Kartik Purnima

Significance and History

Also known as ‘Tripuri Purnima‘ or ‘Tripurari Purnima‘, the festival is a celebration of Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon, Tripurasara. This festival is also celebrated in honour of Lord Vishnu. On this day, he had incarnated as Matsya, which is his very first avatar.

The Hindu legend says that on this day, Gods had descended to the earth into the sacred rivers. This is why, during Kartik Purnima, the devotees bathe themselves in sacred rivers, and believe that they receive the blessings of Gods.

The significance of this festival increases when it falls in the Nakshatra Krittika (lunar mansion). This is when it is called Maha Kartik.

Why do People Celebrate Kartik Purnima? :

• Kartik Purnima is celebrated with various rituals, the most prominent being the holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges in Varanasi. Pilgrims gather on the banks of these rivers to offer prayers, light lamps (diyas), and take part in grand aartis in honor of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
  • Deep Daan (Lighting of Lamps): On this day, people light thousands of lamps (diyas) to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Homes, temples, and ghats are beautifully lit, creating a mesmerizing sight.
  • Fasting and Pujas: Devotees often observe a fast (some with partial or complete fasting) to purify their bodies and minds. Special pujas and rituals are performed in temples and at home.
  • Boat Processions: In certain regions, devotees participate in boat processions in the evening, floating diyas in rivers as an offering to Lord Vishnu and other deities.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• Devotees follow a lot of customs during this festival. Here is a list of the rituals followed by the celebrants:

  • According to the Hindu scriptures, all devotees must bathe in the Ganges or any other holy river on this day.
  • People also light diyas/earthen lamps for celebrating the victory of Lord Vishnu. They believe that he had come back to his abode once his exile was over.
  • Devotees walk in a procession and carry Lord ‘Shiva’ idols and images. They then immerse them into the water once they worship them.
  • At temples, a Prasad called, ‘Annakutta‘ is offered to all deities.
  • Some devotees also gather around banks of holy rivers at sunrise or moonrise and worship Lord Shiva.
  • Devotees then participate in the ‘Bhandara’ and ‘Anna Daan’ rituals. This is done for gaining assets and prosperity throughout the coming year.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Kartik Purnima to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.