The Sacred Month of Karthika:
The month wherein the 'Karthika' Nakshatra is in completion is known as the month of Karthik (comes somewhere between mid November and December as per English calendar). This month is extremely sacred and is very dear to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. There is something extremely special about the sanctity of this month that draws all Shiva and Vaishnava devotees together and reinstates the unity in the Shiva - Vishnu concept. That is, all the sacred baths, lighting lamps, fasting, pilgrimages, devotional services will be devoted to and reach both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This sacred period falls within the 'Sharad Ruthu' (Winter season), hence water is clear and cold. This period is also known as 'Hamsodakam' (Swan period).
India, the country where the Vedic knowledge originated, celebrates this whole holy period in a very special way. People take baths with pure, cold water before sunrise, and this will supposedly benefit the purity of both mind and body and also lead towards better health. Many of those who live close to rivers would even take a river bath. This is much better because the rivers waters, flowing from many forests, carry ingredients from many herbs which help towards better health. Many people at least try to avoid hot water baths during this time.
The following traditions are most commonly observed by the people who understand the importance of this period:
Dipping the right hand thumb and shaking water thrice and then pour water from the right hand palm three times
Wearing freshly cleaned dry clothes to do 'Sandhya Vandana'
Offering Prayers & deeparadhans (lamp ceremony) to Deities,
It is believed that offering 'Tulasi Dalas' (Holy basil leaves) to Lord Vishnu and 'Maredu' (or Bilva leaves) to Lord Shiva during praying time is supreme and will please them the most. So, many follow this ritual even to this day.
Fasting once in a while is considered good for health even from medical point of view. Fasting in winter is more feasible and easier than fasting in summer. It would be best if the entire family could take part together in these activities. It is supposed to increase harmony, fun and happiness in families and improve matrimonial relations.
Leave lighted lamps in the rivers and other water bodies is also considered to bring prosperity. So many Indian married women observe fasting and leave well lit lamps in rivers on certain special days like Karthika Poornima day in many parts of the country.
Another extremely special feature one would notice in temple rituals that is exclusively special is 'Jwala Thoranam'. On certain special days like Mondays, in a Shiva Temple, a large, thick rope is made from grass and lit. Under the burning grass rope, devotees along with the Deity keep moving in a swing-like motion. This is a rare sight to see and one that no one should miss. Huge crowds gather to witness this and many do participate in this event.
Many people perform Sri Satyanarayan Vratam during this time of the year. Especially, performing this on Karthika Poornimaday is considered supreme and yields best results.
The month wherein the 'Karthika' Nakshatra is in completion is known as the month of Karthik (comes somewhere between mid November and December as per English calendar). This month is extremely sacred and is very dear to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. There is something extremely special about the sanctity of this month that draws all Shiva and Vaishnava devotees together and reinstates the unity in the Shiva - Vishnu concept. That is, all the sacred baths, lighting lamps, fasting, pilgrimages, devotional services will be devoted to and reach both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This sacred period falls within the 'Sharad Ruthu' (Winter season), hence water is clear and cold. This period is also known as 'Hamsodakam' (Swan period).
India, the country where the Vedic knowledge originated, celebrates this whole holy period in a very special way. People take baths with pure, cold water before sunrise, and this will supposedly benefit the purity of both mind and body and also lead towards better health. Many of those who live close to rivers would even take a river bath. This is much better because the rivers waters, flowing from many forests, carry ingredients from many herbs which help towards better health. Many people at least try to avoid hot water baths during this time.
The following traditions are most commonly observed by the people who understand the importance of this period:
Dipping the right hand thumb and shaking water thrice and then pour water from the right hand palm three times
Wearing freshly cleaned dry clothes to do 'Sandhya Vandana'
Offering Prayers & deeparadhans (lamp ceremony) to Deities,
It is believed that offering 'Tulasi Dalas' (Holy basil leaves) to Lord Vishnu and 'Maredu' (or Bilva leaves) to Lord Shiva during praying time is supreme and will please them the most. So, many follow this ritual even to this day.
Fasting once in a while is considered good for health even from medical point of view. Fasting in winter is more feasible and easier than fasting in summer. It would be best if the entire family could take part together in these activities. It is supposed to increase harmony, fun and happiness in families and improve matrimonial relations.
Leave lighted lamps in the rivers and other water bodies is also considered to bring prosperity. So many Indian married women observe fasting and leave well lit lamps in rivers on certain special days like Karthika Poornima day in many parts of the country.
Another extremely special feature one would notice in temple rituals that is exclusively special is 'Jwala Thoranam'. On certain special days like Mondays, in a Shiva Temple, a large, thick rope is made from grass and lit. Under the burning grass rope, devotees along with the Deity keep moving in a swing-like motion. This is a rare sight to see and one that no one should miss. Huge crowds gather to witness this and many do participate in this event.
Many people perform Sri Satyanarayan Vratam during this time of the year. Especially, performing this on Karthika Poornimaday is considered supreme and yields best results.
In kerala on karthika pournami attukal Pongala is done. Ponkala, is a unique ritual performed by women in Bhagavathy temples
in Kerala. The ritual comprises preparing ‘prasad’ for the Devi – women cook
rice and jaggery in earthen pots and they offer it to the goddess. In 2012,
Chakkulathu Kavu Pongala is on November 28. Bhagavathy or Devi is a divine
incarnation of Shakti. Chakkulathu Kavu Pongala takes place at Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple
Om Sri Sairam !
Om Namah Sivayah
Om Sri Sairam !
Om Namah Sivayah
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