Kartik Purnima in Karnataka: The Festival of Divine Light
and Spiritual Awakening
The month of Kartika, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, holds a unique sanctity across India and is revered as the month of lights in Karnataka. It usually falls between October and November. The period is marked by deep devotion, fasting, and lighting of lamps dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. In Karnataka, every Monday of Kartika is considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva, and devotees throng temples to perform Shiva Abhisheka and offer prayers seeking spiritual upliftment and inner peace.
In 2026, Kartik Purnima in Karnataka is on November 24
The Skanda Purana glorifies this month as the most
sacred, declaring:
“Kartikasya tu maasena sarva paapaih pramuchyate”
(Skanda Purana, Kartika Mahatmya) – “By observing the month of Kartika,
one is freed from all sins.”
This belief inspires devotees to observe purity, charity, and devotion throughout the month.
Rituals and Celebrations in Karnataka
In Karnataka, Kartik Purnima marks the grand culmination of
the holy month. On this full moon night, temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are
adorned with rows of oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight known as Deepaaradhane
– the worship of light. Devotees gather in large numbers to witness the
lighting ceremony, chant Shiva Panchakshari Mantra (“Om Namah Shivaya”),
and perform Rudrabhisheka with water, milk, honey, and sacred herbs. The
fragrance of incense, the ringing of bells, and the sound of conch shells fill
the air with divine energy.
Homes too are decorated with earthen lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is believed that lighting lamps on this night brings prosperity and removes past karmic burdens. Many devotees also observe fasts and spend the evening reciting Shiva Purana and Vishnu Sahasranama.
The Matsya Avatar and Vishnu Worship
Kartik Purnima also holds great significance for devotees of
Lord Vishnu. According to tradition, it was on this sacred day that Lord Vishnu
incarnated as Matsya Avatar, the divine fish, to save the Saptarishis
(seven sages) and the sacred Vedas from the cosmic deluge (Pralaya). The
Bhagavata Purana narrates this divine episode:
“Matsyarupena bhagavan vedan sanjagranat pralayarnave” (Bhagavata
Purana, 8.24.7)
– “In the form of Matsya, the Lord protected the Vedas during the great flood.”
Hence, devotees offer prayers to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on Kartik Purnima, symbolizing the harmony between Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, both seeking the same eternal truth.
Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
The lighting of lamps on Kartik Purnima is more than a
ritual; it is a symbol of enlightenment. The lamp represents the soul, and its
light signifies divine knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The Upanishads
proclaim, “Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya” – “Lead me from darkness to light.”
This essence is deeply reflected in the celebration of Kartik Purnima.
The day encourages inner purification, truthfulness, compassion, and selfless service. Charity, particularly the offering of food (Annadana), clothes, and lamps to the needy, is considered meritorious. Many devotees take holy dips in rivers or temple ponds, believing it to cleanse the body and soul.
The Essence of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima in Karnataka blends devotion, philosophy, and
community spirit. The brilliance of countless lamps mirrors the divine radiance
within every being. It is a reminder that spiritual illumination comes not
merely through rituals but through the awakening of inner light. As the Gita
teaches:
“Yadadityagatam tejo jagad bhasayate’khilam” (Bhagavad Gita 15.12)
– “That light which pervades the sun and illuminates the entire world is but My
radiance.”
Thus, Kartik Purnima is not just a festival; it is a
celebration of divine consciousness, unity, and the eternal flame of faith that
guides humanity toward liberation.