Kartika is the eighth lunar month in the Hindu calendar. The Purnima which occurs during the month of Kartika is known as Kartik Purnima/ Kartik Poornima. The celebrations of Kartik Purnima begins on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi also known as Devuthanna Ekadashi. As Ekadashi is the eleventh day and Purnima is the fifteenth day of Kartika month, therefore, Kartika Purnima is celebrated for five days. Kartika Purnima is very significant as many rituals and festivals conclude on this day. Kartika Purnima is also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima.
The festivities of Kartik Purnima celebrated for five days include:
As per the Hindu mythology, this day of Kartik Poornima is religiously and spiritually significant. It is believed that performing Kartik Snan and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day, blesses the devotees with immense fortune. Kartik Purnima is considered as one of the most auspicious days for performing religious ceremonies, and it is believed that auspicious ceremonies performed on this day brings joy and happiness. It is also believed that performing Kartik Snan during Kartik month is equivalent to performing 100 Ashvamegha Yagya.
Devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, observe fast on the day of Kartik Purnima, and begin their day by taking a holy bath early in the morning and reading the Kartik Purnima Vrat Katha. This katha explains the story of the end of demon Tripurasura. Ancient Hindu scriptures describe that once upon a time, a demon named Tripurasura succeeded in defeating the Gods and ultimately conquering the entire World. It is believed that he created three cities in space and named them as Tripura. At this time, Lord Shiva came to rescue the Deva’s and killed this demon with an arrow and announced that this day be celebrated as festival of lights and illumination.
Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Vrinda, personification of Tulsi plant. This day also marks the birthday of Matsya, the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Kartikey, son of Lord Shiva was also born on this day. The last five days of the Kartik month as considered to be the most sacred days and devotees observe fast by eating only once a day, in the afternoon, which is known as Habisha.
It is rightly stated in the Hindu scriptures, that Kartik Purnima Vrat and Puja provides a way to Artha, Dharma, Karma and Salvation.
Full Moon Calendar: Know When is Next Purnima Vrat?
On this day of Kartik Purnima, taking a sacred bath at places of pilgrimage, known as ‘Kartik Snan’ at the time of sunrise and moonrise, is considered to be highly sacred. Lord Vishnu is worshipped with flowers, diyas and incense sticks. Devotees generally observe fast on this day and recite the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha after performing Rudrabhishek. Kartik Purnima also marks the marriage ceremony of Lord Vishnu and Devi Vrinda, and to celebrate this festivity, Kartik Purnima Mela is organized in Pushkar, known as Pushkar fair, during the Kartik month. This fair concludes on the day of Kartik Purnima with devotees taking the sacred dip on the Pushkar Lake for seeking Salvation.
According to the Hindu calendar which starts from Chaitra month (March-April), the full moon that falls throughout the year is as follows: -
S.N. | Hindu Month | Purnima Vrat Name | Purnima Other Names or Same Day Festivals |
1 | Chaitra | Chaitra Purnima | Hanuman Jayanti |
2 | Vaishakha | Vaishakha Purnima | Buddha Purnima, Kurma Jayanti |
3 | Jyeshtha | Jyeshtha Purnima | Vat Purnima Vrat |
4 | Ashadha | Ashadha Purnima | Guru Purnima, Vyasa Puja |
5 | Shravana | Shravana Purnima | Raksha Bandhan, Gayatri Jayanti |
6 | Bhadrapada | Bhadrapada Purnima | Purnima Shraddha, Pitrupaksha Begin |
7 | Ashwin | Ashwin Purnima | Sharad Purnima, Kojagara Puja |
8 | Kartika | Kartika Purnima | Dev Diwali |
9 | Margashirsha | Margashirsha Purnima | Dattatreya Jayanti |
10 | Paush | Paush Purnima | Shakambhari Purnima |
11 | Magha | Magha Purnima | Guru Ravidas Jayanti |
12 | Phalguna | Phalguna Purnima | Holika Dahan, Vasanta Purnima |
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