Amid Winter Gloom, Karthika Purnima Lights up City

Hyderabad: Temples across the city saw a huge rush of devotees, as apartments and residences were lit up with earthen lamps, on the occasion of Karthika Purnima on Monday.

It is an important date in the Hindu calendar, as the ‘Purnima (full moon)’ occurs during the bright phase of the moon, which is at its peak in the month of ‘Karthika’.

The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered among the holiest full moons in the year, said Pandit Suryanarayana Sharma.

“This month’s Karthika Purnima is the best among all full moons in the year. It is also called ‘Dev Diwali’, because, after killing Tripurasura, all Gods were pleased and hundreds of oil lamps were lit in Kashi on the occasion,” he said.

Radhika Vijayanagaram, of Srinagar Colony, said that lighting 365 diyas or wicks on the day could be interpreted as lighting one for each day of the year. “So, even if someone doesn't usually perform daily prayers, lighting 365 diya wicks on Karthika Purnima is believed to symbolise the spiritual act, as if they had done it every day.”

Temples dedicated to Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva across the city saw heavy footfall, with large numbers participating in rituals, prayers and seeking blessings.

There was an especially heavy rush of devotees at the Keesara temple, due to a belief that praying here brings spiritual merit and fulfils one’s wishes, going by its mythology.