Kartik Purnima, also referred to as Dev Deepavali or Tripuri Purnima, is an important festival observed by Hindus and Jains alike in India on the 15th day of the Kartik lunar month.

According to legend, Kartik Purnima derived its name from Tripurari, an adversary of Tripurasura, the ogre. According to Tripurari (another form of God Shiva), Tripurasura had been killed on Kartik Purnima.

Tripurasuraha, as the legend goes, refers to three demons named Vidyunmali (the first), Tarakaksha (the second), and Viryavana, who once ruled over Earth by defeating all gods and building three cities out in space.

On this day, Lord Shiva killed them with one single arrow shot from His bow – leading many gods and worshipers to celebrate this illumination festival by giving gifts.

Dev-Deepavali or Diwali celebrates this festival as part of Dev-Deepavali Diwali by worshipers of all gods or worshipers alike.

According to legend, Kartik Purnima marks both Matsya (the fish-incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Vrinda’s birthdays;

Lord Kartikeya was said to have been born on this day as well, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Radha and Krishna’s devotees also believe the gods danced during Kartik Purnima.

Each congregation recites Vedic mantras, sings bhajans, and donates lamps, lit similarly to Diwali, to represent virtue and good deeds.

When will Kartik Purnima be in 2023?

This year’s Purnima Day falls on Monday, November 27. Drik Panchang estimates that this year’s Purnima begins at 3:53 pm on November 26, 2023, and concludes 2 hours and 45 minutes later on November 27, 2023.

This article also reveals that Kartika Purnima celebrations typically begin the day following Prabodhini Ekadashi, lasting five days before culminating on Purnima (which falls on either November 11th or 15th of Kartika during Shukla Paksha).

In Tamil Nadu, this festival is known as Karthigai Deepam; devotees light rows upon rows of lamps during it. Thrikarthika is the name given in Kerala.

Karthika Maasalu takes place across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and throughout November in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. On Karthika Puranam (full moon day), oil lamps with 365 wicks are lit at Lord Shiva temples.

Kartik Purnima: Its significance

Hinduism’s sacred scriptures emphasise the significance of Kartik Purnima for its religious and cultural significance for Hindus. On this day, worshipping Lord Vishnu can bring tremendous fortune for worshippers;

Ddevotees may receive immense fortune as it marks Vrinda Plant (Tulsi) birthday as well as holding ceremonious Tulsi Vivaah ceremony on Kartik Purnima;

This day is also marked by 100 Ashvamedha Yagyas of Kartik Snan which ensure that any religious activities performed on Kartik Purnima are surefire successes.

Kartik Purnima Story

On Kartik Purnima, devotees of Lord Vishnu read the story of Kartik Purnima out loud. According to this narrative, three demons named Vidyunmali Tarakaksha and Viryavana had taken control of all worldly things and defeated all Devatas;

These three demons, collectively known as Tripurasur, overthrew gods by creating three Tripura Cities in space before Lord Shiva shot Tripurasur dead with an arrow during Kartik Purnima;

Devatas were pleased that Lord Shiva had broken his reign; hence Devatas celebrated Kartik Purnima as Dev Deepavali or Diwali in their honour.

Kartik Purnima marks a day for honouring Vrinda (Holy Tulsi Plant). Matsya was Lord Vishnu in fish form. In Hindu mythology, it also marks Kartikey, Lord Shiva’s youngest son’s birthday – fasting and rituals during Kartik Purnima are said to bring about Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksha in our lives.

Kartik Purnima Puja Rituals and Vidhi

• Pilgrims visit sacred sites at sunrise or moonrise to take a holy shower during this holy day. This Kartik Snan bath is considered to be a sacred one.
• You can also take a bath at home by adding Ganga Jaal to the bathwater. Light ghee Diya or mustard oil Diya in front of Lord Vishnu and worship him ceremonially.
• On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with great devotion by devotees. Flowers, incense, and lamps are used to worship the Lord’s idol. Devotees can overcome their worries on this day by praying to Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees observe a Kartik Purnima fast. The Satyanarayana vrat is observed by reading the Satyanarayana Katha.
• Worshippers can also perform “Rudrabhishek” in their own homes. On this day, Lord Shiva’s Temples are brightly lit.
• Donating Diya has been said to be very beneficial. Reciting Vedic mantras or bhajans is also considered to be a blessing on this day.
• Pushkar hosts a fair to celebrate Vrinda’s marriage with Lord Vishnu this month. The fair ends on this day, and the worshipers take a holy bath in the Pushkar lake to gain salvation.
• Try to feed brahmins in need or who are hungry on Kartik Purnima.

Kartik Purnima and Other Festivals Celebrated on This Day

Kartik, India’s holy month, is marked with great enthusiasm and devotion throughout the country. Hindus believe bathing in sacred rivers and worshipping Gods, and goddesses are auspicious rituals;

According to mythology, Gods descend into Earth through rivers on this day – taking a holy shower will garner their blessings. This is how different cultures celebrate the day:

• Kartik Purnima lasts five days because Ekadashi falls on the 11th, and Purnima falls on the 15th of Kartika during Shukla Paksha. Tulsi Viah, Bhishma Panchaka, and Vaikunth Chaturdashi are just a few of the festivals that take place now.
• Tulsi Vivah, a Hindu festival, begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi. It ends on Kartika purnima. Hindu scriptures state that it can be celebrated any day between Ekadashi and Kartika Purnima. Many people attended the wedding ceremonies of Tulasi Mata and Lord Shaligram during this period.
• Bhishma Panchak takes place from Prabodhini Ekadashi until Kartik Poornima. Vaishnav culture considers the Bhishma panchak fast to be extremely important. It takes place in the last five days of this month.
• Vaikuntha Chaturdashi falls a day before Kartik Purnima. Devotees perform a unique Puja and fast to please Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu offered Lord Shiva a thousand Lotus Flowers on Kartik Chaturdashi day during Shukla Paksha. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in many Hindu temples.
• Dev Diwali can also be celebrated on Kartik Purnima. The killing of Tripurasur brought much happiness to the gods. This day is celebrated in a similar way to Diwali. Worshippers light earthen lamps and “Diyas” to erase sadness over hope and darkness on the banks of rivers.
• Jains refer to this day as the “Jain Festival of Light.”
• Kartik Purnima, the day that marks Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary, is also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti and Gurpurab among Sikhism believers.

Conclusion

Kartik Purnima goes by many names, yet its goal remains the same. This festival serves to cleanse your soul of sinful habits and to bring positivity into your life.

Kartik is considered the holiest lunar month; performing rituals during this auspicious time can help minimise adverse planetary and dosha effects on you and remove negativity from your life.

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