Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) Worship Method, Significance, and the Mystery of 365 Lamps

Kartika month is considered the holiest month in Hinduism, and its full moon day bestows eternal merit. This day is also known as Dev Deepawali or Tripuri Purnima.

Kartik Purnima is the date when the gods and goddesses descend to earth to celebrate Diwali. The scriptures themselves explain the significance of bathing, donating, and lighting lamps on this day.

Religious Significance of Kartika Purnima

• Tripuri Purnima: On this day, Lord Shiva freed the gods from fear by killing the powerful demon Tripurasura.
• Dev Deepawali: In celebration of the demon's slaying, all the gods and goddesses lit lamps in heaven, hence it is also called Dev Deepawali.
• Vishnu Puja: This day is very dear to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in water during the month of Kartika, and worshipping him on this day destroys all sins.
• Ganga Snan: Bathing in the Ganges River or any other holy river on this day is considered equivalent to bathing in the Ganges River for the entire year.

🙏 Simple Puja Rituals for Kartik Purnima

Pradosh Kaal (evening) is considered the most auspicious time for worship and lighting lamps on this day.

• Bath: Wake up before sunrise and bathe in a holy river (Ganges, Yamuna, etc.). If a river is not available, bathe at home by mixing Ganga water with the bathing water.
• Arghya to the Sun: After bathing, wear clean clothes and offer water to the Sun God.
• Sankalp and Puja: Clean the place of worship and install idols of Lord Vishnu (or Shaligram) and Goddess Lakshmi on a platform.
  • With water, flowers, and rice in your hands, take a vow to worship.
  • Offer kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, rice grains, fruits, and sweets.
  • Recite the Vishnu Chalisa and Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Deep Daan: Light lamps in the evening. This lamp offering is performed both inside and outside the home.

🔥 Why are 365 lamps lit? What is the secret behind this?

While it's customary to offer lamps on Kartik Purnima, lighting a single lamp with 365 wicks is a special tradition with deep spiritual significance:

• Symbolizes a year's worth of merit: The 365 lamps represent the 365 days of the year. It is believed that lighting this single lamp with 365 wicks on the evening of Kartik Purnima bestows the rewards of all the lamps offered throughout the year.
• Destruction of sins: This lamp lighting is especially beneficial for those who are unable to bathe or offer lamps throughout the month of Kartik. Lighting it helps destroy sins and bring happiness and prosperity to life.
• Positive energy: This lamp lighting removes Vastu defects in the home and eliminates negative energy.

Easy method for making 365 wicks

• Materials: Take a sacred thread (red-yellow thread) or raw cotton.
• Preparing the wick: Wrap this thread around your hand 183 times. When you cut it in the middle and straighten it, the number of threads will be approximately 365 (or 366).
• Deep Lamp Container: Place this wick in a large earthen pot or a cut coconut filled with pure ghee or oil.
• Installation: Lighting this special lamp in the home temple, near a Tulsi plant, or under a Peepal tree is considered extremely auspicious.

🪔 How many lamps can you light?

Lighting 365 lamps is a special ritual, but if this is not possible, you can light the following number of lamps according to your faith and ability:

• For auspiciousness: 11 or 21 lamps.
• For freedom from obstacles: 51 lamps.
• For salvation and complete virtue: 108 lamps.

Remember, the best time to light a lamp is Pradosh Kaal (evening), and while lighting the lamp, one should pray to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with a true heart for happiness and prosperity.