
According to Hindu mythology, Tripurantaka who was the manifestation of Lord Shiva, conquered the demon Tripurasura on this day. Lord Shiva redeemed the three lokas from the evil forces hence, the gods declared the day as a festival of illuminations, also called Deva-Diwali. Many devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges River or other sacred rivers during Kartik Purnima to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings.
Rituals and Celebrations
Here are the main rituals associated with Kartik Purnima:
1. Holy Bath (Ganga Snan)
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Description: Devotees take a sacred bath in rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, or other holy water bodies. It is believed that this ritual purifies the soul and washes away sins.
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Why: The bath on this day is considered particularly auspicious due to the belief that the divine presence is more potent during Kartik Purnima.
2. Lighting Diyas (Deepa Daan)
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Description: Devotees light oil lamps or diyas and place them in temples, along riverbanks, or float them on water.
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Why: This act symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is meant to bring peace and prosperity into one’s life.
3. Offering Prayers to Lord Vishnu
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Description: Special prayers, hymns, and mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are recited.
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Why: Kartik Purnima is believed to be the day Lord Vishnu appeared in his Matsya (fish) incarnation, so devotees offer prayers to honor this divine form.
4. Fasting (Vrat)
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Description: Some devotees observe a fast on Kartik Purnima, which can range from complete fasting to a simple diet of fruits and milk.
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Why: Fasting is believed to bring spiritual benefits and is a way to express devotion and seek blessings from the gods.
5. Reciting or Listening to Sacred Texts
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Description: Devotees often recite or listen to sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama.
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Why: It’s believed that hearing or reciting these texts on Kartik Purnima helps in spiritual growth and devotion.
6. Performing Pujas (Worship Ceremonies)
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Description: Special pujas are performed in homes and temples, including the decoration of deities with flowers and the offering of sweets and fruits.
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Why: These ceremonies are meant to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings.
7. Boat Procession (Boita Bandana)
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Description: In Odisha, people float small boats made from banana bark and other materials on water.
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Why: This ritual commemorates the ancient maritime trade and the spirit of navigation.
8. Charity (Daan)
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Description: Giving to the needy or making donations to temples and religious organizations.
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Why: Acts of charity on Kartik Purnima are believed to increase spiritual merit and bring blessings.
9. Attending Religious Congregations and Melas
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Description: Many people visit temples and attend fairs or melas organized for Kartik Purnima.
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Why: It’s a time for communal worship and spiritual gatherings.
10. Praying for Ancestors
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Description: In some traditions, people offer prayers for departed ancestors.
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Why: It is believed to help the souls of ancestors find peace and attain liberation.
This day is also significant for Radha-Krishna devotees. It is believed that Krishna and Radha performed the raasa (dance) on this day and Lord Krishna worshiped her. Kartik Purnima is also dedicated to the dead ancestors. Its believed that prayers offered on Kartik Purnima offer positive results especially if the day falls under Kritikka, Rohini and Bharani Nakshatra.
Kartika Poornima Celebrations
On Kartik Purnima, a large number of people bathe in different rivers. According to the traditions, taking ritual bath in the rivers is considered auspicious. A person, who carries out charities, donations, ritual baths etc. on this special day, is granted with supernal joys.
Ideally, the observer should worship the six gods such as Shiva, Santati, Sambhuti etc at moonrise in order to attain divine blessings. Food known as Ann
akuta is specially prepared for the occasion and is then offered to gods in the temples. During the month associated with Kartik Purnima, Hindus refrain from non - vegetarian food, hair-cutting, cutting of trees, plucking of fruits and flowers and cutting of crops.
In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Shiva Linga Mahajala Abhishekam is organized on the day. Kartik Purnima, is also a day to perform the Tulsi Vivah. These celebrations are also associated with the legend of Lord Kartikeya, who is said to have killed the demon Tarakasura. In the city of Cuttack, Orissa this day is celebrated with much gusto where people float small boats made out of cork, colored paper or banyan tree bark while remembering the past maritime glory of Orissa as well as worshiping Lord Kartikeya. Huge images and idols of lords are set up and worshiped. Thereafter, the images are immersed in the Mahanadi River.
The annual Pushkar Mela, the largest cattle fair in the world, is organized in Pushkar, Rajasthan on Kartik Purnima. Thousands of camels, cows, bulls, sheep, goats etc., are brought there for sale. A large number of pilgrims take a dip in the sacred lake of Pushkar.
Kapal Mochan Mela is another world famous fair celebrated during the same time in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana.
In Varanasi, the ghats are decorated with thousands of diyas. People also gift diyas to the priests. This day is also known as Kartik Diparatna as the houses and Shiva temples are illuminated throughout the night.
कार्तिक पूर्णिमा का महत्व और कथा हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये, क्लिक करें