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Kartik Purnima 2023: Date, Time and Things To Remember
May 10, 2023
The Hindu festival of Kartik Purnima falls on the Purnima or full moon day in the month of Kartik. It honors Vishnu and commemorates the day when he was born as Kartikeya, the son of Shiva. The festival is important for Jain devotees, too, as the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira, attained Nirvana on this day. Devotees take baths in holy rivers, worship Vishnu, and seek his blessings.
Kartik Purnima 2023: Date and Tithi
Kartik Purnima 2023 is on November 27. Purnima Tithi starts at 15:55 on November 26, 2023, and ends at 14:47 on November 27, 2023.
The Story behind Kartik Purnima(Vrat Katha)
As it is a very auspicious occasion, people observe a fast or vrat on this day and worship Vishnu. The vrat katha of Kartik Purnima is as follows:
Once, a demon called Tarakasura acquired great power and began to harass everyone in the universe. The gods were unable to defeat him, so they approached Vishnu for help. Vishnu knew that only a son born to Shiva could defeat Tarakasura, as per a boon he had obtained. But Shiva was in deep meditation after his wife Sati’s death and had no intention of remarrying or begetting a child.
So Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel, and approached Shiva. Shiva fell for her beauty and agreed to marry her. Kartikeya was born of their union, and he eventually waged war against Tarakasura and killed him.
To celebrate the victory, people observed a vrat on Kartik Purnima. Those who observe this vrat can gain happiness and prosperity.
On Kartik Purnima day, people arise early in the morning and take a bath. They worship Vishnu and Shiva and light lamps. They also observe a fast for the entire day and do not consume grains and pulses.
In the evening, people worship the Moon and break their fast. Food and sweets are offered to family and friends after the fast. The belief is that, by observing this vrat, one can attain salvation and be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
Vaikunta Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima
Vaikunta Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima, two auspicious festivals in Hinduism, are connected.
While Vaikunta Chaturdashi is on the 14th day of the waning lunar phase (Krishna Paksha) of Kartik month, Kartik Purnima is on the full moon day of this month. Vaikunta Chaturdashi has another name – Narak Chaturdashi. It commemorates Krishna’s act of killing the demon Narakasura. Also, on this day, Vishnu opened the gates of Vaikunta, his heavenly abode, for devotees.
On Vaikunta Chaturdashi, people take a bath before sunrise and light 14 lamps made of flour and keep them outside their homes. They apply tilak on their foreheads and worship Vishnu. This helps one to attain salvation.
Dev Deepavali is another name for Kartik Purnima. It was also on this day that Vishnu returned to Vaikunta after his stay on Earth for 14 long years.
On this day, people take a bath in holy rivers and worship Vishnu and Shiva. They also light diyas, offer flowers, and donate food and clothes to the poor.
The link between the two festivals is that both honor Vishnu. They also celebrate the triumph of good over evil and remind us to be sincere in our devotion to god.
Why is Kartik Purnima Important?
Kartik Purnima is a very important festival for Hindus, as it has great religious and spiritual significance. Kartik month is a very auspicious month in the Hindu calendar. The month is dedicated to many spiritual and religious activities, like fasting, visiting temples, and performing charitable activities. Jains also offer prayers and give donations on this day.
Another key aspect of this festival is that it occurs at the end of the Chaturmas period. This is a period of four months of austerity and penance for Hindu monks and sages.
The festival is on a full moon day, which is very auspicious. Many people take a bath in holy rivers on this day, as it can supposedly wash off their sins and help them attain Moksha.
Kartik Purnima 2023 Fasting
Many devotees observe a fast on Kartik Purnima. By observing a fast, one can get the blessings of Vishnu. Here are the fasting rules for Kartik Purnima 2023:
Take a holy bath in a holy water body to purify the body and soul.
Eat only Satvik food during the fast. It is pure, light, and easily digested. Avoid garlic, onions, and non-vegetarian food. You can have fruits, nuts, and milk products.
Chant Mantras and prayers to Vishnu to focus on the divine.
Visit a temple and worship Vishnu. Light diyas and incense sticks. Offer flowers to Vishnu.
Offer food, money, or clothes to the needy.
Break the fast after sunset and consume the Prasad offered to Vishnu. This can be milk, fruits, dry fruits, or other Satvik food.
Things to Avoid on Kartik Purnima 2023
