The
importance of light is such that it creates an atmosphere of
contentment. This is probably due to the removal of darkness that
takes place on its presence. Its significance during Puja is also
quite noteworthy, since there is hardly any Puja ritual which can be
completed without lighting of Diya. The Diya signifies the flaming
devotion towards the God, as well the predominance of truth or
abolishment of darkness through righteousness. The essential PujaSamagri
is the best item for manifestation of light. The Kathigai festival,
that is celebrated with Deepam is said to be one of the oldest
festivities and are observed by Tamil Hindus all over.
The Importance of Masik Karthigai:
The celebration of Masik Karthigai is the monthly observance in
homage of the grand Karthigai Deepam festival that is looked upon as
extremely auspicious occasion by the Tamil community. The day falls
in the month of same name when the moon conjugates with the
constellation Karthigai (Krittika) and Pournami. The time occurs
somewhere between sunset and sunrise (Ratrimana)
in Karthigai Natchathiram (Krittika Nakshtra).
The
Masik Karthigai days, as well as, the main festival are dedicated to
Lord Shiva. On this day the people observe fast and pray to him.
There is also a tradition in many places to pray Lord Muruga
(Karthikeya) on this Tithi.
Rows of streets and homes are lit with lamps since the Nakshatra is
associated with immense power. Worshippers, who keep fasts and do
prayer and Abhishekam
of Shiva, may also buyonline Puja Diyas
and Puja Samagris. The lighted Diyas, especially Agal Vilakku (Clay
Diyas) herald the prosperity in one’s life.
The Various Associated Tales:
Different
stories revolve round this ‘festival of lights’ and its monthly
celebration. In one of the stories, Lord Shiva is glorified through
his apparent conversion into an infinite flaming pillar of light to
settle the disagreement between Vishnu and Brahma on the day of
Kartik Purnima when Krittika Nakshatra prevails.
There
is another tale associated with the festivity which is about
Karthikeya and the six stars. The six stars of the constellation
Karthigai are portrayed as Angels in the story and were responsible
for nursing the six babies, incarnated from seeds of Lord Shiva in
the Saravana (forest of grass). The six babies were conjoined to turn
into the six-faced Karthikeya (named after the stars) or Muruga later
by Devi Parvati. The Tithi of the fifteenth day of the Kartik Purnima
is observed as the birth anniversary of Muruga.
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