Kartika Masam: The Sacred Month of Light, Bath, and Bhakti

 

Kartika Masam: Overview

• Hindu Calendar: 8th month, named after the star Krittika visible on the full moon day.
• Dual Devotion: Revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.
• Spiritual Purpose: A time for purification, austerity, and divine remembrance.

Sacred Rituals

Early Morning Snanam (Bath)

• Before sunrise, preferably in a river.
• Ganga Snanam in Kartika is said to surpass the merit of 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas.
• If river bath is not possible, cold water bath at home is recommended.
• Believed to:
• Relieve stress
• Energize body and mind
• Please all devatas
• Remove hardships

Deepa Dana (Lighting Lamps)

• Daily lamp lighting at home and temples.
• Somavara Deepotsavam: Special lamp offerings on Mondays in Shiva temples.
• Full Moon (Purnima): Homes and temples glow with rows of lamps.
• Bharani Nakshatra Legend: A mouse accidentally offering a lamp was granted moksha—symbolizing even unintended devotion is accepted.

Fasting & Food Discipline

• Saatvik Diet: Avoid rajasic/tamasic foods.
• Pancha Ratris: Five-night fast recommended.
• Kartika Ekadasi: Highly auspicious for Vishnu devotees.
• Annadanam: Feeding others during Kartika yields amplified merit.

Spiritual Practices

• Temple Visits after snanam
• Pooja at home
• Scripture Reading: Srimad Bhagavatam, Ramayana
• Nama Sankeertana: Chanting divine names

Legends & Symbolism

Lingodbhava Jyoti

• Shiva’s Infinite Form: Brahma (as swan) and Vishnu (as boar) fail to find Shiva’s origin.
• Shiva manifests as a pillar of light—celebrated as Annamalai Deepam.

Brindavana Dvadashi

• Tulasi & Amla Worship: Honoring Vishnu’s sacred plants.
• Annadanam on this day equals feeding 1000 people on Ganga’s banks.

Spiritual Benefits

• Amplifies the merit of all virtuous acts
• Cleanses karmic baggage
• Promotes peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth
• Protects from untimely death (Apamrityu Dosha)