The importance of Kartik Snaan

Members of the hindu Community performing Puja at the Kitty Seawall

In the Hindu calendar, “Kartik”, the 8th lunar month is truly significant and is compounded with reverences of auspiciousness. Kartik Snaan is one of the much respected and religious events which is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Kartik Snaan (maasam) is a one-month observance and would have commenced on October 31 and culminate on November 30, the Purnima tithi timing being Nov 29, 12:48h to Nov 30 at 14:59h.
This one month of sacrifice, as is customary in India, many would venture on pilgrimages to go visit the holy rivers and the ceremony begins with Kartika Shudda Padyami, ie praying to Lord Shiva to receive his blessings so that the sustenance of strength and will power is maintained to pursue their goal. Several references citing the holiness of this month are mentioned in several Hindu scriptures and Puranas, including Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Naarad Purana.
Karthikeya is the son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Snaan means bath. The benefits of taking snaan in the Kartik month is equivalent to taking 1000 Ganga Snan and over 100 Magha Snan. It is a popular belief that by taking a holy dip in the month of Kartik and by offering donations, one gets freedom from all his/her committed sins. Bathing in the holy rivers during the month of Kartik does not have only religious significance, it is scientific too. After the rainy season, when the sky becomes clear and sun rays fall on Earth directly, the environment becomes compatible to the human body.
Many stories unfold during this time and one of the more popular ones refer to Vasista telling King Janaka about the glories of Kartik Snaan. During the month of Kartik, Surya Bhagwan enters into Tulsa rasi and remains for a month. In this month, Ganga Mata turns into “Drava Roopa,” (liquid form), and spreads into all, oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, streams and water bodies of the world. Lord Vishnu resides in these water bodies during this Kartik maasam, hence, those who perform snaan in these water bodies will be blessed with prosperity, happiness and health as well. Lord Krishna himself narrated the glories and rituals of Kartik Snan to his wife, Satyabhama.
The month of November is so eventful for the Hindus, having celebrated Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Diwali, Goverdhan Puja and Bhai Duj. During this month, daan (donation to charity), teerath ratra (visit to Holy shrines), Kartik Snaan (bathing in holy rivers), Havan Yagh (performing religious service), Japa (meditation), Kirtan/Bhajans (singing religious songs) and recital of Holy Granthis yield enormous benefits.
Kartik Snaan bears much significance:
Ahoi Vrat – on the 8th day, parents fast for the welfare of their children. Mothers especially seek the protection of their children. For the Vaishno devotees, Tulsi Mata is worshipped and a diya is lit daily for the entire month.
Karva Chauth – married ladies observe fast for the well-being of their husbands. The fast is not broken until sundown when Chandra Devta is seen. There is the popular story of Veeravati that explains the power of fasting.
Shiva’s Bhakti – Lord Shiva took the form of Tripurantaka to destroy the demon Tripura to make Earth a safe place again.
Kartik Purnima – Thousands of diyas are lit and set afloat to worship Mother Ganga. It is believed that the Devas and Devis descend to earth in Varanasi during this time. Satnarayan Puja is performed as this is the most auspicious full moon.
Kartik Snaan – Devotees flock to the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati Triveni rivers to cleanse themselves.
Lord Vishnu – According to the Hindu scriptures, it is believed that during the month of Kartik, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the ‘Matysa’ (fish) form in order to restore the Vedas.
Sikhism – The birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is also celebrated on Kartik Purnima as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This is a reminder festival that all his devotees should remember the teachings that he emphasised upon and should live in the right and ethical way in life.
Jainism – Thousands of Jains flock to the foothills of Shatrunjay Hills of Palitana on the day Of Kartik Purnima. To undertake the auspicious yatra (journey). They make this 216 km rough journey in order to pay homage to Lord Adinath temple atop the hill. Jains believe that Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, sanctified the hills by visiting it to deliver his first sermon.
Kartik Snaan is very important in the life of a Hindu and has to do more with merely taking a dip in the ocean and cleansing the outer body. In as much as the outer body is cleansed primarily, this now leads inwardly to the mental body to remove the negative qualities of hate, anger, jealousy, envy, greed etc, the elements which act as a barrier, preventing us to follow the path of spiritual development.
In the US, it coincides with Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside to give thanks for all of our virtues and show appreciation and consideration for being blessed to enjoy so much happiness and bliss in so many different, respective forms. In this year of a pandemic, many of our loved ones have departed and are no longer with us, physically. It is a time to remember them and offer a prayer on their behalf. This Kartik Snaan is a time to pay attention and render a helping hand to those in need. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha made a pertinent appeal to only use biodegradable items when offering reverence at the seaside. All have to be conscious of the environment and play an active and responsible role. Let us do what is only right and stay safe by practicing and observing all the required protocols of COVID-19.

Sincerely,
Jai Lall