Karthigai Pournami is a sacred day dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It marks the divine moment when Lord Shiva manifested as an endless celestial flame, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Devotees light lamps, decorate their homes, and offer heartfelt prayers in honour of this powerful and auspicious occasion.

This year, Karthigai Pournami will be observed today, 04 Dec 2025. 

Here are five lesser-known facts about Karthigai Pournami with profound significance:

• The day Lord Shiva appeared as a divine flame

The central main highlight of Karthigai Pournami is the lighting of the Mahadeepam at Tiruvannamalai. Scriptures describe this as the day Lord Shiva revealed himself as an endless column of fire, demonstrating his boundless supremacy to Vishnu and Brahma. Devotees from all over the world gather in Tiruvannamalai to witness the Mahadeepam and perform Girivalam. It is believed that the divine light removes suffering and blesses one’s life with clarity and peace.

• A sacred day for Lord Muruga

The Karthigai star is deeply connected to Lord Murugan. The sparks that emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye are said to have transformed into six radiant infants on the Saravana Poigai. These children were lovingly raised by the six Karthigai maidens who later became stars and were united as Lord Muruga. For this reason, worshipping Murugan on Karthigai Pournami is believed to remove obstacles, bring prosperity, and strengthen spiritual courage.

• The day the celestial beings go on pilgrimage

While full moon days are generally auspicious for pilgrimages, Karthigai Pournami is considered uniquely powerful. Tradition says that on this day, countless gods, sages, and divine beings visit Tiruvannamalai in subtle forms to perform Girivalam. Those who join this sacred walk are believed to receive multiplied benefits for every act of devotion and experience inner healing and spiritual upliftment.

• Honouring the Trinity

Karthigai Pournami holds significance not only for Shiva devotees but also as a day to receive the blessings of the Trinity : Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi during this month is considered especially auspicious. According to the Padma Purana, offering even a single Tulasi leaf during Karthigai grants the merit of performing an Ashwamedha Yagna. In northern India, the day is also observed in remembrance of Brahma, particularly in Pushkar, where a holy dip in the lake is believed to grant salvation.

• The power of lighting lamps

The entire month of Karthigai celebrates the sacredness of lamps, but Karthigai Pournami is the most significant day for deepa worship. Lighting lamps at home or in temples is believed to bring abundance, remove negativity, and illuminate one’s spiritual path. It is said that these lights help remove unknown sins and dissolve heavy karmic burdens. Acts of charity such as donating grains, fruits, or bronze vessels are also believed to bring prosperity and blessings during this auspicious time.

Do’s for Karthigai Pournami

• Performing Poojai and Offering Naivedyam

On this divine day, devotees perform special poojai and offer naivedyam to Lord Shiva. Traditional offerings such as appam, paniyaram, and other simple homemade dishes are lovingly prepared. These offerings are believed to bring the blessings of prosperity, health, and inner peace.

• Decorating Homes and Temples

Karthigai Pournami is also a celebration of beauty and purity. Homes and temples are decorated with fresh flowers and kolams. These traditional kolams are believed to invite positive energies and protect the home. Lighting rows of earthen lamps is a symbolic act of welcoming divine light into one’s life.

• Acts of Charity

Compassion is an important part of this holy day. Many devotees use this opportunity to share food, clothes, or essentials with those in need. Such acts of kindness are considered a way of honouring Lord Shiva and cultivating spiritual growth.

Don’ts for Karthigai Pournami

• Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food and Intoxicants

Devotees refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or any form of intoxicants. This observance helps maintain purity of body and mind, allowing worshippers to connect deeply with Lord Shiva’s energy.

• Refrain from Negative Thoughts

Karthigai Pournami encourages inner reflection. Devotees avoid negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and resentment. Instead, they focus on cultivating love, compassion, and humility, which elevate one’s spiritual experience.

• Avoid Harming Trees and Plants

Nature is deeply connected to Shiva, who is often worshipped beneath the sacred bael tree. Cutting or harming plants on this day is avoided. Instead, devotees are encouraged to protect nature and even plant trees as an offering to the divine.

Source / Image Credit : The Daily Jagran, Tamil Asian Net News , Hindutone, Tirtha Yatra