Kartika Purnima (Dev Deepawali)
कार्तिक पूर्णिमा (त्रिपुरारी पूर्णिमा / देव दीपावली)
Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Dev Deepawali, where the Gods descend to the Ghats of Varanasi to celebrate Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. It is also the appearance day of Lord Matsya (Matsya Jayanti).
October 25, 2026
Sunday
09:15 AM to 01:30 PM
Auspicious forenoon window
05:40 PM
Chandra Arghya window
October 24, 2026 at 02:45 AM
until October 25, 2026 at 12:50 AM
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय त्रिपुरान्तकाय॥
Oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya || Oṁ namaḥ śivāya tripurāntakāya ||
Salutations to the Supreme Lord Vasudeva. Salutations to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of Tripurasura and granter of eternal peace.
Spiritual & Scriptural Significance
Taking a sacred dip in the Ganga or holy waters on Kartika Purnima is believed to grant the merit of all pilgrimages combined. Lighting earthen lamps (Deep Daan) by rivers or temples brings illumination to one's entire ancestral lineage.
Pauranic Vrat Katha & History
The Shiva Purana recounts that the three demon sons of Tarakasura built three impenetrable flying cities (Tripura) terrorizing the cosmos. Lord Shiva mounted a chariot constructed by the cosmos, drew his divine bow Pinaka, and obliterated the three citadels with a single arrow. In joy, the Devas illuminated the earth with millions of golden lamps.
Step-by-Step Purnima Vrat & Puja Vidhi
- 1Take a holy bath before sunrise in a river, lake, or with Gangajal at home.
- 2Conduct a grand Satyanarayan Puja with yellow flowers, Panchamrit, and Tulsi leaves.
- 3Perform Deep Daan (lighting 11, 21, or 51 earthen ghee/mustard oil lamps) at a temple, river bank, or sacred Tulsi plant.
- 4Donate food, warm clothing, and brass utensils to the needy.
- 5Offer Arghya to Chandra Dev and recite the Shiva Mahimna Stotram.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kartika Purnima (Dev Deepawali)
Why is Varanasi so famous on Kartika Purnima?
On Kartika Purnima (Dev Deepawali), all 84 ghats of Varanasi are illuminated with over one million earthen lamps, creating a spectacular river of golden light to welcome the Devas.
What is Tripurari Purnima?
It celebrates Lord Shiva's victory over the demon triumvirate Tripurasura, earning him the epithet 'Tripurari'.