Kartik Purnima is a significant Hindu festival that occurs on the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in October or November. This day is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and in several other parts of South Asia. Kartik Purnima in 2024 will be observed on Friday, 15th of November.
Kartik Poornima holds immense spiritual significance, especially for devotees of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the river Ganga. On this day, devotees engage in various religious rituals and pujas to seek blessings and spiritual growth. It is also a tradition to recite the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or Mahabharata on Kartik Purnima, especially chapters related to devotion and worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Kartika Poornima holds different meanings and is associated with various religious and cultural practices depending on the region. Some of the major observances and beliefs related to Kartik Purnima are :
1. Significance in Hindu Mythology :
- Lord Vishnu's Incarnation (Vishnu's Matsya Avatar) : Kartik Purnima is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as the fish (Matsya) to save the ancient scriptures (Vedas) from the demon who stole them and to protect the Saptarishi (seven great sages) during a great deluge.
- Celebration of Lord Shiva and Kartikeya : In some regions, Kartik Purnima is also associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, was born on this day, and devotees celebrate by offering prayers and performing rituals to him.
- Ganga Snan (Holy Bath) : On Kartik Purnima, many Hindus take a holy dip in rivers like the Ganges (particularly in Varanasi) to purify themselves of sins, as it is believed that the river's water has purifying and healing properties. The day is often marked with grand processions and offerings to the river.
2. The Festival of Lights :
Kartik Purnima is often celebrated with light, similar to Diwali, but on a smaller scale. Devotees light oil lamps (diyas) and candles to mark the occasion. In many places, the skies are lit with firecrackers, and temples are adorned with lights.
3. The Karthik Maas Vrata (Fasting and Devotion) :
During the entire month of Kartik, many devotees observe fasts and participate in rituals, as this month is considered especially auspicious for worshiping Lord Vishnu. Kartik Purnima is the culmination of this month-long devotion, and many devotees end their fasts and offer prayers on this day.
4. Other Regional Celebrations :
- Bengal : Kartik Purnima is associated with the worship of Debi Lakshmi and Lord Kartikeya. In West Bengal, people also celebrate Boita Bandana, where people offer prayers by the river, symbolizing the ancient tradition of sailing small boats made of banana leaves, lighted with diyas.
- Goa and Maharashtra : In coastal areas, the day is also observed as Kartik Snaan, with devotees taking a sacred bath at the beach and offering prayers to the rising moon.
5. Magical and Cultural Significance : Kartik Purnima also marks the end of the month of Kartik, which is seen as a time for spiritual growth. It is a period when the weather in India is pleasant, making it a favorable time for pilgrimage, fasting, and other spiritual practices. People also offer food, clothing, and other charity to the poor as a part of their observances.
In essence, Kartik Purnima is a day of spiritual cleansing, worship, and celebration, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It's a time for reflection, devotion, and community gatherings.
Key Benefits of Kartik Purnima :
Spiritual Growth: The rituals performed on Kartik Purnima are believed to bring spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Removal of Sins: It is said that taking a holy bath and performing puja on this day removes past sins.
Blessings of Wealth and Prosperity: The lighting of lamps and offering prayers to gods on this day is said to attract wealth, health, and happiness.
Forgiveness and Peace: By seeking forgiveness and performing rites for ancestors, one can achieve peace of mind and family harmony.
Pujas that should be performed on the day of Kartik Poornima :
1. Puja for Lord Vishnu : Devotees often offer tulsi leaves (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu while chanting his 108 names or mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama. This is believed to purify the soul and invoke Lord Vishnu’s blessings for protection and prosperity.
Chanting Mantras: The "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" mantra is often recited to invoke Lord Vishnu's blessings.
2. Puja for Lord Shiva : Devotees of Lord Shiva also perform special rituals on Kartik Purnima, which is said to be the day when Lord Shiva performed the "Kartikeya Abhishekam" and defeated the demon Tripurasura.
Offer Milk and Bel Leaves: Offer milk, water, and bel leaves to the Shiva Linga while chanting the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra. Performing this puja is believed to cleanse negative energies and promote mental peace.
3. Goddess Ganga Puja :
Devotees who observe the Kartik month should offer prayers to Goddess Ganga. This is believed to cleanse them of their sins and bring spiritual merit.
In conclusion, Kartik Purnima is an ideal time for spiritual purification, deep devotion, and connection with the divine. Whether you are performing the puja at home or at a temple, it is a day to reflect, seek blessings, and celebrate the light of truth and spirituality.
