Karthika Purnima
Karthika month is auspicious for Hindus and has lot of importance in leading a pious as well as successful and healthy life. During the month of Karthika, devotees come a long way and take both to rouse themselves in its pious water before sunrise. People gather on the bank of the river Ganga or any of the holy rivers along with their family members to express their gratitude and devotion towards Sun God (Lord Surya). They perform various rituals and customs by offering water to Sun as the festivities begin on the day of ‘Sharad Purnima’ and ends on ‘Karthika Purnima’.
Karthika Purnima importance
The full moon day during its Shukla Paksha period is known as Karthika Purnima. Lord Shiva slew Tripurasur, the demon, on this particular day. The festivities of this day start in advance, i.e. on the day of Devuthanna Ekadashi. It is also said that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya on the day of Karthika Purnima. Why is the festival so important?
Karthika Purnima falls on Monday November 30, 2020.
Purnima Tithi Stars on Sunday November 29, 2020 at 12:47 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends on Monday November 30, 2020 at 02:59 PM
The celebration of Karthika Purnima is five days long due to Ekadashi being the 11th day, and Poornima, the 15th. These events consist of Tulasi Vivah, Bhishma Panchaka, Vaikunth Chaturdashi, and Dev Deepawali. Let’s read about these festivals in brief.
Tulasi Vivah
Tulasi Vivah usually starts on Prabodhini Ekadashi and concludes on Karthika Purnima. As per the Hindu scriptures, it can be observed on any convenient day between Ekadashi and Kartika Purnima. People in huge numbers perform the wedding rituals for the marriage of Tulasi Mata and Lord Shaligram during this period.
Bhishma Panchak
The fast for Bhishma Panchak begins from the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi and ends on Karthika Purnima. Vaishnav culture considers Bhishma Panchak fast conducted during the last 5 days of this month to be highly significant.
Vaikunth Chaturdashi
The puja for Vaikunth Chaturdashi is done a day before Karthika Purnima. As per the Hindu scripts, Lord Vishnu was believed to worship Lord Shiva on this day. He used to offer 1,000 lotus flowers to the Lord. Special pujas are performed in Shiva temples on this day, including the worship of Lord Vishnu.
Dev Diwali
The festival of Dev Diwali coincides with Karthika Purnima. The killing of Tripurasur by Lord Shiva had brought immense happiness to the Gods, as per the ancient scriptures. Hence, this day is celebrated in a similar way to Diwali. The view of earthen lamps lit on the banks of holy river Ganga and all the temples is a spectacle worth watching!
Karthika Purnima – Religious Essence
Karthika Purnima holds a religious as well as spiritual significance as per the Hindu mythology. Performing the Karthika Snan and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu is said to bless the followers with great fortune. This event is believed to be one of the most opportune days to conduct ritualistic ceremonies.
The religious Puja performed on this particular day is said to bring happiness and bliss to one’s life. The Karthika Snan is a crucial part of the Karthika month as it is similar to performing 100 Ashvamedha Yagyas.
Rituals of Karthika Purnima
Take a holy bath by visiting pilgrimage places during sunrise and moonrise on this day. This Karthika Snan is believed to be an immensely sacred bath.
Worship Lord Vishnu by offering flowers, lighting diyas, and incense sticks.
Observe a fast for the entire day and read the Satyanarayan Katha after doing Rudrabhishek.
To celebrate Karthika Purnima as the wedding of Vrinda and Lord Vishnu, the Karthika Purnima Mela or fair is organised in Pushkar during this month. The fair ends on this particular day, and devotees take a pious dip in the Pushkar Lake to attain salvation.
Story of Karthika Purnima
Natives who follow Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva read the Karthika Purnima Katha on this day. This story shows how demon Tripurasur was conquered. Tripurasur had defeated all the Gods and took over the World as per the ancient scripts. He also created 3 cities in the space, which he named Tripura. Lord Shiva saved the Gods later and killed Tripurasur ultimately. Since then, the day has been celebrated as the festival of lights.
The birthday of Vrinda who was personified as holy Basil also falls in Karthika Purnima. It is also the birth anniversary of Matsya, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as the fish. Kartikey, the son of Lord Shiva is also believed to be born on Karthika Purnima. Hindu scriptures rightly portray that Karthika Purnima fasts and rituals pave the way to Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
@religionworldin
[video_ads]
