Kartik month is a very special month for all devotees of Lord Krishna especially for ISKCON temples. It is often called the “month of Damodar” or Kartik. This is when devotees strongly connect with Lord Krishna and remember his divine pastimes and blessings.
Kartik Purnima is the culmination of the sacred month. It is a full moon day that personifies purity, devotion, and the power of selfless love. Devotees gather to celebrate, chant, and honor Lord Krishna.
When is Kartik Purnima?
Kartik Purnima falls on the 15th day in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. It usually falls between October-November. The day is important because it is the culmination of Kartik month. It is a very widely observed month for Shri Krishna’s devotees and in ISKCON temples worldwide. The acts of devotion and charity hold extreme importance in this month.
Kartik Purnima 2024
This year, Kartik Purnima falls on Friday 15th November, 2024.
Importance of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima honours Lord Krishna. He is referred as the Almighty and one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. On this holy day one can thank him for his blessings and seek mercy and love from him. Kartik month is especially dear to ISKCON as he indulges his devotees without bounds in the compassion.
It is the time when bhakti, or pure devotion is the mantra. Devotees are encouraged to go deeper with Shri Krishna through kirtan, puja, and meditation.
Why is Kartik Month Special for Devotees?
Kartik month is of great importance in the ISKCON temples. Lord Krishna awards them spiritual merit for sincere worship. Even as the mercury shoots up in Kartik, Lord Krishna’s mercy will multiply with the slightest good deed on one’s part.
It is also known as Damodara month, which brings to remind the beautiful pastime of Krishna. He was a naughty child and allowed himself to be tied with ropes by his mother, Yashoda. Such divine love and submission reminded everyone of Shri Krishna’s kind and loving nature.
Story of Kartik Purnima
The story of Kartik Purnima is connected to Shri Krishna as Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. One of the most popular legends tells how, on this day, Lord Vishnu transformed into a giant fish (Matsya avatar) to save humanity. Another legend speaks of Lord Krishna’s playful pastimes, where He brought immense joy to the Gopis and residents of Vrindavan.
In ISKCON, the day is remembered when Shri Krishna showed his love for his devotees by letting himself get tied up by Yashoda. It is known as Damodara Lila; this reminds Lord Krishna’s power of accessibility. He allows the devotees to come unto him in love and devotions.
What to Do on Kartik Purnima?
Kartik Purnima is a day of devotional activities. These all should be dedicated to Lord Krishna. Here is a good deal of practices that devotees follow;
- Offer Lamps (Deep Daan): Kartik is the most beautiful time for lighting lamps and offering them to Lord Krishna. It shows the illumination of the soul. We seek his guidance to lead an ideal life.
- Tulsi Puja: At ISKCON, Kartik Purnima is considered the perfect day for Tulsi because of its association with Lord Krishna. The sacred ritual Tulsi Vivah shows the connection of Tulsi with Lord Vishnu. It brings purity to the household and the blessings of the Lord.
- Chant the Holy Names: Chanting Shri Krishna’s name, especially the Maha Mantra, is central to Kartik observances in ISKCON. This chanting invokes Lord Krishna’s presence and invite his blessings.
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
- Reading scriptures: Reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam make the relationship spiritually more connected to Krishna. The devotees can gain the knowledge about his game of divinity and teaching.
- Perform Puja: Kartik Purnima is performed with flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Krishna. This is a puja full of love and an invitation to the divine presence and blessings.
Bhajans and Kirtans: Bhajans and Kirtans where Krishna glories are sung. These create vibrational waves in the surrounding atmosphere and bond the devotees with his glad presence.
Service & Donation on Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is not just personal worship but also a call for spreading love and compassion. It reminds us that charity, kindness, and asking for blessings can all be sought through the actions on this day.
- Significance of Donation on Kartik Purnima
The donation during Kartik Purnima has special significance. Charity on this holy day is supposed to rid one of misdeeds committed in the past and bring divine fortune. A donation is offered as an act of worshipping lord Krishna. He stands for generosity and selfless love.
- What to Donate
On Kartik Purnima, people normally give donations of traditional things like clothes, blankets, and food donation. Most of the devotees give ghee, oil, and cotton wicks for the lamps in the temples. All these items have a symbolic meaning as they give warmth and light to others as Shri Krishna’s love.
- Where to Donate
On Kartik Purnima, donation drives are observed in all ISKCON temples around the world. Devotees visit the temples and offer food as well as other resources to needy people. Many give their things at food banks, orphanages, or shelters or participate in community programs conducted by ISKCON. Every gift, big or small, is a form of seva or service to Shri Krishna.
Kartik Purnima activities in ISKCON Temples
Kartik Purnima in ISKCON fills with joys and devotion. Here is an insight into how people celebrate this divine day in the ISKCON temples all over the world:
- Special Kirtan Sessions
The temples have long kirtan sessions chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra. It is an energetic session to invite people in song to experience the divine presence of Lord Krishna. Devotees of all ages come together and sing, clap, and dance to set a blissful atmosphere.
- Abhisheka Ceremony: On this day, the abhishekas in the ISKCON temples of Lord Krishna deity are taken out. For example, milk, honey, curd, and ghee are used on the Lord’s deity so that pure, devotedly inclined devotees can feel God’s presence more deeply.
- Providing Bhoga (Food): On Kartik Purnima, special bhogas are prepared and offered to Lord Krishna. The bhogas can include sweets like laddus and kheer. This shows the love and devotion of the devotee. The food, once offered to Shri Krishna, is taken out as prasadam (a blessed meal full of spiritual energy). Most devotees fast for the whole day and end their fast with prasadam in the evening.
- Lamp Offering (Deepotsava): The evening is breathtakingly beautiful. The display of lamps placed across the ISKCON temples. It is known as Deepotsava, hundreds of ghee lamps are offered by the devotees and placed surrounding the temple as a feeling of thanks and devotion shown to Lord Krishna. The spark of light from the diyas create an atmosphere peaceful and full of sanctity.
- Reading Scripture and Damodara Leela: ISKCON temples very frequently conduct scripture readings on Kartik Purnima to read stories in the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita. Indeed, it is such a propitious time to hear Damodara Leela Shri Krishna’s childlike playful loving features.
Kartik Purnima is to be observed in spreading love, devotion, and community. By engaging in charitable or temple work, we once again connect to God Krishna’s eternal grace through his service.
