Karthika Masam is a month-long celebration that is observed during the whole month. For Hindus, it is regarded as the auspicious and holiest month. Karthika Masam is named after the star “krithika.” It should also be Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva’s favourite month. A group of stars that typically bears the name of its apparent shape or is associated with a legendary character will act via the signs of Scorpio and Libra during Karthika Masam. These stars will have a scissor-like form. The name “Karika” is symbolised by the Krittikas, the six mothers who nurse Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya, another six-faced Kumara.
when it starts
Karthika Masam, which ushers in the winter season, starts from Aaswayuja Sukla pournami and lasts up to one month on the day following Deepavali. The eight-month of the year, which follows the sun’s entry into Scorpio, is when it starts. During this month, there are a number of rites and traditions that must be observed. The most intriguing fact is that on Ashadha suddha Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu sleeps, and on Karthika suddha Ekadashi, he awakens.
Story Behind the Karthika Masam
During this month, the Tulasi plant is also prayed to and worshipped daily by lighting a deepam. There is a legend that Tulasi appeared as a sister of the goddess Lakshmi during the churning of the Amrita Mantham Ocean. Lakshmi disapproved of Tulasi’s desire to wed Lord Vishnu and cursed her to turn into a plant. However, Lord Vishnu felt sorry for her and granted her wish by bestowing the gift that Tulasi will be by his side when he takes the form of a saligram. The plant known as Tulasi is decorated and blessed on Kartika Shukla Dwadashi.
The Significant Karthika Masam Rituals
Diya lighting or lamp lighting
Before sunrise and soon before sunset during Karthika Masam, diyas are lit and placed in front of the Tulasi plant and close to the home’s main entrance. During Karthika Masam, lighting a Diya is seen as lucky.
On Karthika Purnima or Karthika Pournami, temples would light a diya and bring it to the top of the Dhwaja Sthambam in the temple and tie it there. The name of this diya is Akasa Deepam.
Similar to how Diwali is celebrated, Karthika Pournami involves decorating the entire house with diyas. On Karthika Pournami, crackers are burned.
River Bath or Nadi Snanam bathing
Bathing in rivers during Karthika Masam or Karthika Month has another significant meaning. The rainy season, which consists of the months of Shravan and Bhadrapada, brought fresh water to the rivers. Bathing in rivers during Shravana and Bhadrapada is prohibited since the rivers are raging and overflowing their banks. By the time Karthika Masam begins, the river has totally settled.
The Moon is also unique during the Sharad Ruthuvu. Moonlight makes Sharad Ruthuvu famous. Ashwayuja, also known as Ashwin month, and Karthika Masam, also known as Karthika month, make up Sharad Ruthuvu. By taking a dip in the river in Kartika Masam, one can receive the energy from the river that was absorbed by it all along the Aswayuja Masam. Therefore, it is required that one conduct Nadi Snanam in Karthika Masam or take a bath in the river.
The Nadi Snanam is performed by covering the nose with the two thumb fingers and the ears with the middle fingers, then taking a dip so that the entire body, including the head, is submerged in water. A minimum of three times must pass after this.
Karthika Somavara
A Karthika Soma vara Vratham would not be observed by many devotees. The traditional steps of Karthika Somavara Vratham include a full day of fasting and the Rudra Abhishekam, which involves chanting the Rudra Namakam and Rudra Chamakam. After seeing the stars, eat.
Satyanarayana Vrat is being performed.
During the holy month of Karthika Masam, devotees of Lord Vishnu will observe the Satyanarayana Vrat. On Karthika Pournami, it is believed that performing the Satyanarayana Vrata will aid in their purification from all sins.
Damodara Pooja
Lord Vishnu is worshipped at the temple of Lord Shiva by Lord Damodara. Lord Vishnu prays to Lord Shiva during this month, and vice versa. Both lords resemble the condition of awareness of one’s own existence and that of the world around one. They are similar to a circle and a point, which cannot exist apart from one another; without a centre, there can be no circle.
Ekadasi Rudra Abhishekam is performed.
To appease Lord Shiva, devotees would perform the Ekadasi Rudra Abhishekam for the whole Karthika Masam month.
During the Karthika Masam, Vanabhojanalu
During the Karthika Masam or Karthika Month, it is customary for people to go out with their families and friends and have dinner in parks or surrounding forests. They’re referred to as Vanabhojanalu.