Sharda Pujan Sunday 12th November 2023
Sharda Puja Muhurat/Timing:
Auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat for Diwali Sharda Puja
Afternoon Muhurta Shubh = 14:44 – 14:45
Evening Muhurta Shubh, Amrit, Char = 17:25 – 22:25
Night Muhurta Labh = 25:45+ – 27:26+
Early Morning Muhurta Shubh = 29:06+ – 30:45+
Amavasya Tithi Starts = 14:44 on 12-November-2023
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 14:56 on 13-November-2023
About Sharda Puja:
In Gujarat, Deepavali Puja is also known as Sharda Puja and Chopda Puja. Sharda Puja is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who is revered as the Hindu goddess of knowledge, wisdom and learning. Sharda is one of the several names of Goddess Saraswati.
During Diwali Puja, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped as the prime deity. At the same time, Goddess Sharda and Lord Ganesha are also given equal importance. It is the traditional custom to worship all three deities during Diwali Puja. In the images available in the market, such as wall posters, calendars, and clay statues for Diwali Puja, all these three deities are depicted together.
As per Hinduism, there is a strong belief that wealth without wisdom and knowledge will not sustain. One can become rich and prosperous with the blessing and gratitude of Goddess Lakshmi. However, one needs the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharda also, who confer the devotee with wisdom and knowledge respectively, without which the wealth and prosperity cannot continue. In other words, to sustain wealth and prosperity, wisdom is essential; and to develop the wealth, knowledge is must. That is the reason why Hindu families worship Goddess Saraswati, God Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali Puja.
For students, Sharda Puja is more significant. Students offer special prayers to Goddess Sharda to seek blessings and for success in their studies.
Other than students, Sharda Puja is also significant for business people who maintain their account books. In Gujarat, traditional account books are known as Chopda. During Sharda Puja, they open new account books in front of Maa Sharda, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. It is a strong belief that any business needs blessing of all three deities for growth, success and profitability.
Hence, Sharda Puja is an essential part of Diwali Puja, which is often interchangeably used with Chopda Pujan and Diwali Pujan, particularly in the state of Gujarat.