima’ and is celebrated with immense fervour and gaiety all across India. According to the Hindu beliefs, moon rays on the night of Sharad Purnima possess several curative properties. It is believed that the full mооn’s brightness brings joy, pleasure, and calmness on this day.

Kojagiri : Marks the peak of Sharada rtu. Late night awakening on full moon day and consuming sweetened thickened milk. शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८|| <ref name=":1" /> प्रदोषे कौमुदीभजनं विधत्ते-चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरमुक्तास्रग्वसनोज्ज्वलः||५३|| सौधेषु सौधधवलां चन्दिकां रजनीमुखे| -------------------------------------------|५४| <ref name=":2" />

Customs and traditions

Preparing rice kheer and leaving it in the moonlight for the entire night is the most important ritual of Sharad Purnima.

 

 

Preparing rice kheer or thick sweetened milk mixed with nuts and leaving it in the moonlight for the entire night is the most important ritual of Sharad Purnima. After making an offering to God, the kheer is left preferably in a silver vessel under the moonlight for the entire night. The next day morning it is consumed and distributed as Prasad.

 

In ancient times, sages believed that when the moon is full of its 16 kalas, the moon’s rays on that night drip nectar and contain healing properties that are beneficial for the body and soul. Sharad Purnima is the only day in the year when the moon is full of its 16 kalas (phases). So on this night, the moon is believed to throw its beams showering elixir (amrit) on Earth, giving health, love and prosperity to people.

In ancient times, sages believed that when the moon is full of its 16 kalas, the moon’s rays on that night drip nectar and contain healing properties that are beneficial for the body and soul. Sharad Purnima is the only day in the year when the moon is full of its 16 kalas (phases). So on this night, the moon is believed to throw its beams showering elixir (amrit) on Earth, giving health, love and prosperity to people.

Rice kheer (a sweet dish made of milk, rice, and sugar/jaggery) is prepared at homes and temples. After making an offering to God, the kheer is left preferably in a silver vessel under the moonlight for the entire night. The next day morning it is consumed and distributed as Prasad.

It is believed that on this full moon night, Goddess Lakshmi descends on Earth to watch the actions of human beings. She is believed to move around the orbit in the night sky asking Ko jaagarti? (Who is awake?), and to those who are awake, she gifts wealth and prosperity. That is why this night is also called ‘Kojagiri Purnima’. (Bhavan’s Journal, 31 October 2021 issue.,Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Festivals/About-Sharad-PURNIMA-1.aspx)

 

 

Ayurveda acharyas have praised the the properties of moonrays in the Sharada rtu. They state that, staying in the moonlight at night or specifically during pradosha period is beneficial for preserving and promoting health in this season. Thus one should get deliberately exposed these healing rays.

 

It is believed that on this full moon night, Goddess Lakshmi descends on Earth to watch the actions of human beings. She is believed to move around the orbit in the night sky asking Ko jaagarti? (Who is awake?), and to those who are awake, she gifts wealth and prosperity. That is why this night is also called ‘Kojagiri Purnima’. (Bhavan’s Journal, 31 October 2021 issue.,Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Festivals/About-Sharad-PURNIMA-1.aspx)

Rice kheer (a sweet dish made of milk, rice, and sugar/jaggery) is prepared at homes and temples.  

=== Dashera ===

=== Dashera ===