Significance of Karthika Poornima
Kartika is a veritably special month in tradition, especially in Telugu culture. It’s a cherished month for Lord Shiva, who is fond of bedaubing. During this time, Shaiva tabernacles, including Hari Hara Kshethram, shine with spiritual energy, and people celebrate colorful rituals to recognize Lord Shiva. The month begins with Shuddha Padyami after Diwali, and several special observances take place, similar as Kedareshwar Vrat on Diwali, Sri Satyanarayana Vratham, and Kedareswara Nomula. Deeparadhana, or the lighting of lights, is also an important tradition throughout the month. Lights are lit in both homes and Hindu tabernacles in Georgetown and other locales in the evening.
Kartika Poornima(Kartika Full Moon)
Kartika Poornima(The full moon in Kartika is a largely auspicious day, especially for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu appeared as Matsyavatara to master the demon Somakasura, who had hidden the Vedas in the ocean. Kartika Poornima is also celebrated as Dev Diwali, a jubilee where all the gods celebrate Diwali. It is said that Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura on this day, and the gods in heaven lit lights to mark the occasion. This tradition of lighting lights is still followed moment in Hari Hara Kshethram Georgetown and other Hindu temples.
Special Customs on Kartika Poornima
Kartika Poornima is particularly important for Deeparadhana — lighting lights. In Shiva temples, a special beacon called Nandadeepam is hung on the flagpole, and Bharinas( made of essence or complexion pots) are hung as Akashadeepams. In Vaishnava temples, lights are lit on the gopuram( temple palace), near the flagpole, around the Tulsi factory, and in special immolation made of rice flour.
It is considered veritably auspicious to bathe in the ocean or swash beforehand in the morning on Kartika Poornima. However, they can take a bath at home, finish their prayers if one is unfit to go to the swash. Numerous addicts in Hindu temples in Georgetown also observe a presto on this day and light a special beacon with 365 wicks, representing each day of the time.
Jwala Toranam
A unique ritual called Jwala Toranam is performed on Kartika Poornima. In the evening, a honey bow is set up near Shiva temples, and the palanquin carrying Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is rotated under the bow three times. Addicts believe that crossing this honey bow helps avoid the corrections of Yamaloka( the realm of death).
Lakshmi Pooja and Satyanarayana Vrat
Sri Satyanarayana Vratham is a special ritual performed on auspicious occasions, similar as marriages, moving into a new home, or starting a new business. In Kartika, performing this vrat is considered especially important. Kartika Poornima is also an important day for worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva together.
Things to Do on Kartika Poornima
- Wake over beforehand and bathe in a swash if possible. However, take a bath at home before daylight and visit the tabernacle.
- Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
- Donate lights in the swash or tabernacle.
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama(1000 names of Lord Vishnu).
- Offer arghyam(a ritual immolation) of raw milk mixed with water to the moon.
- Giving a cow is considered veritably meritorious.
- Contribute food, clothes, or Jagger to the poor, as this brings good results.
- Since Kartika Poornima is celebrated as Dev Diwali, insure your house is well-lit with lights; it’s considered portentous to keep the house dark.
- Fast on this day if possible. However, avoid eating tamasic(non-vegetarian or racy) food, and stick to sattvic(pure) food.
Things Not to Do on Kartika Poornima
- Avoid giving tableware vessels or milk on Kartika Poornima.
- Don’t shoot poor or mendicants down empty-handed. It’s good to contribute food, plutocrat, or any help you can give.
By following these customs and rituals in places like Hari Hara Kshethram Georgetown and other Hindu temples in Georgetown, Kartika Poornima brings blessings, substance, and spiritual growth.
Satyanarayana Vrat Registration Link: https://hariharakshethram.com/register/sri-satyanarayana-swamy-vratham-join-us
