A Divine Night of Raas Leela, Devotion, and Spiritual Bliss
This year, Sarad Poornima was celebrated on 26th October 2026 at the Statue of Equality auditorium. sarad Purnima is the brightest full moon night of the year, celebrated for spiritual awakening, seeking divine grace, and the descent of celestial energy.
The Spiritual Significance of Sarad Poornima
Sarad Poornima is also known as Kojagari Purnima, derived from the Sanskrit question “Ko jagarti?” (Who is awake?). Tradition holds that Goddess Lakshmi descends on the earth this night, blessing those who remain awake in prayer, meditation, and devotion.
The full moon of the Ashwin month is believed to embody the complete radiance of all 16 kalas (divine phases). Its luminous rays are said to shower the Earth with Amrit (the nectar of immortality), offering spiritual nourishment, purity, and divine blessings.
It commemorates the sacred cosmic dance (Raas Leela) of Lord Krishna and the Gopis in Vrindavan, symbolizing the soul’s (Jivatma) longing and spiritual union with the Supreme (Paramatma).
The full moon of the Ashwin month is believed to embody the complete radiance of all 16 kalas (divine phases). Its luminous rays are said to shower the Earth with Amrit (the nectar of immortality), offering spiritual nourishment, purity, and divine blessings.
Celebrated at a time when the monsoon season gives way to autumn, the clear skies symbolize a pure, serene, and unblemished mind, receptive to higher wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.
Thousands of Devotees Celebrate Raas Leela at Statue of Equality Ramanuja Kshetram
A Divine Arrival of Lord Saketha Rama
Lord Saketha Rama, accompanied by Seethammavaru and Lakshmana Swami, arrived at the venue in a palanquin, amidst traditional ceremonial rituals, vedic chants and regal grandeur.
A grand stage, decorated with green leaves and colourful flowers was prepared to seat the Lord. The regal throne was on a rotating platform, so that His benevolent gaze could fall on all the devotees, seated around the platform.
Divine Presence and Mangalasasanams of Our Acharyas
The celebration was graced by HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami ji and Sri Devanatha Jeeyar Swami ji. Addressing the devotees, a visibly ecstatic Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji described the evening as a blessed one when Lord Krishna performed Raas Leela with Gopikas. He asked every devotee to take part in the Raas dance.
Captivating Dance Performances Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Divine Leelas
Several dance troupes accompanied by their accomplished Gurus participated in the celebrations. His Holiness Chinna Jeeyar Swami Ji aptly described all the dancers as ‘Gopis’ of Vrindavan, who had assembled at the venue to participate in the Raas Leela with Krishna. One troupe after another offered captivating dance performances before the Lord, celebrating and glorifying His divine Leelas and Kalas.
Breathtaking Performances by Vedic Gurukulam Students
Several dance troupes accompanied by their accomplished Gurus participated in the celebrations. His Holiness Chinna Jeeyar Swami Ji aptly described all the dancers as ‘Gopis’ of Vrindavan, who had assembled at the venue to participate in the Raas Leela with Krishna. One troupe after another offered captivating dance performances before the Lord, celebrating and glorifying His divine Leelas and Kalas.
Devotional Kolatam, Bhajans, and Rhythmic Dance
Many of the enthusiastic devotees participated in the Kolatam and later in bhajans and rhythmic dance around the stage with devotion and ecstasy. It resembled the legendary Raas Leela of Lord Krishna.
Kheer under Moonlight: A Sacred Tradition
Rice pudding (kheer) or milk is kept under the open night sky so the moonlight infuses it with healing and nourishing properties before it is offered as Prasad.
Anna Prasadam for All Devotees
All the devotees were offered anna prasadam.
BY
Shri Venudhar ji
