Karthika Pournami, the full moon day in the auspicious Kartika month, is one of the most spiritually powerful days for Hindus. It is believed that on this night, divine energies reach their highest level, making prayers, fasting, and lighting lamps extremely fruitful. The day is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Subrahmanya, and is celebrated with deep devotion across India, especially in South Indian states.
Significance of Karthika Pournami
- The full moon of Kartika month is considered highly sacred in Hindu scriptures.
- It is believed that Lord Shiva performed the Ananda Tandavam (cosmic dance) on this day.
- The Kartika lamp (deepam) symbolizes purity, truth, and the destruction of negativity.
- Lighting lamps on this day is said to remove past karmas and invite prosperity.
- Devotees believe that even a small act of worship today brings multiplied spiritual benefits.
Traditions Followed on Karthika Pournami
1. Lighting Deepams
Lighting rows of oil lamps at home, temples, and riverbanks is the most important tradition.
Nuvvula nune (sesame oil) deepam is considered highly auspicious.
2. Holy Bath
Devotees take a holy dip early morning, especially in sacred rivers like Ganga, Krishna, and Godavari.
3. Shiva Darshan & Abhishekam
People visit Shiva temples, offer Bilva leaves, and perform Rudrabhishekam for spiritual cleansing.
4. Tulasi Pooja
Lighting a lamp near the Tulasi plant and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu is an essential custom.
5. Fasting
Many observe a partial or full-day fast and break it only after performing the night puja.
6. Deepotsavam
In the evening, devotees light dozens of lamps around their house, balcony, and entrance to welcome divine energy.
Importance of Karthika Pournami
- Enhances peace, happiness, and family wellbeing
- Removes bad luck and negativity
- Brings spiritual clarity and emotional stability
- Considered best day to pray for prosperity and success
- Strengthens devotion and inner discipline
- Performing good deeds today gives high punya phalam
- Ideal day to start new spiritual practices or vows
Karthika Pournami Puja Vidhanam (Step-by-Step)
1. Morning Rituals
- Wake up early and take a head bath.
- Clean the puja area and decorate with rangoli.
- Place lamps, flowers, and puja items neatly.
2. Lamp Preparation
Keep ready:
- Sesame oil lamp
- Ghee lamp (optional)
- Multiple small lamps for evening deepotsavam
- Wicks (cotton vattulu)
3. Shiva Puja
- Light the main lamp.
- Offer Bilva Patram, flowers, and water/milk for abhishekam.
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 11 or 21 times.
- Offer naivedyam like fruits, payasam, jaggery, or poha.
4. Tulasi & Vishnu Puja
- Light a deepam near the Tulasi plant.
- Offer flowers and chant “Om Namo Narayanaya”.
- Perform small harathi.
5. Evening Deepa Daanam
- Light multiple lamps outside your home and balcony.
- If possible, do deepa daan near a river or temple for maximum punya.
6. Harathi & Naivedyam
- End the puja with camphor harathi.
- Pray for family health, peace, and positive energy.
