Sharad Purnima is one of the most beautiful nights in the Hindu calendar. It comes at the end of the rainy season, when the skies are clear, the air is cool, the lotuses bloom, and the moon shines with the brightest light of the year. On this night, scriptures reveal that Shri Krishna performed the Maha Raas—the grand dance of divine love—with Shrimati Radharani and the gopīs in Vrindavan.
This divine pastime is not just a story of dancing under the moon. It is a spiritual mystery, filled with lessons about love, surrender, devotion, and the deepest truths of the soul. The Bhagavata Purana (Canto 10, chapters 29–33), known as the Rāsa Pañcādhyāyī, gives a vivid account of this leela. Saints like Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj and Swami Mukundananda explain how this Raas is not an ordinary event—it is the very essence of bhakti (devotion).
Let’s walk step by step through this sacred night.
🌕Why Sharad Purnima Is Special
In India, the seasons have a deep connection with spirituality. Sharad (autumn) comes after the heavy rains. The rivers are clean, the sky is clear, and the moonlight feels soothing and pure. Nature itself seems to prepare for something divine.
The full moon on Sharad Purnima is believed to shower nectar-like rays that cool the body and calm the mind. Devotees even prepare kheer (sweet rice milk) and keep it under the moonlight, believing it becomes blessed.
But more importantly, Sharad Purnima symbolizes the pure state of the heart—clear of restlessness, ready to reflect Shri Krishna just like the calm waters reflect the shining moon.
🪈 The Flute Call of Shri Krishna
The Bhagavata Purana says that one night, when the moon shone in full glory, Shri Krishna picked up His flute and played a tune sweeter than anything in the three worlds.
- The sound entered the hearts of the gopīs.
- Their hands stopped in mid-work, their minds froze, their families, homes, and duties faded away.
- They left everything and ran to Shri Krishna in the forests of Vrindavan.
This shows a deep truth: when God calls, no worldly attachment can hold the soul back. The flute is the symbol of God’s invitation—pure, sweet, irresistible.
💖 Shri Krishna’s Test of Love
When the gopīs reached Shri Krishna, He smiled and asked them:
“Why have you come here at night? Isn’t it dangerous? You should go back to your homes, to your husbands and families. It’s not proper to be here.”
At first this sounds surprising. Why would Shri Krishna call them and then send them back?
But saints explain: Shri Krishna was testing their devotion. Would they come only for pleasure, or would they declare their hearts’ truth—that He is their everything?
The gopīs replied: “O Krishna, You are our true Lord, our very soul. Our only duty is to serve You. Without You, nothing in life has meaning.”
Hearing this, Shri Krishna accepted their love and embraced them into His Raas.
Lesson for us: God sometimes “tests” us by creating obstacles. If we remain firm, declaring with our actions that He is our priority, He accepts us completely.
🌸 The Raas Leela Begins
Shri Krishna with countless gopīs under the moon during Raas Leela.
The gopīs formed circles under the glowing moon. Their anklets jingled, their faces glowed with joy, and the fragrance of jasmine and kadamba filled the air.
Shri Krishna stood in the middle with His flute. Then, by His divine power, He multiplied Himself. Now every gopī felt that Shri Krishna was dancing with her alone.
- Each gopī saw Shri Krishna’s loving gaze only on her.
- Each heart felt, “I am His only beloved.”
- Yet all danced together in perfect harmony.
This is the mystery of God: He is one but becomes infinite, giving Himself fully to each devotee.
🌹 Rādhā’s Supreme Place
Among all the gopīs, Rādhā is the highest. She is Shri Krishna’s Hlādinī Shakti, the energy of bliss and love itself. Without her mercy, no soul can truly know Shri Krishna’s sweetness.
In the Raas, when Shri Krishna disappeared for a while, it was because Rādhā expressed a gentle loving pride (māna). Shri Krishna wanted to honor her love by making the gopīs realize that without Rādhā, the Raas cannot continue.
This teaches us that to approach Shri Krishna, we must first seek the shelter of Rādhā. She is the bridge, the gateway, the tender mother who connects us to Shri Krishna’s heart.
💔 The Pain of Separation
At one point in the Raas, Shri Krishna vanished. The gopīs searched everywhere, calling His name, asking the trees, the rivers, the birds:
“Have you seen our Beloved? Has He passed this way?”
This separation (viraha) was not cruelty. Saints explain that Shri Krishna disappears to deepen love. Just as fire purifies gold, separation purifies devotion, making it stronger and unbreakable.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj often said: “Union with God gives joy, but separation makes love intense. The pain of missing Him becomes the sweetest pain.”
Teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj explained that the love of the gopīs was nirhetukī premā—selfless and without any motive. They didn’t want heaven, liberation, or miracles. They only wanted Shri Krishna’s happiness.
He gave practical guidance on how we can cultivate such love:
- Roop-Dhyan (Loving Meditation) – Meditate on Shri Krishna’s beautiful form: His peacock feather , lotus eyes , gentle smile , and flute.
- Bhav-Bhakti (Devotional Feelings) – Practice loving sentiments: see yourself as His servant, child, friend, or beloved.
- Longing – Increase your yearning. More yearning = faster grace.
He taught that real progress is not measured by knowledge or rituals, but by how much we miss Shri Krishna when we forget Him.
Teachings of Swami Mukundananda
Swami Mukundananda explains that Raas Leela is the highest example of Rāganugā Bhakti—spontaneous, love-driven devotion. Unlike vaidhi bhakti (duty-driven worship), rāgānugā is inspired by affection, eagerness, and sweetness.
He gives clear steps:
- Abhyāsa (Practice) – Train the mind to think of Shri Krishna daily.
- Vairāgya (Detachment) – Let go of distractions that steal your focus.
- Japa and Kirtan – Chant with roop-dhyan (imagining His form).
- Seva – Offer your daily work as service to Shri Krishna.
- Satsang – Stay with devotees so your devotion stays alive.
He says: “The true measure of devotion is not what we get from God, but how much we desire to give Him joy.”
Sharad Purnima as a Spiritual Practice
How can we celebrate this divine night in our own lives?
✨ Light a diya and sit in front of Shri Krishna’s picture.
✨ Sing His names with love.
✨ Meditate on the scene of Vrindavan under the moonlight.
✨ Imagine yourself as a gopī or gopa dancing with Him.
✨ Offer sweet milk or kheer as a symbol of your devotion.
Even if we live far from Vrindavan, the true Vrindavan is in the heart where Shri Krishna’s name is remembered.
The Moon as a Symbol
The moon on Sharad Purnima is not just a celestial body. It symbolizes Shri Krishna Himself—cool, soothing, full, and beautiful. Just as moonlight removes darkness, Shri Krishna’s grace removes ignorance and sorrow.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj often compared Shri Krishna’s smile to the moon—one glance from Him is enough to heal lifetimes of suffering.
The Eternal Circle of Love
The Raas was a circle with Shri Krishna in the center and the gopīs around Him. This is symbolic:
- Shri Krishna is the center of all life.
- Each soul is equally close to Him.
- He gives Himself fully to every devotee.
Whenever we come together in satsang, chanting His name, we recreate that circle. And in the center, Shri Krishna dances eternally.
Final Meditation
Close your eyes. Imagine the moonlit groves of Vrindavan. The Yamuna flows gently, the breeze carries jasmine fragrance, anklets jingle. Shri Krishna raises His flute and plays your name.
Step into the circle. See Him smile at you. Dance with Him in your heart. Whisper softly: “Shri Krishna, let my whole life be a dance that pleases You.”
In Summary
- Sharad Purnima is the night of purity and clarity, when hearts are ready for God.
- Raas Leela is the dance of divine love, where Shri Krishna becomes one with every soul.
- Rādhā is the highest devotee, the gateway to Shri Krishna’s sweetness.
- Separation (viraha) is not loss, but the fire that deepens love.
- Saints like Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj and Swami Mukundananda guide us on how to practice this love today.
- Every home, every heart, can become Vrindavan when Shri Krishna is remembered with love.
Call to Action
Sharad Purnima is more than a festival—it is an invitation to experience the sweetness of divine love. On this sacred night, immerse yourself in remembrance of Shri Krishna, read or listen to the Rāsa Pañcādhyāyī, and let your heart dance with Him. Just as the gopīs surrendered everything to Shri Krishna’s flute, offer your love and devotion to Him with all sincerity. Make your home Vrindavan, your heart the circle of Raas, and your life a song that brings joy to the Divine.
🛕 Join us at the Radha Krishna Temple from October 6th to 8th for the divine celebration of the 103rd Birth Anniversary of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj, accompanied by uplifting Kirtans, sacred Abhishek, and enlightening discourses.
📚 References
- Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam), Canto 10, Chapters 29–33 (Rāsa Pañcādhyāyī).
- Prem Ras Madira – Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.
- Swami Mukundananda, Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God.
🔗 Read Online - Swami Mukundananda, lectures on Rāganugā Bhakti.
❓FAQs
Q1. When is Sharad Purnima in 2025?
Sharad Purnima will be observed on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Q2. Why is Sharad Purnima considered special in Hinduism?
It marks the brightest full moon of the year and symbolizes purity, clarity, and divine grace. According to scriptures, this is the night Shri Krishna performed the Raas Leela in Vrindavan.
Q3. What is the significance of Raas Leela?
Raas Leela reveals the highest form of devotion—pure, selfless love. It shows how God becomes infinitely available to each devotee and how love in both union and separation deepens spiritual realization.
Q4. Why did Shri Krishna tell the gopīs to return home at first?
Shri Krishna tested their devotion, showing that true love is not shallow emotion but deep surrender. When they declared their exclusive love for Him, He accepted them into the Raas.
Q5. What lesson does Raas Leela hold for us today?
It teaches us that God seeks love, not rituals or fear. By remembering Shri Krishna, chanting His names, and offering our daily life as service, we can make our own hearts part of the eternal Raas.
