KARTIK POORNIMA IN KRITTIKA NAKSHATRA

Auspicious Kartik Poornima –Full Moon November 17, 2013 Kartik Poo

rnima is the Hindu sacred day of the Shukla paksha (waxing moon) of the Full Moon or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik (November–December). It is also known as Tripuri or Tripurari Purnima or Deva-Deepavali – the festival of lights of the gods. Krittika is the Nakshatra of Ma Durga the fire form of the Mother Goddess, also worshipped as Skandamata, the Mother of Skanda, the fire god. Skanda is the form of Agni born of the tapas of Uma Parvati, the Goddess seeking Shiva as her husband. Krittika is called the Pleiades in western thought. It is a special area of the heavens where stars are being born, a miniature form like the Big Dipper. Krittika is called the seven sisters who are also said to be the wives of the seven Rishis who are associated with the seven stars of the Big Dipper. Krittika marks the point of exaltation for the Moon, so the full Moon in the Krittika represents the strongest lunar energy. But this is more the fiery, martial or warrior energy of the moon or the Mother, Shakti’s protective role. The deity of Krittika, Skanda the Fire God, is also the overriding deity of the planet Mars. Kartik Purnima is a good time to establish the sacred fire for the whole year with fire rituals and ceremonies, as well as honoring the seven Rishis. It is a powerful time to honour our Ancestors and departed souls. It is a night for deepening our spiritual practices and sadhana through contemplation, dharana and dhyana. Fire rituals and lighting ghee lamps for the Devatas is most auspicious – using this time for mantra japa and sadhana. Propitiating the planet Mars enhances its vibrations. Mantra Japa Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya Arunachala Sivaya Namah Shri Krishna Mantras may be recited as well Siva mantras - Mahamrityunjaya mantra