Wp/efi/Karthika Masam

Karthika Masam (Sacred Month Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu)

Karthika Masam is a highly sacred month in the **Hindu lunar calendar**, observed with devotion and austerity in **Telugu-speaking states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)**, **Tamil Nadu**, **Karnataka**, and **Odisha**. It typically falls during **October–November** and is dedicated to the worship of **Lord Shiva** and **Lord Vishnu**, especially in the forms of **Karthikeya**, **Shiva**, and **Damodara**.

This month is considered spiritually powerful and ideal for:

Cleansing of sins
Worship of deities
Performing deepam (lamp) offerings
Fasting and self-discipline

Etymology

The name comes from the **nakshatra (star)** **Krittika**, which dominates during the full moon of this month. It is believed that the **six Krittika stars** raised **Lord Karthikeya (Murugan)**, the son of Shiva and Parvati.

Religious Significance

Karthika Masam is significant for both:

**Shaivites** – Worship of Lord Shiva with **abhishekams, rudrabhishekam, and lamp lighting**
**Vaishnavites** – Worship of **Lord Vishnu as Damodara**, especially through **Karthika Deepam and Tulasi puja**

It is believed that the **merits gained during this month are greater** than those obtained through rituals or charity in other months.

Rituals and Practices

1. Lighting of Lamps (Deepa Pooja)

Every day during Karthika Masam, devotees light **oil lamps (deepam)** in the evening, usually in front of **Tulasi plant, houses, and temples**.
It symbolizes the **victory of light over darkness** and is believed to destroy karma.

2. Abhishekam to Shiva Lingam

Devotees perform daily **abhishekams to Shiva** using **water, milk, honey, and bilva leaves**.
Mondays (Somavaram) are especially sacred and observed with fasting.

3. Karthika Pournami (Full Moon Day)

Considered the **most auspicious day** of the month.
Thousands take a **holy dip in rivers** like **Godavari, Krishna, or Ganga**.
Lamps are floated on water, and **temples hold grand deepotsavams**.

4. Karthika Vana Bhojanam (Picnic in Nature)

Families gather in **forests or gardens** to perform **puja under Amla (usiri) or banyan trees**.
This tradition promotes **community bonding and reverence for nature**.

5. Ekadashi and Damodara Vrata

Vaishnavites observe **Karthika Ekadashi**, recite **Damodarashtakam**, and worship Tulasi Devi.
Some chant **Vishnu Sahasranama** or **read Karthika Purana** during the month.

6. Non-Vegetarian Abstinence

Many devotees **avoid meat, alcohol, onions, and garlic** during this month as an act of purification.

Observances in Different Regions

**Telangana & Andhra Pradesh** – Daily deepam lighting, Shiva puja, vana bhojanalu, and Shiva temples like **Srisailam, Vemulawada, Keesaragutta** see large crowds.
**Tamil Nadu** – Celebrated as **Karthigai Deepam** with rows of lamps and grand celebrations at **Arunachaleswarar Temple**, Tiruvannamalai.
**Karnataka** – Shiva and Vishnu worship with fasting and poojas.
**Odisha** – Called **Kartika Brata** and observed with Tulasi puja and Vishnu devotion.

Famous Temples Visited in Karthika Masam

**Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple**
**Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple**
**Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple (Tamil Nadu)**
**Keesaragutta Temple, Telangana**
**Sri Damodara Temple, Puri (Odisha)**

Cultural and Spiritual Messages

**Simplicity** – Practice of simple living, charity, and self-discipline.
**Inner Light** – Lamps symbolize the **awakening of knowledge and purity**.
**Unity with Nature** – Vana bhojanam and Tulasi worship promote environmental values.

Related Festivals and Days

**Nagula Chavithi** – Snake worship
**Karthika Deepam** – Festival of Lights (end of Karthika Masam)
**Chiluka (Parrot) Panchami**, **Ksheerabdi Dwadasi**, and **Mukkoti Ekadashi**

References

1. Skanda Purana – Karthika Mahatmya 2. Telangana Cultural Textbooks (Telugu Academy) 3. The Hindu – “Karthika Masam Begins with Fasting and Devotion” 4. Puranic Encyclopedia – Krittika and Karthikeya 5. Times of India – “Devotees Throng Shiva Temples During Karthika Month”