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Kartika Purnima
Contents
- Overview
- [+] Quick Facts
- Legends/History
- Traditions And Celebrations
- [+] Festival Fun
- Other Information
- [+] SMS & Greetings
[ Edit ] Overview
Kartika Purnima celebrates the power of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripusara on this day and therefore Shiva Temples are crowded with devotees to celebrate the event. Kartika Purnima also coincides with the Jain light festival.
Kartika (October / November) is considered to be the holiest month of the Hindu calendar. Kartika Purnima is the last day of the Hindu month of Kartik and coincides with the full moon day. It follows the last 5 days of celebrations which are collectively called Panchaka. The day of Kartika Purnima also heralds the festival of Dev Diwali.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] When
Kartika Purnima is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik that falls during the months of October/November.
[ Edit ] Duration
The whole month of Kartik is considered sacred however it is the last day that is celebrated as Kartika Purnima as it coincides with a full moon.
[ Edit ] Where
The festival of Kartika Purnima is celebrated mostly in Orissa.
[ Edit ] Also Known As
The festival is also known as Karthik Purnima, or Tripura Purnima as it signifies the end of the demon Tripusara or Tripuri.
[ Edit ] Dedicated To
Kartika Purnima is dedicated to Lord Shiva who killed the demon Tripuri.
[ Edit ] Significance
Kartika Purnima also celebrates the coming of Vishnu Matsya or the fish incarnation in order to save Manu, the first man from the primeval flood which destroyed the universe. Manu saved all species of animals, birds and insects so that they could flourish and grow.
[ Edit ] Legends/History
Legend of Tripuri
Tripuri, a demon, did severe penance for many years in the sacred city of Prayag. Pleased with his dedication Lord Brahma granted him a boon. Tripuri asked that no God, human being, nishachav (evil spirit), women or disease should be able to kill him. Lord Brahma accepted his wish and Tripuri got the power to ruler over the three cities (puri) of Gold (heaven), Silver (earth) and Iron ( **** ). But as Tripuri became powerful he started tormenting his subjects and harassing the Gods. The Gods requested Lord Shiva to help them. Lord Shiva burnt all the three puri’s or cities and killed Tripuri. Therefore Kartika Purnima is also called Tripuri Purnima when all the Gods and people on earth express their joy by illuminating their homes.
Legend of Tarakasur or Taraka
Tarakasur was a demon who had three demon sons- Tarakah, Kamalaksh and Vidyutmali. Mayasur was the renowned architect of the demons who constructed three regions and gave one to each of Tarakasur’s sons. He advised them not to cross the paths of Gods or disrespect them.
All three of them performed severe penance which pleased Lord Brahma who granted them a boon that they would live for a thousand years in three invincible moving cities called Tripuri and could be destroyed by only one arrow that would merge the three cities into one and set them on fire. The cities were made of gold, silver and iron. The three brothers started harassing the Gods. Also the three moving cities never stayed in one place long enough to be destroyed together.
The Gods then approached Lord Shiva requesting him to destroy the cities. He seeked the help of other Gods and his army of Ganas. He danced the “Tandava”, the dance of destruction, that rocked the three cities. He shot an arrow piercing through the three cities at one time and the fire from his third eye burnt the three cities.
The killing of the three demons spread happiness around the world. This form of Shiva is called “Tripuraari or Tripurantaka”.
[ Edit ] Traditions And Celebrations
During the last five days of Kartika Purnima, also known as “Panchaka”, women take a purification bath each morning and draw beautiful flower designs in their homes. Fasting is commonly observed on these days. Shiva temples are visited on these days.
Devotees also try to bathe in the sacred rivers including River Ganges to get rid of their negativity and receive blessings from the Gods. This ritual follows the belief that on this day the Gods descend on earth and reside in the sacred rivers.
Pushkar, in Rajasthan is visited all year around by devotees for a dip in its holy lake. But it is believed that bathing in the lakes during Kartika Purnima relieves devotees of all their sins and frees them from the bonds of Samsara.
In the city of Cuttack, Orissa and a few some other towns, huge images of "Kartikeswar" are built and worshipped during Kartika Purnima. At night they are taken out in procession and are immersed in the Mahanadi River, near a Shiva temple.
Festival Fun
[ Edit ] Food / Recipes
During the month associated with Kartika Purnima, Hindus refrain from eating any non - vegetarian food.
Naivedyam, or flattened rice and coconut scrapings, is offered to the gods and then served as prasad to the devotees. During the five days food is consumed only once in the afternoon and is called as “Habisha”
[ Edit ] Music / Dance
Kirtans or chanting prayers and hymns in groups and the loud beating of instruments like Mrudanga and cymbals continues throughout the day.
[ Edit ] Gift Tradition
[ Edit ] Others
In Pushkar at the time of Kartika Purnima, camel fairs are held including camel races and parades of camels ornamented with coloured clothes and jewelery.
[ Edit ] Other Information
SMS & Greetings
[ Edit ] SMS Wishes
[ Edit ] Greetings
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