Thursday, 12 May 2016

Illuminate Away the Dark Energies in Life on Masik Karthigai

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment