Significance
It is said that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu come to visit Earth during Kartik month. Hence, worshiping them on this day is considered highly fruitful. Devotees visit temples, take holy bath and light lamps. It is also known as Dev Diwali (Diwali of the Gods) and Tripuri Purnima.
As per the name this holy month is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya.
Tripuri Purnima – It marks the victory of Lord Shiva over demons Tripuri. Hence this day is also known as Tripurari Purnima.
It is one of the most potential days for pleasing lord Shiva.
Lord Vishnu appeared as Matsya (fish) avatar on this day.
It is also considered as birthday of Vrinda and the last day to perform the ‘Tulsi Vivah’.
Guru Nanak Jayanti – Guru Nanak ji was born on Kartik Purnima in 1469 AD. Hence it is a special day for Sikh devotees.
Kartik Poornima is very significant in Jainism. People visit religious places and worship Lord Mahavira.
It is also celebrated as Deva-Diwali or Deva Deepawali – the festival of lights of the gods.
Kartik purnima is a day to get liberation and free yourself from sins.
Puja worship, fast and donate done on this day gives results equivalent to that of Ashwamedha yagya.
History
Lord Mahadev killed a demon named Tripuri on this day and hence, it is known as Tripuri Purnima. Kartik Purnima has immense religious value according to the Hindu mythology. There is a tradition of taking a bath in Ganga and donating lamps on this day. It is believed that Kartik Purnima provides Dharma, Artha, Kama and Salvation.
Date of Determination
Kartik Purnima bath is taken on Kartik Purnima falling at sun rise. If Kartik Purnima falls on two days and falls or does not fall at Sun Rise then it is celebrated on the first day.
How to Celebrate
On this day the observer should worship the 6 Kruthikas, Shiva, Sambhuti, Santati etc at time of moonrise. One who ceremoniously donates a buffalo at night, is blessed and achieves highest state of celibacy (Shivapad). One should observe a fast on this day and should contemplate upon God. On doing so one is blessed and he/she also attains the Suryalok. If one donates a ram made of gold on this day one is freed from problems of Grahadosh (problems and curses of planets). There is a custom even of donating of Ksheer Shayya (an ocean). One should fill the dish with milk and should disburse a fish made of gold or silver in the dish and donate it.