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Karthigai Somavaram, or Karthika Somavara Ubayam, is the Mondays in the Tamil Month karthigai
which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 2012, Karthigai Masam is from
November 16 to December 16. Kartika Somavar Vratam is observed by Shiva
devotees in the month and special pujas and rituals are held in Shiva
temples in maintained by Tamil community. Fasting from sunrise to sunset
is undertaken by many devotees.
Note - In neighboring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also Kartik Month of
importance and Mondays are dedicated to Shiva. In 2012, Kartik month in
these two states is from November 14 to December 13.
Karthigai Somavaram Vratam is observed because it is in this month Shiva destroyed the three cities of Tripuri built by demon Tripurasura. Legend has it that a powerful demon named Tripuri or Tripurasura built three impregnable cities of gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Lord Shiva. The demon became so powerful and his inflated ego knew no bounds and started attacking and tormenting humans and demi gods (devas). Brahma and Vishnu failed to contain Tripurasura who was armed with several boons from Shiva.
Finally, the task of annihilating the demon fell on Lord
Shiva and after three days of fight, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura and destroyed
the three cities – Tripuri. This great victory happened on the full moon day in
Kartik month.
Mondays are dedicated to Shiva and the Mondays in the Kartik month is
chosen to propitiate Shiva as it is considered highly meritorious.
Kartigai Somavar Vratam is from sunrise to sunset. Devotees do not
consume food after sunrise. Some people opt for a liquid diet or fruit
diet and others go for the traditional strict fasting of without food.
Prayers and puja dedicated to Shiva is performed early in the morning.
The puja begins with prayer to Lord Ganesh. A picture of Lord Shiva or
Shivling is used for the prayer.
It must be noted here that Lord Shiva is also known as Ashutosh– one who is easily pleased. So a devotee needed not worry about the
elaborate puja rituals. A simple recital of 'Om Namah Shivaya' with
devotion will please Lord Shiva.
Karthigai Somavar Vratam ends with the evening puja after sunset.
Shiva devotees usually avoid diet consisting of garlic and onion while breaking a fast.
I took part today in 108 sangaabhishekam done to LOrd Shiva were the Almighty is offered sacred water in 108 shells(sangu) performed after yagna or homam. Of which i offered 6 shells of sacred water to Lord Shiva... I feel so blessed and Thank My Lord Shiva for bestowing this on me... Next Monday is the last Karthigai somavara...so guys plzz do goto nearby Shiva temple and get his blessings...Its really very auspicious...
HAR HAR MAHADEV 😊😊...
I took part today in 108 sangaabhishekam done to LOrd Shiva were the Almighty is offered sacred water in 108 shells(sangu) performed after yagna or homam. Of which i offered 6 shells of sacred water to Lord Shiva... I feel so blessed and Thank My Lord Shiva for bestowing this on me... Next Monday is the last Karthigai somavara...so guys plzz do goto nearby Shiva temple and get his blessings...Its really very auspicious...
HAR HAR MAHADEV 😊😊...
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