Kartik Purnima 2023: Tithi, Significance, Puja Vidhi, Celebrations and Rituals

Kartik Purnima occurs during the Kartik month as per the Panchang or the Sanatan Hindu Calendar. The celebrations begin on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devuthani Ekadashi. Kartika Purnima is also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima. As Ekadashi marks the eleventh day and Purnima the fifteenth day of the Kartika month, this period holds great significance in Hinduism.
In 2023, Kartik Purnima will be observed on the 27th of November.
Kartik Purnima 2023 Tithi
- Purnima Tithi Begins – November 26, 2023 at 03:53 PM
- Purnima Tithi ends – on November 27, 2023, at 02:45 PM
Significance of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is extremely auspicious. Devotees who worship Bhagwan Narayana on Kartik Purnima are believed to attain immense blessings. The celebration of the birthday of Vrinda and the ceremonial Tulsi Vivaah makes the occasion all the more auspicious. The Kartik Snan, comparable to performing 100 Ashvamedha Yagyas, is a significant aspect of the Kartik month. The day is considered so auspicious that any religious activity conducted on Kartik Purnima is believed to bring manifold benefits.
Since Kartik is regarded as the most sacred month among all lunar months. So, by engaging in specific rituals on this auspicious day, one can remove the influence of malefic planets and planetary doshas. So, those of you who are going through a hard time because of bad position placement should speak to expert astrologers and pundits now.
Kartik Purnima Puja Vidhi
The Puja Vidhi for Kartik Purnima is as follows:
- On Kartik Purnima, devotees engage in various rituals. They start with a holy bath or Snan at pilgrimage sites during sunrise and moonrise.
- For those at home, adding Ganga Jal to the bathwater is crucial.
- Following the bath, devotees light ghee or mustard oil lamps in front of Bhagwan Vishnu. Puja samagri includes flowers, incense sticks and lamps which are believed to bring peace and happiness. You can recite the following Vishnu mantra
Vishnu Mantra
शान्ताकारम् भुजगशयनम् पद्मनाभम् सुरेशम् विश्वाधारम् गगनसद्शम् मेघवर्णम् शुभाड़्म्। लक्ष्मीकान्तम् कमलनयनम् योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यम् वन्दे विष्णुम् भवभयहरम् सर्वलोकैकनाथम्॥
- Many devotees observe the Satyanarayana Vrat fast and read the associated Katha.
- Homes and Shiva temples are illuminated, and donating Diya is considered beneficial. Devotees also recite mantras dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva.
- Devotees also perform “Rudrabhishek” at their places for Bhagwan Shiva. To know how to perform Rudrabhishek correctly, speak to expert astrologers and pundits now.
Shiv Mantra
ओम त्रयंबकं यजामहे सुगंधिम पुष्टि–वर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बंधनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
- The conclusion of the month-long fair in Pushkar, celebrating the wedding of Vrinda and Lord Vishnu, involves worshippers taking a holy dip in Pushkar Lake for salvation.
Tulsi Mantra
महाप्रसाद जननी सर्व सौभाग्यवर्धिनी, आधि व्याधि हरा नित्यं तुलसी त्वं नमोस्तुते।।
- On Kartik Purnima, extending support to needy Brahmins through food donations is considered auspicious. So, be generous and donate. A simple act of donation done with kindness brings manifold benefits. Also, you can feed cows as well.
Now, let us tell you about the Kartik Purnima Vrat Katha.
Kartik Purnima Vrat Katha
On Kartik Purnima, devotees of Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Shiva read the story about the defeat of three demons—Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana, collectively known as Tripurasur. These demons had conquered the universe, caused chaos among the Devatas, and established three Tripura towns in space. Bhagwan Shiva, on Kartik Purnima, vanquished Tripurasur with a single arrow, ending his tyrannical rule. The victory brought joy to the gods, leading to the declaration of this day as a festival of light, celebrated as Dev Deepavali or Diwali for the deities.
Kartik Purnima is also significant for being the birthday of Vrinda, represented by the Holy Tulsi Plant. It is also the birth of Matsya, Bhagwan Vishnu’s incarnation as the fish. According to texts, it is also considered to be the birthday of Bhagwan Shiva’s son Kartikey. Fasting and performing rituals on Kartik Purnima are believed to pave the way for Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
Kartik Purnima Celebrations and Rituals
In different regions of the country, the sacred month of Kartik is joyously observed with deep devotion. It is believed that on this day, the divine presence of Hindu Gods descends to the earthly realm, particularly in sacred rivers. Hence, taking a holy bath in a river is considered a means to receive blessings from all gods. The celebration of this auspicious day varies across different communities. The following rituals are a part of this occasion:
Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah typically commences on Prabodhini Ekadashi and concludes on Kartik Purnima. According to Hindu scriptures, Tulsi Vivah can be observed on any suitable day within the period from Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima in the month of Kartik. Devotees conduct marriage rituals between Devi Tulsi and Lord Shaligram, considered a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, specifically on the day of Kartik Purnima.
Bhishma Panchak
Bhishma Panchak, also known as Vishnu Panchak, begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi and concludes on Kartik Purnima. This fasting practice, observed during the final five days of the Kartik month in the Vaishnava tradition, carries significant religious significance.
Guru Nayak Jayanti
Sikhism devotees celebrate this day as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab, signifying the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Sikhs celebrate their faith and reflect on Guru Nanak’s teachings. People visit Gurudwaras and participate in serving the Langar.
Jain Festival of Lights
In Jainism, Kartik Purnima is recognised as the ‘Jain Festival of Light.’ In Jainism, Kartik Purnima is celebrated at the pilgrimage centre Palitana. Devotees embark on the Shri Shatrunjay Tirth Yatra to reach the Bhagwan Adinath temple.
Boita Bandana
Boita Bandana is celebrated in Odisha to celebrate ancient maritime trades by decorating boats with banana stems, fabric, coconut sticks, lamps, and betel leaves.
The occasion is celebrated in the country by different names. However, the essence remains the same everywhere – to clean one’s soul from sin and invite positivity and spiritual upliftment by remembering the one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What practices should be avoided during Kartik month?
A: During Kartik Month, individuals are advised to refrain from engaging in acts of violence, consuming alcohol, eating non-vegetarian food, and participating in other harmful activities.
Q: When is Kartik Purnima in 2023?
A: Kartik Purnima 2023, also known as Tripuri Purnima, will be celebrated on 27th November 2023.