Kartik Purnima 2025: Significance, Legends, and Traditions Explained; Click here…

New Delhi: In Sanatan traditions, the day of Kartik Purnima is considered extremely sacred. This day is not only religiously significant but also spiritually imbued with divine energy. Bathing, donating, and lighting lamps on this day are considered especially important. It is believed that the gods themselves celebrated Diwali on this day, hence it is called Dev Diwali. According to the calendar, the date of Kartik Purnima will begin at 10:36 pm on November 4th and end at 6:48 pm on November 5th. Killing of Tripurasura - Shiva becomes Tripurari On the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura. Pleased with this victory, the gods praised him, and Lord Vishnu addressed him as 'Tripurari'. It is said that during the Pradosh period, Mahadev assumed the form of Ardhanarishvara and killed Tripurasura. On this day, the gods celebrated Diwali in Kashi, which is still known as Dev Diwali. It is believed that lighting lamps in Kashi on this day bestows salvation upon ancestors. Matsya Avatar - Vishnu's divine form to protect the Vedas Matsya Avatar is considered the first of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to mythological belief, during the deluge, when the entire universe was submerged in water, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a fish on the full moon day of Kartik to protect the Vedas. It is also said that during this month, Narayana resides in the waters in the form of a fish and returns to Vaikuntha on the full moon day. Pandavas' Deepdan - Bathing in the Ganges to appease their ancestors After the end of the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas were deeply saddened by the death of their relatives. Lord Krishna advised them on a solution to pacify the souls of their ancestors. On this occasion, the Pandavas bathed in the holy Ganges at Garh Mukteshwar on Kartik Purnima, performed Tarpan (offerings) and offered lamps. Since then, the tradition of bathing and offering lamps on this festival has been prevalent in Garh Mukteshwar. Divine Marriage of Goddess Tulsi - Divine Union with Shaligram According to mythology, Goddess Tulsi married Lord Vishnu's Shaligram form on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. This marriage is celebrated until Kartik Purnima. It is believed that offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu on this day bestows multifold merit. Wedding ceremonies also commence after Tulsi Vivah. Brahma's Incarnation - The Divine Significance of Pushkar Tirtha Brahma descended into the sacred Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima. For this reason, this place remains a major center of Brahma's worship even today. On this occasion, millions of devotees bathe in Pushkar, worship, and offer lamps at the Brahma Temple. Doing so is believed to bring divine blessings and salvation. Diwali of the Gods - The Day of the Maha Aarti of Lakshmi and Narayan On the night of Kartik Purnima, Lord Vishnu awakened from Yognidra. All the gods and goddesses rejoiced at his awakening and performed the Maha Aarti of Lakshmi and Narayan and lit lamps. This day is celebrated as Diwali of the Gods. Following this tradition, humans also celebrate Dev Diwali by donating lamps, fasting, and worshipping.