Kojagiri purnima: Know how to observe fast on this day

The purnima on ashwin month is known as the sharad purnima or kojagiri purnima. Legends say that on the night of kojagiri purnima, Goddess Lakshmi watches over her devotees and sees who is awake. It is believed that the people who are awake get the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi while she gets annoyed with people who are upset .

'Lakshmi ke ko jagarti'

Meaning: To see who is awake.

Hence, this purnima came to be known as kojagiri purnima. People observe fast and worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day.

Here is the shloka that is associated with this occassion according to Hindu scriptures:

Nishithe varda lakshmih ko jagartiti bhashini
Jagati bhramate tasyam lokcheshtavalokini
Tasme vitam prayachachami yo jagarti mahitle

How to worship:

The devotee should worship Indra mounted on airavat and Mahalakshmi before starting the fast. The night before kojagiri purnima, atleast 100 lit diyas should be kept at some temple, garden or below a tulsi plant.  

The next day, wake up early and take a bath. Then feed the brahmins with kheer (which is made in ghee) and donate cloths and golden diya. It is believed that this will fulfil all your wishes.

Chant shrisutra and lakshmistotra on this day. Astrologers advice people to conduct a dashansh havan usind kamalgatta, bel, panchmeva or kheer.

If kojagiri is observed in this way then, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi showers her devotees with wealth and prosperity.