Kartik Purnima, also known as Dev Diwali and Tripurari Purnima, holds great significance in Hindu tradition and will be celebrated this year on Friday, November 15. It is believed that religious activities performed on this day bring everlasting blessings and auspicious results for a lifetime.
The Importance of Tripurari Purnima and Dev Diwali
According to mythology, on Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, which is why this day is also celebrated as Tripurari Purnima. Another story suggests that Lord Kartikeya defeated the demon Tarakasura on this day, leading Lord Shiva to name the eighth month after Kartikeya, giving rise to the name “Kartik.”
Key Rituals to Follow on Kartik Purnima
- Sacred Bath and Charity: Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Narmada, or Shipra is considered essential on Kartik Purnima. If a river bath is not possible, one can bathe at home by adding a few drops of Ganga water. Donations are also important on this day, and devotees are encouraged to give items like milk, fruits, coconuts, clothes, sandals, and blankets.
- Offering to the Sun and Moon: Special prayers are offered at sunrise and sunset on this day. In the evening, there is a tradition of offering water to the moon by filling a silver vessel with milk and chanting the mantra “Om Putra Somaya Namah.”
- Reading of Satyanarayan Katha: The reading or listening to the Satyanarayan Katha is customary on Kartik Purnima, believed to bring peace, happiness, and guidance for following the path of truth in families.
- Hanuman Worship: Devotees also worship Lord Hanuman on this day, lighting lamps and reciting the Sundarkand and Hanuman Chalisa, which is believed to bring special blessings. Chanting Lord Rama’s name is also recommended.
- Shiva Worship: Performing an abhishekam on the Shivling with water, raw milk, honey, and Ganga water is highly auspicious. Applying sandalwood paste to the Shivling is also considered beneficial.
- Worship of Bal Gopal: On Kartik Purnima, many devotees worship Lord Krishna’s child form, Bal Gopal, by bathing him in saffron milk and offering tulsi leaves along with butter and sugar.
Special Significance
The Kartik Purnima festival encourages adherence to truth and righteousness. Religious activities performed on this day are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and positive energy, enhancing unity within families and society while strengthening faith.
Through the holy rituals and spiritual practices performed on Kartik Purnima, devotees seek both spiritual upliftment and stability in life, paving the way for balance and harmony.
