Sharad Poonam signifies the last ‘’Full Moon” before the end of the Hindu calendar and marks the day that the moon and the Earth are closest to each other. Because of the proximity between us and the moon, we try to tap into the moon's special healing powers emitted from its rays.
We celebrate this day by performing samuh-raas around Lord Shree Swaminarayan. We place stainless steel dishes, bowls, cups, and silverware around the Lord. Therefore, as we perform samuh-raas around the Lord, the stainless steel and silverware reflect the moon's rays onto us.
The Sharad Poonam event began as disciples performed aarti of Lord Shree Swaminarayan. A couple of disciples then performed a prathna dance for Lord Swaminarayan. Afterwards, male and female disciples performed samuh-raas to celebrate Sharad Poonam.
Before the congregation dispersed, Mahaprasad was served to all.
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. He is the heir to Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, and sixth in the lineage of ascetic Acharyas, which descends directly from Lord Shree Swaminarayan.
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