What is the historical significance of Kartik Purnima
The month of Kartik is the most pious of all Hindu months. This time of the year is full of festivals and celebrations. From Diwali to Guru Purab and from Bhai Dooj to Chhath Puja, Kartik month is all about religious festivities all over India. On the very last day of the month is celebrated as Kartik Purnima, which is important for various reasons, the birthday of Lord Kartikeya being the premier.
Why is Kartik Purnima celebrated in India?
Kartik Purnima is significant in India for various reasons. Devotees from all over the country take bath in the sacred water of the Ganges. The day is believed to be the day of Kartikeya’s birth, which is widely celebrated all across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Lord Shiva commanded his sons — Kartikeya and Ganesh to circumambulate the earth for coronation. Lord Ganesh, due to his heavy weight, was not able to orbit the earth while Kartikeya’s favorite vahana peacock took him for the ride.
After years of orbiting the earth, Kartikeya returned only to find his brother Ganesh complete circumambulating his parents in a very short time. The latter got married and was coroneted. Kartikeya got red-eyed and went on penance in the jungle. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tried to persuade him but Kartikeya cursed that all those woman seeing me will remain widow for seven births and males will go to hell.
All gods in the leadership of Lord Shiva anointed Kartikeya with vermilion and oil to pacify him. He was also made the commander of Dev-sena. Lord Kartikeya became happy and said that those who anoint him with oil and vermilion will have their ancestors revered with Adi Baikunth. Since then, on every Kartik Purnima, millions of people have a darshan of Lord Kartikeya in various temples across the world.
Do You Know?
- Kartikeya is the commander of the God’s army and is known as the god of war and victory.
- Devasena and Valli were the two wives Lord Kartikeya.
- In Southern India, Lord Kartikeya is known by the name of Murugan.
- Three of the six richest and busiest temples in Tamil Nadu are dedicated to Lord Kartikeya.
Kartikeya is worshipped not only in India but also in various countries of the world including Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, etc. Batu Caves is one of the most popular Hindu shrines, located in Malaysia and is devoted to Lord Kartikeya.
