Kartika Purnima, also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima, is the Full Moon and auspicious day in the Kartika month.
Lakhs of devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on Sunday thronged temples to mark Kartika Pournami, since early this morning.
The devotees performed special pujas and rituals after taking holy dips in the sea and rivers across the state.
The Shiva temples at Srisailam, Srikalahasti, Vemulawada and Pancharamam were decorated with flowers and lights. Special arrangements were made to meet the huge rush of pilgrims.
The State Transport Corporation is running special bus services to meet the huge rush of pilgrims and devotees to all Shiva temples in the state.
Kartika Purnima, also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima, is the Full Moon and auspicious day in the Kartika month. The day marks the iending of the Kartiks month as per the calendars of north India,. but in other calendars it is the 15th day in the Kartika maasam. During Kartika Purnima, Dev Diwali, Deepotsavam and Ganga Mahotsav are observed by women.
On Kartika Purnima, some people perform the Tulsi Vishnu Vivah, which is observed on some other days as well – Bhodini Ekadasi or on Ksheerabdi Dwadashi.
Kartik Purnima celebrations are associated with the legend of the demon Tarakasura. Tarakasura was demolished by Lord Kartika, also known as Skanda or Kumara.
Another legend associated with Kartika Purnima is of Lord Vishnu's Matsyavatar. It is believed that on this day, Vishnu was incarnated in the Matsya roopa, and protected Manu, the first man, from the Maha Pralaya (deluge).
Vanabhjanam, also known as Vanabhojanam, is a garden party or picnic arranged during the Kartika maasam. During the occasion, people cook food under trees or in parks and eat. In addition, Kartika Vana Mahotsavam is arranged by some organisations to chant mantras and to awaken spiritual consciousness in children. Offering puja to Lord Vishnu and other Gods, reciting Vishnu Puranam and Kartika Puranam during the Vana Mahotsavam is a common ritual.
There is a popular belief in Hindu mythology that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, along with all the Gods, visit and reside under the Amla tree and the Tulsi plant during the Kartika month.
As per Hindu belief, plants are divine aspects of nature, and hence, some plants are worshipped as Gods. Tulasi (Ocimum), Usiri (Amla), Bilva and Durva plants are considered holy.
Courtesy: INN