The Significance of Kartik Purnima: A Festival Celebrating the Birth of Lord Kartikeya

Kartik Purnima is a festival that is observed in Hindu communities all across the world, including in India and Nepal. It is a day with a full moon that occurs in the Hindu month of Kartik, which often occurs in October or November. The event honours the birth of Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Murugan, Skanda, Subramanya, and many other names throughout India. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In different regions of India, the event is observed with great fervor and excitement while adhering to unique traditions and customs. We shall explore the significance of Kartik Purnima, the myths surrounding it, and how it is observed in various parts of India in this post.

Significance of Kartik Purnima:

Kartik Purnima is believed to be an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that on this day, the gods and goddesses descend on earth and bless the people with happiness and prosperity. It is also believed that taking a dip in the holy river Ganges on this day can wash away all sins and bring salvation. The festival is also associated with the harvesting season, and farmers celebrate it as a thanksgiving day to thank god for a good harvest.

The Legends Associated with Kartik Purnima:

Kartik Purnima is associated with many legends in Hindu mythology. One of the most popular legends is the story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's son, Kartikeya. According to the legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wanted a child, and Lord Shiva asked the gods to help him create a son. The gods created Kartikeya, who was born on the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Kartik. Hence, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as his birthday.

Another legend associated with Kartik Purnima is the story of Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Matsya, the fish. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the Vedas, which were stolen by a demon. Lord Vishnu appeared in front of King Satyavrata, who later became known as Manu, and told him to build a boat to save himself and the Vedas from the impending flood. Lord Vishnu, in the form of a fish, guided the boat to safety.

Celebrations of Kartik Purnima:

In various regions of India, Kartik Purnima is commemorated according to various traditions and customs. It is observed as Dev Deepawali Day in the northern regions of India, signaling the conclusion of the Diwali festival. In their homes, people light diyas (lamps) and pray to Goddess Laksmi, God Ganesh and kuber ji. It is regarded as the day of Panchuka in the eastern regions of India, where it marks the conclusion of a five-day Lord Jagannath festival. Traditional foods are prepared and offered to the gods.

In southern parts of India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as Skanda Sashti, which is a six-day-long festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. The festival begins on the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Kartik and ends on the Kartik Purnima day. People fast and offer prayers to Lord Murugan. In Maharashtra, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the day of Tulsi Vivah, which marks the marriage of Lord Vishnu with the Tulsi plant. People plant tulsi plants in their houses and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Conclusion:

Finally, Lord Kartikeya's birth as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, a holiday that has immense significance in Hindu tradition. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, which normally falls in November. The event, which is observed in different regions of India with a variety of customs and ceremonies, has numerous cultural and religious significances. People gather to express their appreciation and ask for Lord Kartikeya's blessings during this period of intense devotion, feasting, and joyful celebration. As the festival exhorts people to cast off their negativity and take up the virtues of Lord Kartikeya, it is also a time for introspection, self-reflection, and inner growth.

People from many castes, religions, and communities all over India and the rest of the world participate in the celebration, which has a universal appeal. It is evidence of India's rich cultural past and the ongoing legacy of Lord Kartikeya, who is regarded as a representation of bravery, sagacity, and enlightenment. We can be inspired by Lord Kartikeya's life and teachings and live lives of purpose and fulfilment by observing Kartik Purnima with dedication and sincerity.