Monthly Karthigai

Masik Karthigai (मासिक करठ्ठाई) is an important Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This festival is celebrated on the day of Karthigai nakshatra, which comes in every month. This festival, especially celebrated as Karthigai Deepam, symbolizes the worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan (Karthikeya). Observing Masik Karthigai with reverence and devotion brings blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan and destroys all kinds of sufferings. Masik Karthigai festival is an important festival of worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan (Karthikeya). This festival is celebrated every month on the day of Karthigai nakshatra and this festival is celebrated with great pomp especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The story of this festival is associated with Lord Shiva, Parvati, and their son Lord Murugan.

Story of Masik Karthigai

Once upon a time, Goddess Parvati expressed her desire to have a son from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati's prayer and created six divine sparks with his divine power. These sparks fell into a lake called Saravanapoyi and from there six beautiful boys were born. These boys were full of divine radiance and power. Goddess Parvati collected all those boys and merged them into a single boy by taking them in her embrace. Thus, Lord Murugan (Karthikeya) was born. The six-faced form of Lord Murugan symbolizes this event. Lord Murugan was born on the day of Karthigai nakshatra, so this day is celebrated as Karthigai Deepam. Karthigai Deepam means "Lamp of Karthigai," and this festival is celebrated to worship and adore Lord Murugan by lighting lamps.

Importance of Monthly Karthigai

• This fast pleases both Lord Shiva and Lord Karthikeya.
• The devotee gains courage, strength and self-confidence.
• This fast is especially beneficial for those who wish for child happiness and well-being of married life.
• Regular monthly Karthigai fasting leads to wealth, prosperity and health.

Pujan Vidhi

• Take a vow to fast after taking a bath in the morning.
• Light a lamp at home or in the temple (ghee lamp is considered best).
• Worship the idol/statue of Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya.
• Offer red and yellow flowers, sandalwood and fruits.
• Chant the mantra "Om Karthikeya Namah" or "Om Namah Shivaya".
• Light as many lamps as possible during the evening.

Benefits of monthly Karthigai fast

• Negative energy and obstacles in life are removed.
• Good luck and happiness and peace prevail in the home and family.
• This fast is fruitful for those who wish to have children.
• One gets relief from diseases and fear.
• Spiritual progress and self-confidence increase.

Difference between Monthly and Annual Karthigai

• Annual Karthigai Deepam is celebrated especially in the month of Karthika, where innumerable lamps are lit in temples and houses.
• Monthly Karthigai is a fast observed every month on the day of Karthigai nakshatra.
• Both the rituals are similar, but the annual Karthigai festival is more elaborate and grand.

Monthly Karthigai fasting brings positivity, strength and prosperity in the life of the devotee. With the blessings of Lord Kartikeya and Lord Shiva, all the troubles are removed and the devotee's life becomes blissful.