Kartik Maas, the sacred month in Hinduism, has begun today, and it’s time to delve into the insights, traditions, and precautions associated with this auspicious period. During this month, devotees observe fasting, meditation, and worship to attain spiritual liberation. Goddess Lakshmi blesses her devotees with immense wealth, making it an opportune time for worship. From the planting and marriage of Tulsi to the act of donating and offering lamps, Kartik Maas is filled with rituals that bring eternal auspicious results. However, there are also precautions to be taken, such as avoiding certain foods and abstaining from meat, fish, and intoxicating substances. So, let’s explore further and make the most of Kartik Maas 2023.
New Delhi: Kartik Maas, the sacred month in Hinduism, has begun today, October 29th, and will continue until November 27th, 2023. During this auspicious period, Hindus observe fasting, meditation, and worship as a means of attaining spiritual liberation.
One of the highlights of Kartik Maas is the belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits the Earth during this month, blessing her devotees with immense wealth. It is also a time to emphasize the worship of Lord Krishna and the planting and marriage of Tulsi, the holy basil plant.
Donating, especially offering lamps, during Kartik Maas is said to bring eternal auspicious results. Bathing, donating, and lighting lamps are believed to help alleviate difficulties and bring rewards.
Tulsi worship, planting, and consumption hold great significance during this month. However, there are certain practices to be followed. For example, sleeping on the ground and applying oil to the body (except on Narak Chaturdashi) are recommended. On the other hand, consuming lentils and grains like urad, mung, masoor, chana, matar, and mustard is prohibited.
Pilgrimages and acts of charity, along with holy bathing, are also performed during Kartik Maas. It is believed that caution should be taken while performing Tulsi puja, as it brings special blessings from all deities. Offering water to Tulsi and plucking its leaves on Sundays, however, is forbidden during this period.
To bring auspiciousness, lighting a ghee lamp under the Tulsi plant in the evening is considered a favorable practice. It is also advised to avoid certain food items like honey, sesame, curd, til oil, asafoetida, eggplant, kidney beans, lentils, bitter gourd, and fried snacks during Kartik Maas.
Furthermore, it is recommended to abstain from meat, fish, and intoxicating substances during this sacred month. Practicing self-control and austerity, in addition to observing fasts and following the prescribed rules, is also highly encouraged.
Lastly, worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi during Kartik Maas is believed to bring special blessings. So, let us embrace this sacred month and embark on a spiritual journey filled with devotion, charity, and self-discipline.