How to perform Karthika pournami Pooja
Lighting 365 deepams (lamps) on Karthika Pournami is a special and highly auspicious ritual that signifies the removal of darkness and ignorance from one’s life, symbolizing devotion and spiritual awakening. This ritual is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that lighting these lamps brings prosperity, peace, and blessings for the entire year ahead.
Here’s how you can perform the 365 deepam ritual on Karthika Pournami:
Materials Needed:
- 365 earthen lamps (deepams) or metal lamps
- Cotton wicks
- Oil or ghee for the lamps
- Matchsticks or a lighter
- Flowers: for offering after lighting the lamps
- Incense sticks and camphor: for Aarti
- Naivedyam (Prasadam): fruits, sweets, or any prepared offering
- Tulsi plant (optional) for Vishnu worship
- Shiva Linga or a picture of Lord Shiva (optional)
Steps to Perform the 365 Deepam Ritual:
- Set Up the Lamps:
Arrange the 365 lamps in rows or in a circular or spiral pattern. Make sure there’s enough space to safely light them.
If you are lighting the lamps under a Peepal tree or near a Tulsi plant, place the lamps around the base of the tree or plant. - Preparation and Cleanliness:
Start by cleaning the area where the lamps will be lit. It can be your home, garden, temple premises, or the area around a Tulsi plant or Peepal tree.
Cleanse yourself by taking a bath and wearing clean, traditional clothes. - Filling the Lamps:
Pour oil or ghee into each lamp.
Insert a cotton wick into each lamp and make sure the wick is dipped in oil to allow smooth burning. - Invocation of the Deity:
Place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu in the center or near the lamps.
Recite the following mantras to invoke the blessings of the deities:
For Lord Shiva: “Om Namah Shivaya”
For Lord Vishnu: “Om Namo Narayanaya”
Offer flowers and incense sticks to the deity. - Lighting the Lamps:
Light the 365 deepams one by one, focusing on the intention of driving away darkness and inviting divine blessings.
As you light each lamp, you can chant the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya) or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
It is ideal to perform this in the evening after sunset, as the lighting of lamps symbolizes dispelling darkness. - Performing the Aarti:
After lighting all the lamps, perform the Aarti with camphor or a small lamp in front of the deity.
Sing devotional songs or chant mantras like the Shiva Aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara) or Vishnu Aarti (Om Jai Jagdish Hare). - Offering Naivedyam (Prasadam):
Offer sweets, fruits, and other prepared items to the deity as Naivedyam.
You can prepare dishes like Payasam, Pongal, or fruits like bananas and coconuts for offering. - Prayers and Meditation:
After lighting the lamps and performing Aarti, sit in front of the deity and meditate for a few minutes.
You can also recite sacred texts like Shiva Purana, Vishnu Sahasranama, or Karthika Deepam Stotra. - Circumambulate (Pradakshina):
If possible, circumambulate the lamps, the Tulsi plant, or the Shiva Linga three or five times while chanting the names of the deity. - Distributing Prasadam:
After the pooja, distribute the Prasadam to family members and those around you.
If performed at a temple or public space, you can also donate the lamps or oil to the temple after the ritual.
Special Considerations:
Lighting lamps near a holy river or water body is considered highly auspicious on Karthika Pournami. If possible, visit such a place to light some of the 365 lamps.
Tulsi plant worship is important during this time if you are dedicating the pooja to Lord Vishnu. Light lamps around the Tulsi plant and offer prayers for health and prosperity.
Peepal tree worship:Lighting lamps under a Peepal tree is also considered auspicious for those worshiping Lord Shiva.
By lighting these 365 deepams, devotees believe they are ensuring divine protection and blessings for the entire year. This ritual also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and good over evil.