Karthika Masam is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. It usually falls between October and November and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This month is filled with spiritual energy, and following traditional rituals with discipline can bring immense blessings, peace, and prosperity.
To get the most out of this sacred month, devotees should follow certain do’s and don’ts mentioned in the scriptures.
Do’s During Karthika Masam
1. Wake Up Early and Take a Holy Bath
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurtham (around 4–5 AM).
- Take a holy bath with water mixed with Tulasi leaves or Gangajal (Ganga water).
- Early morning baths purify the body and mind.
2. Perform Daily Puja and Deepa Daanam
- Light lamps (deepams) every morning and evening.
- Offer lamps to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Tulasi plant daily.
- Lighting the Akasa Deepam (lamp facing the sky) in the evening is considered highly auspicious.
3. Observe Fasting (Vratham)
- Many devotees follow Karthika Somavaram Vratham (Monday fast) for Lord Shiva.
- Some also observe fasting on Ekadashi and Karthika Pournami days.
- Fasting purifies the soul and strengthens self-discipline.
4. Visit Temples Regularly
- Visit Shiva temples, Vishnu temples, or Anjaneya temples during this month.
- Participate in Rudrabhishekam, Tulasi Pooja, or Deepotsavam.
5. Read or Listen to Karthika Purana
- Reading Karthika Puranam daily or listening to it brings spiritual enlightenment.
- It explains the greatness of Lord Shiva and the importance of devotion.
6. Practice Charity (Daanam)
- Donate food, clothes, lamps, and oil to the poor and to temples.
- Deepa Daanam (donating lamps) is one of the most powerful acts in this month.
7. Perform Tulasi and Bilva Puja
- Worship Tulasi (sacred basil) daily and offer Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
- On Karthika Pournami, perform Tulasi Vivaham (symbolic marriage of Tulasi and Vishnu).
8. Maintain Purity and Discipline
- Keep your surroundings clean and maintain a calm, positive mindset.
- Speak truthfully and avoid anger or harsh words.
Don’ts During Karthika Masam
1. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food
- Do not eat meat, fish, or eggs during Karthika Masam.
- Also avoid alcohol and intoxicants.
- This is a month of purity and vegetarian food keeps the body light and sattvic (pure).
2. Avoid Cutting Hair and Nails
- Cutting hair, shaving, or trimming nails is discouraged in this month, as it’s considered inauspicious during sacred periods.
3. Avoid Laziness and Oversleeping
- The month is meant for spiritual awakening.
- Use your mornings for prayer, meditation, or reading scriptures instead of sleeping late.
4. Don’t Use Onion and Garlic
- Onion and garlic are considered taamasic foods, which reduce spiritual focus.
- Eat simple vegetarian meals without these ingredients.
5. Don’t Waste Oil or Lamps
- Oil used for lamps should not be wasted or reused.
- Once the lamp burns out, clean the diya properly before the next use.
6. Avoid Anger, Gossip, and Arguments
- This is a time to purify your thoughts.
- Avoid negative speech, arguments, and unnecessary discussions.
7. Don’t Skip Daily Deepam
- Lighting lamps is one of the main rituals of Karthika Masam.
- Even if you are busy, light at least one lamp daily near the Tulasi plant or in your pooja room.
8. Avoid Materialistic Distractions
- Reduce watching TV, parties, or unnecessary outings.
- Focus on self-reflection, devotion, and service.
Conclusion
Karthika Masam is not just a religious period — it’s a spiritual journey that helps one cleanse the soul and grow closer to God. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, devotees can receive the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
May this Karthika Masam fill your life with light, devotion, and peace.
