Karthigai Masam Somavara Vratham

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

The Significance of Karthigai Month:

The Tamil month of Karthigai corresponds to mid November – mid December in the Gregorian calendar. The five Mondays in this month are called Karthigai Somavaram (Somavar means Monday). Monday is believed to be a very auspicious day for worshipping Shiva, and Karthigai Mondays are even more special as this month is filled with a lot of positive energy that can help to clear karma, rejuvenate the mind and body, and experience prosperity and well-being. Shiva’s energy is believed to be abundantly available in Karthigai month.

The Moon, called Soma in Sanskrit, rules Monday and has a special connection with Shiva. Shiva is also called Someshwara (one who has the crescent Moon on his hair). It was during this sacred month that Shiva took the form of infinite fire in order to mediate a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, who were fighting over the issue of supremacy.

The Moon and Daksha’s Curse:

According to the Puranas, the Moon/Chandra was married to the 27 daughters (representing the 27 nakshatras) of King Daksha. But Chandra was partial to Rohini, who he loved the most. This annoyed the other wives who went and complained to Daksha. Daksha told his son-in-law to treat all his wives equally, but Chandra did not oblige. Daksha cursed him to fade away slowly. Distraught, the Moon went to Brahma and sought his advice. Then he sent the deities to Brahma to plead for him. Initially, Brahma was very angry with Moon, but he cooled down later and told the deities that the Moon should chant the ‘Mahamrityunjaya mantra’ to seek relief from the curse. Chandra went to Prabhasa tirtha and created a lingam on the banks of Sarasvati river. He worshipped Shiva for six months.

This Shivalingam is the Somnath Jyotirlinga. Finally, Shiva appeared before Chandra and offered him a boon. On hearing of Chandra’s problem, Shiva said that Daksha’s curse could not be entirely reversed but only reduced. Henceforth, Chandra would wax and wane for 15 days alternately, instead of disappearing completely. Thus, we have Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of the Moon, when the Moon waxes, and Krishna Paksha, which is the dark fortnight of the Moon, when it wanes.

It was when the Moon was in the last stage of the waning process that Shiva, pleased with his penance, reduced the curse and placed him on his head as the crescent Moon. The Scriptures say that it was during Karthigai Somavaram that Shiva reduced the Moon’s curse and blessed him. so it is believed that worshipping Shiva on Karthigai Mondays can remove your sins and bestow abundance and good health.

Karthigai Somavara Vratham:

Kartigai Somavara Vratham is a fast observed by devotees of Shiva during this holy month. Special poojas and rituals will be held in Shiva temples. The fast or Vratham is usually from sunrise to sunset.

Karthigai Somavaram Vratham is observed for another reason too. It was in this month that Shiva destroyed the three cities of Tripuri that had been built by a demon called Tripurasura. According to legend, this powerful demon built three impregnable cities using gold, silver, and iron with Shiva’s blessings. Soon, the demon became very powerful, and he began tormenting the humans and demi-gods. Even Brahma and Vishnu could not defeat him as he had several boons from Shiva. Finally, it was left to Shiva himself to kill the demon. After a fierce 3-day battle, Shiva killed Tripurasura and also destroyed the three cities – Tripuri. This victory was achieved on the full moon day in Karthigai month.

During the Karthigai Somavara Vratham, devotees do not take food after sunrise. Some people opt for a liquid or fruit diet, while others opt for a traditional and strict fast, abjuring food completely. Prayers and Poojas for Shiva are performed early in the morning. The Pooja begins with a prayer to Ganesha. A Shivalingam or picture of Shiva is used for the Pooja. The Vratham concludes with a Pooja in the evening, after sunset. Garlic and onion are usually avoided while breaking a fast.