Kartik Purnima, also known as Kartika Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival that falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, which usually corresponds to the months of October or November in the Gregorian calendar. This festival holds great religious and cultural importance in Hinduism and is celebrated in various regions of India and other countries with Hindu communities.
During Kartik Purnima, Devotees often observe fasting, engage in prayers and rituals, take holy dips in rivers or lakes, and participate in various cultural and religious activities. The specific customs and traditions associated with Kartik Purnima may vary across different regions and communities within the Hindu faith.
So, let’s get to know more about the Date, Rituals and Significance of Kartik Purnima 2023.
Kartik Purnima 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings
This year, Kartik Purnima will be observed on Monday, November 27, 2023.
- Purnima Tithi Starts: 03:53 p.m on November 26, 2023
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 02:45 p.m on November 27, 2023
Find Out Date and Muhurat of Chaitra Purnima 2023
Significance of Kartik Purnima 2023
Kartik Purnima holds significant religious, cultural, and spiritual importance in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. Here are some of the key aspects that highlight the significance of Kartik Purnima:
Spiritual Cleansing
Kartik Purnima is considered a highly auspicious day for spiritual cleansing and purification. Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, especially the Ganges, is believed to wash away sins and bestow spiritual merit. Many devotees embark on pilgrimages to various holy places and perform rituals to seek divine blessings.
Devotion to Lord Krishna
Kartik Purnima is associated with Lord Krishna’s birth or incarnation, depending on regional beliefs. Devotees of Lord Krishna celebrate this day by engaging in devotional activities, such as singing hymns, reciting Krishna’s stories, and offering prayers. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna often hold special celebrations and ceremonies.
Tulsi Vivah
In some regions, Kartik Purnima marks the symbolic wedding of the sacred basil plant (Tulsi) to Lord Vishnu. This event is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, as Tulsi is considered a holy plant with immense spiritual significance.
Also Read: Importance of Tulsi Vivah
Festival of Lights
Kartik Purnima is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights.” People light oil lamps (diyas) and place them in and around their homes, temples, and other significant places. The illuminated surroundings symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Boat Festivals
In cities like Varanasi and Prayagraj, Kartik Purnima is celebrated with vibrant boat festivals on the Ganges River. Thousands of lit lamps are set afloat on the river, creating a mesmerizing spectacle and symbolizing the journey of the soul towards liberation.
Charity and Compassion
On Kartik Purnima, giving alms, feeding the needy, and performing acts of charity are considered highly virtuous. Many people engage in philanthropic activities to help those less fortunate, reflecting the spirit of compassion and selflessness.
Jain Observance
For Jains, Kartik Purnima holds significance as it marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jains engage in prayers, processions, and other religious activities to commemorate this event.
Fasting and Spiritual Practices
Many individuals observe fasting and engage in various spiritual practices, such as meditation, recitation of scriptures, and chanting of mantras, to deepen their spiritual connection and seek divine blessings.
Overall, Kartik Purnima is a day of deep spiritual significance, marked by devotion, acts of kindness, and a focus on self-improvement. It provides an opportunity for individuals to strengthen their faith, purify their hearts, and foster a sense of unity and community.
Also Read: Benefits of Maa Lakshmi Puja during Kartik Maas
Find out how to participate in Purnima Puja
Kartik Purnima 2023 Vrat Puja Vidhi
Kartik Purnima holds greater significance for performing Satyanarayan puja to please Lord Satyanarayan and Maa Lakshmi to attract fortune and success. So, let’s find the religious rituals to be performed on Kartik Purnima.
- On the day of Purnima, wake up early morning and take a holy bath in the sacred rivers or water reservoirs as it is regarded as highly auspicious and fortunate to do so.
- After taking a holy bath, you must perform Lord Vishnu puja either in the temple or at a workshop or at home.
- Recite the Satyanarayan Katha after performing the ritual of Vishnu puja.
- Then visit any nearby temple of Lord Vishnu and worship and offer prayers to the deity.
- Also, chanting the Gayatri mantra and ‘Om Namo Narayana’ mantra 1008 times in a row is termed as highly auspicious.
- Make as many donations as possible on the eve of Purnima.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy.
Also Read: Importance of Lord Vishnu Puja on Purnima
Mythological Legends Behind Kartik Purnima 2023
Kartik Purnima is associated with several religious and mythological stories:
Goddess Ganga’s Descent
It is believed that on Kartik Purnima, the river Ganga (Ganges) descended to the Earth from the heavens, making it an auspicious day for taking a dip in sacred rivers and performing rituals.
Have you heard about the significance of Ganga Dusshera?
Tulsi Vivah
In some regions, Kartik Purnima marks the ceremonial marriage of the sacred basil plant (Tulsi) to Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people perform rituals around the Tulsi plant.
Charity and Devotion
Kartik Purnima is considered a highly auspicious day for performing acts of charity, offering prayers, and engaging in spiritual practices. Devotees often light oil lamps (diyas) and offer prayers to deities.
Boat Festivals
In places like Varanasi and Prayagraj, Kartik Purnima is celebrated with colourful and vibrant boat festivals on the river Ganga. People light lamps, offer prayers and release lamps into the river as an act of devotion.
Jain Observance
Kartik Purnima is also significant in Jainism, as it marks the attainment of nirvana (liberation) by Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.
Learn about the Religious Benefits of Fasting on Purnima
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