Karthika Masam is one of the most sacred months in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with immense devotion across India, especially in Telugu states. This holy month usually falls between October and November and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Performing pujas and lighting lamps during this time is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual growth, prosperity, and peace.
Significance of Karthika Masam
According to Hindu scriptures, Karthika Masam is the most auspicious month for spiritual practices like fasting, deepa daanam (offering lamps), and visiting temples. It is believed that even a small good deed performed in this month gives multiplied results.
Lord Shiva once declared that whoever worships Him during Karthika Masam attains moksha (liberation). It is also believed that Lord Vishnu resides in Tulasi plants and Lord Shiva in Bilva trees — hence both Tulasi and Bilva pujas are highly significant in this month.
Karthika Masam Puja Vidhanam (Step-by-Step Ritual Procedure)
1. Early Morning Bath (Snanam)
- Wake up before sunrise (Brahma Muhurtham) and take a holy bath, preferably in a river or with water mixed with tulasi leaves.
- Apply vibhooti or kumkuma on the forehead and wear clean clothes.
2. Deepa Prajwalana (Lighting of Lamps)
- Lighting deepams is a key ritual in Karthika Masam.
- Light Akasa Deepam (lamp facing the sky) in front of the house every evening.
- Light lamps near Tulasi plant, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu idols or photos.
- Use cow ghee or sesame oil for lighting lamps — it’s believed to bring good health and remove negativity.
3. Shiva and Vishnu Puja
- For Lord Shiva: Offer Bilva (Bel) leaves, water, milk, honey, and fruits. Chant “Om Namah Shivaya”.
- For Lord Vishnu: Offer Tulasi leaves, flowers, and fruits while chanting “Om Namo Narayanaya”.
- You can perform Rudrabhishekam or Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam for added merit.
4. Tulasi and Bilva Puja
- Worship the Tulasi plant in the morning with sandalwood paste, flowers, and lamps.
- Worship Bilva tree or offer Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
- Performing these pujas daily during Karthika Masam brings peace and spiritual upliftment.
5. Fasting and Naivedyam
- Many devotees observe Karthika Somavaram Vratham (Monday fast) dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Offer naivedyam (food offering) like fruits, milk, or simple vegetarian meals.
- Avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food throughout the month.
6. Reading Holy Scriptures
- Recite Karthika Puranam, Shiva Purana, or Bhagavad Gita during this month.
- Listening to stories of Lord Shiva and Vishnu enhances devotion and positive energy.
7. Deepotsavam
- On Karthika Pournami (Full Moon Day), light hundreds of lamps and decorate your home and temple surroundings.
- Visit nearby Shiva or Vishnu temples and offer special prayers.
Benefits of Performing Karthika Masam Puja
- Brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.
- Removes sins and obstacles from life.
- Promotes spiritual awakening and self-purification.
- Helps one attain good health, wealth, and moksha.
Conclusion
Karthika Masam is a divine opportunity to connect with the Almighty through simple yet powerful rituals. Performing pujas with devotion, lighting lamps daily, reading sacred texts, and maintaining purity in thoughts and deeds makes this month truly auspicious.
Let this Karthika Masam bring light, love, and divine blessings into your life.
