Kartika Masa Monday Vedic Chanting and Rudrabhishekam
What: Rudrabhishekam on Kartika Masa Mondays followed by archana and aarati. We invite you and your family to these auspicious Monday events.
You may bring your offering of flowers, fruits and /or naivedya items.
When: Each Monday evening at 7:30pm – 9:00 pm, Nov 13th, 20th, 27th, Dec 4th, and Dec 11th.
Where: Chinmaya – Saaket (17701 Davenport Rd., Dallas, TX 75252)
Karthika Masam is from November 13th to December 11th.
Karthika Somavara Vratam is observed by Shiva devotees in the month and special pujas and rituals are held in Shiva temples. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is undertaken by many devotees.
Karthika Somavaram Vratham 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 demigods (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. Karthika Somavara Vratham 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 Shivlinga is used for the prayer.
