Today
is Kartik Purnima, the Hindu festival of holy bath (snaan), charity (daan) and
religious fervor. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (purnima) of waxing
moon period (Shukla Paksh) of Kartik month (as per Hindu calendar).
Origins of the Kartik Purnima Festival
Kartik
Purnima is celebrated in equal zeal by all Hindus and the origins of this
festival are related to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu – the two major
traditions of Hinduism.
It is
said that Bhagwan Vishnu goes into Yogic Sleep (Yog Nidra) for four months and
on this very day he wakes up and hence on this day all gods (Devtas) celebrat
Diwali by lightening earthen lamps (diyas) as well as doing aarti. Therefore,
all devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate this day by doing vrata, lighting diyas,
and doing charity.
On
this day, Lord Shiva had killed a demon called Tripurasura who had greatly troubled
the world and hence gods (Devtas) celebrated this day as Diwali by lighting earthen
lamps (diyas). Remembering the same, Hindus celebrate this day as a festival.
The Custom of Holy Dip or Bath
On
this day, taking a holy dip in Ganga and other sacred rivers is considered a
sacred act. Thousands of Hindus go to Haridwar and other holy river banks
(ghaat) to take a holy dip on this day.
On
this day, moon shines the brightest in the year. It is believed that if one
takes a dip or bath at the holy rivers on this day, one benefits from the
effect of moon which falls on the river water. Holy bath starts at around 4 am
in the morning and continues whole day as per Hindu calendar.
The
practice of Holy bath on Kartik Purnima is one of the most ancient Hindu
practices still going on since thousands of years. Next holy bath will happen
on the Makar Sankranti day.
The Custom of Charity (daan)
Giving
alms or doing charity is considered sacred on this day. It is believed that if
one gives daan on this day then one remains prosperous all through the year.
Custom of Tulsi Puja
On
this day, Tulsi (a plant of religious and medical significance) is also
worshipped and earthen lamps are offered to it in the evening. Hindus believe
that lighting earthen lamps near Tulsi plant in the evening brings good
fortune, health and prosperity to the family.
Other Names of the Festival
Kartik
Purnima is also called Ganga Dashahra or Dev Deepawli.
-
Rahul Tiwary
1 comment:
Very helpful information. Kudos to the author. Know more about Purnima vrat. Get all the details about Purnima vrat and rituals.
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