Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the auspicious Kartik month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is one of the most sacred and widely celebrated festivals in India. Known by names such as Poornima, Pournami, Poonam, and Pournimasi, it holds deep spiritual, cultural, and religious importance across Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

In Vaishnava tradition, Kartik is also called the Damodara month, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is regarded as the holiest lunar month, when devotees take ritual baths, observe fasts, and perform pujas to seek divine blessings.

Kartik Purnima 2025 Date and Timings

• Festival Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

• Purnima Tithi Begins: November 4, 2025 – 10:36 PM

• Purnima Tithi Ends: November 5, 2025 – 06:48 PM

• Moonrise on Purnima: November 5, 2025 – 05:11 PM

Bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari at sunrise or moonrise is considered highly auspicious on this day

History and Mythological Importance of Kartik Purnima

Lord Shiva and Tripurasura – Tripuri Purnima

The most popular legend of Kartik Purnima revolves around Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, who built three celestial cities called Tripura. On Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva destroyed these cities with a single arrow, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This day is therefore also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima.

Lord Vishnu’s Matsya Avatar

According to Vaishnava tradition, Kartik Purnima marks the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya (the fish) to save the world and the sacred Vedas from a catastrophic flood.

The Holiest Month in Hinduism

The holy dip (Kartik Snan) begins from Sharad Purnima and continues until Kartik Purnima. The five-day festivities leading up to this full moon begin with Prabodhini Ekadashi and conclude on Kartik Purnima, making it one of the most spiritually vibrant times of the year.

Different Forms of Kartik Purnima Celebrations

• Tripuri Purnima (Shaivism) – Commemorates Lord Shiva’s destruction of Tripurasura.

• Dev Deepawali (Varanasi) – Known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” when the ghats of Varanasi shine with thousands of diyas.

• Tulsi Vivah Culmination (Vaishnavism) – Marks the symbolic marriage of Tulsi plant with Lord Shaligram, bringing harmony and prosperity.

• Bhishma Panchaka (Vaishnava tradition) – A five-day fast beginning on Prabodhini Ekadashi and ending on Kartik Purnima.

• Vaikuntha Chaturdashi Eve – Celebrated a day before Kartik Purnima, symbolizing the unity of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

• Kartik Poornima Vrat – Devotees observe fasts and prayers for spiritual purification and forgiveness of sins.

• Jain Festival of Lights – Marks Lord Mahavira’s last sermon and enlightenment.

• Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) – Celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with kirtans, prayers, and langar.

Significance of Donations on Kartik Purnima

Charity is considered extremely powerful on Kartik Purnima. Donations made with devotion are believed to bring manifold blessings.

• Food Donation (Anna Daan) – Offering meals to the poor, saints, and devotees ensures prosperity.

• Donate to Gausalas: Offering charity to cow shelters (gaushalas) on this sacred day brings blessings and spiritual merit.

• Mandir donation: The holy month of Damodara is considered the most auspicious time to contribute towards temple construction, making your donation highly rewarding.

• Clothes & Blankets – Providing warmth to the needy in winter is highly meritorious.

• Supporting Social Causes – Acts of kindness and seva (service) performed on this day create long-lasting good karma.

A single act of generosity on Kartik Purnima is believed to multiply blessings, bringing peace, happiness, and prosperity into life.

Why Kartik Purnima is Special

Kartik Purnima is not just a religious occasion but a spiritual celebration of light, devotion, and compassion. Whether it’s through holy dips, lighting diyas, observing fasts, or donating to the needy, the day serves as a reminder of the eternal connection between humanity and divinity.

Disclaimer: The remedies, benefits, advice, and statements mentioned in this article are for general information purposes only. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation do not endorse the content presented in this article. The information contained herein has been gathered from various sources, including astrologers, panchangs, sermons, beliefs, religious texts, and legends. Readers are advised not to regard this article as the ultimate truth or claim and to exercise their own discretion. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation oppose superstition.