Kartika Month 2024, In this article, we will discuss the daily rituals, fasting guidelines, and worship methods to follow throughout the 30 days of Kartika Month, along with their benefits. Also, know the importance of Kartika Mondays Fasting. It is said that, these practices are rooted in ancient texts and aim to purify one’s mind, body, and spirit.
How to Worship Daily in Kartika Month 2024 ?
- Morning Bath (Kartika Snanam): Begin each day with a sacred bath during the Kartika month. Try to bathe before sunrise (around 5 AM if possible). If you have access to rivers or lakes, you may add a few drops of sacred Ganga water to your bath water, chanting “Ganga Devi.” It purifies the body and soul.
- Lighting a Lamp (Deepa Aradhana): Offer a lamp daily at the entrance of your home or in your worship area. This ritual, called Deepa Aradhana, is highly beneficial during Kartika Month. Lighting a lamp in the morning and evening brings divine grace and protection throughout the year.
- Puja (Worship):
- Set up a small shrine with images or idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
- Perform puja daily with devotion, offering flowers, incense, and a small food offering (Naivedyam) to the deities.
- Kartika month holds special significance for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu devotees, so worship either or both deities with dedication.
- Recite “Om Namah Shivaya” or chant Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu) based on your preference.
Also Read – Shiva Panchaksari Stotra
Fasting during Kartika Month 2024
- Many devotees observe fasting on Mondays and specific auspicious days such as Ekadashi, Purnima (full moon day), or Pradosham during Kartika Month.
- You can fast from sunrise to sunset, or perform a light fasting where you consume fruits or light meals in the evening.
Prayer to Tulsi Plant (Tulsi Aradhana):
- Light a lamp near a Tulsi (holy basil) plant daily and offer prayers. If possible, perform Tulsi worship during the evening. This practice is particularly powerful in Kartika month as it brings health, prosperity, and peace to the household.
How to do Lord Shiva Abhishekam?
- If you have a Shiva Linga, perform Abhishekam by pouring milk, water, or honey over it, while reciting mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya.”
- After that, apply sandalwood paste and offer flowers.
- Spiritual Reading and Meditation:
- Try to read spiritual texts related to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu daily, such as the Shiva Purana or Bhagavad Gita.
- Meditate or engage in silent reflection, focusing on devotion and inner peace.
How to remove Negative Energy from Home in Kartika Month?
- Light lamps at the entrance of your home in the evening as a symbol of divine energy and to invite auspiciousness.
- This lamp-lighting ritual also represents dispelling darkness and negativity from your life and surroundings.
Some of the Important Ritual Days in Kartika
- Kartika Mondays (Somavaras): Special prayers to Lord Shiva.
- Ekadashi: Devotees observe fasting on this day and pray to Lord Vishnu.
- Purnima (Full Moon): Complete Kartika month with special prayers and lamp offerings.
Avoid these Things in Kartika Month 2024
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or perfumes during Kartika. Instead, use natural products like sandalwood, turmeric, or cow’s ghee for bathing and puja.
- If possible, avoid excessive use of shampoo, opting for natural cleansers like herbal powders.
- Dedicate as much time as possible to devotional activities, observing a humble and mindful approach.
Importance of Mondays Fasting in Kartika Month 2024 – Karthika Somavaram Fasting Procedure
During Kartika Month (Karthik Maasam), observing fasts on Mondays holds significant importance. For those taking up the Karthik Somavara Deeksha , we shall see the step-by-step process. Once you decide to observe this fast, here’s how you can perform the pooja (worship) throughout Karthika Month.
Key Mondays in Karthika Maasam
This year, the important Mondays to observe fasts in Karthika Maasam are:
- November 4
- November 11
- November 18
- November 25
These are the Mondays dedicated to the Karthik Maasam observances. On each Monday, devotees can choose to keep a fast and perform the pooja.
Rituals to Perform and Fasting Method
Begin your day with a bath, keeping purity in mind. Afterward, set up a clean area for the pooja, either with a Tulsi (holy basil) plant or a photo or idol of Shiva. You can then start the pooja by applying a sacred mark on your forehead with kumkum (vermilion) or vibhuti (holy ash) and offering flowers and incense. Daily, light a lamp and chant the names of Shiva, immersing yourself in his presence.
Evening Rituals
In the evening, as part of the tradition, light a lamp (diya) once again as a part of Deepa Aradhana. This ritual signifies illuminating one’s inner self. After completing this ritual, proceed with a simple meal or break your fast with offerings made during the pooja.
Observing the Fasting Vow
In Karthika Maasam, fasting can be done in different ways. You might choose to eat only once a day or keep a complete fast. The fast is typically broken after sunset. While following this, avoid foods that include garlic, onions, and any form of meat or alcoholic drinks. Maintaining purity in diet is an important part of the fasting discipline.
Conclusion
Following the above things with devotion is believed to bring blessings and even help in achieving moksha (liberation). Alongside these fasting practices, you can also recite Karthika Purana to deepen your spiritual practice during this auspicious month.