Damodar Month: A Sacred Experience at Someshwar Temple Kolar

03/12/2024 Indrani Ghose

During my recent visit to the Someshwara Temple in Kolar, I was immediately struck by the overwhelming presence of devotees lighting lamps. Unbeknownst to me, the Mondays of Kartik month—also called Damodar Month—hold special significance in the Hindu calendar. This sacred month, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, creates an atmosphere of profound spirituality and communal devotion.

Just outside the temple, the market stalls were abuzz with activity. Women carefully selected and arranged items in traditional plates made from areca nut leaves. These plates carried earthen lamps filled with sesame oil, cotton wicks, fresh flowers, incense sticks, blocks of jaggery, coconuts and bananas. At first, I assumed this was part of a routine ritual. As I moved to leave my footwear near the temple entrance, the sheer number of sandals strewn on both sides indicated that something extraordinary was happening.

Prayers offered during Damodar Month

Once inside, my assumptions were confirmed. The temple grounds were alive with vibrant energy—a sea of devotees, families, and children, all engrossed in their prayers. Women meticulously offered their plates with lit lamps, whispered sacred prayers into Nandi’s ear, and stood with folded hands in deep reverence. The atmosphere was a riot of colors and lights, filled with the scent of incense and the sound of chants.

Initially, I felt a pang of disappointment, hoping for a more tranquil visit. However, I soon saw this as a rare opportunity to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of devotion and tradition unfolding before me. Joining the queue to the temple’s inner sanctum, I struck up a conversation with the devotee ahead, eager to learn more about the rituals and significance of this auspicious period.

Kartik Maas, the eighth month in the Hindu calendar, is a time for reflection, prayer, and devotion. Known as Damodar month, it is believed that worshiping Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna during this period brings immense blessings.

Someshwara Temple Kolar

The Spiritual Significance of Damodar Month

Kartik, the eighth month in the Hindu calendar, holds profound religious and spiritual significance. Known as Damodar month, this period is revered for its connection to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. It begins on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha, typically spanning from October 18th to November 16th, lasting around 30 days. This sacred month marks the transition toward Kaivalya Pada, a time symbolizing spiritual culmination and reflection.

In the broader context of spiritual practice, Kartik bridges two essential phases: Dakshinayana, a period dedicated to purification, and Uttarayana, which symbolizes enlightenment. The preceding months, often referred to as Sadhana Pada, are likened to seasons of plowing, seeding, and cultivating the soul’s journey. Kartik, therefore, stands as a time of harvest—where spiritual efforts yield their blessings.

Devotees across India engage in various rituals, dedicating their worship to all forms of Lord Vishnu. This month is believed to purify the soul and deepen spiritual insights. It also marks the end of Chaturmas, the four-month period when Lord Vishnu is said to be in a meditative state. As Kartik concludes, it is believed that Lord Vishnu awakens, bestowing blessings and karmic rewards on devotees.

A significant aspect of this month is the worship performed during Rohini Nakshatra, particularly important for devotees of Lord Krishna. This celestial alignment is considered highly auspicious for special pujas, fostering deeper connections with the divine.

The last five days of Kartik are known as Bhishma Panchaka or Vishnu Panchaka. For those unable to observe the four-month Chaturmas fast, fasting during these final five days is believed to offer equivalent spiritual merit. It is a time for intensified devotion, reflection, and the culmination of one’s spiritual efforts.

What I understand is, Damodar month stands as a beacon of faith and devotion, guiding the heart towards spiritual enlightenment and the soul towards purification. Each ritual, prayer, and moment of reflection weaves a rich tapestry of tradition and connection to the divine, reinforcing the enduring essence of this sacred period.

Damodar Month celebrated in Someshwara Temple Kolar

What to Do in Kartik Month

The importance of Kartik month has been revered since ancient times, spanning across different yugas. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his mortal body during this sacred period, honoring Lord Vishnu. Hindu scriptures narrate that Lord Vishnu goes into a deep slumber on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi and awakens on Kartika Shukla Ekadashi, underscoring the month’s deep spiritual significance.

Kartik holds a special place in the worship of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Devotees engage in various rituals such as pujas, abhishekas (sacred offerings), and vrathas (fasts) to honor these deities. Mondays, known as Kartik Somvar, are particularly important, with many observing fasts to appease Lord Shiva. This practice, known as Kartik Somvar Vrata, symbolizes devotion to Someshwara—an epithet of Lord Shiva, who adorns the crescent moon (Soma) in his matted hair.

Lighting diyas (lamps) holds profound symbolic importance during Kartik. The illumination represents the removal of darkness and negativity from the mind and soul. This darkness signifies ignorance of the ultimate reality. By lighting a diya before Lord Vishnu, devotees seek divine guidance to overcome inner demons such as ego, greed, and material attachments, thereby purifying their souls and atoning for past misdeeds.

Another significant practice is performing Archana with Vilva leaves for Lord Shiva on Karthigai Somavaram. This ritual is believed to enhance mental strength and bring clarity. Similarly, Tulsi Puja is highly auspicious during Kartik. Reverence to the sacred Tulsi plant is said to cleanse sins and bring happiness and prosperity. According to the Puranas, Kartik offers a path to truth, righteousness, and spiritual liberation, making it a transformative period for devotees seeking inner peace and divine blessings.

Someswara Temple Kolar Karnataka

What to do in Kartik Purnima

Significance and Rituals of Kartik Purnima

Karthika Deepam, a festival of lights, holds great importance among Hindu Tamils in India, Sri Lanka, and other regions with significant Tamil communities. Lighting lamps symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the divine blessings that cleanse the soul. Celebrated on Purnima (full moon day) of the Kartika month, it coincides with the Kṛttikā nakshatra and typically falls in November or December according to the Gregorian calendar.

Kartik Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious days to honour both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The day is especially sacred as it also marks the celebration of Dev Diwali, a grand festival observed in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Devotees believe that performing rituals and offering prayers on this day brings immense spiritual benefits. Temples are beautifully illuminated, and special pujas and abhishekas are conducted. The riverbanks of Varanasi, in particular, come alive with thousands of lamps floating on the Ganges, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that signifies the victory of good over evil.

In essence, Kartik Purnima serves as a powerful reminder of faith, devotion, and the eternal light of the divine, encouraging devotees to seek spiritual growth and inner peace.

10 Practices to Follow During Damodar Month

Wake Up Early: Rise during Brahma Muhurat (around 3.30 AM), considered the most auspicious time for spiritual activities and self-reflection.
Take a Holy Bath: Begin your day with a purifying bath, symbolizing the cleansing of both body and soul before engaging in puja rituals.
Visit Temples for Special Pujas: Many temples conduct special pujas and recitations of Kartik Maas Katha throughout this sacred month. Devotees of Lord Vishnu often visit early in the morning to participate in these rituals.
Perform Puja at Home: If you cannot visit a temple, place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna on a wooden plank at home. Light a diya, recite the Kartik Maas Katha, and offer prayers with devotion.
Offer Arghya to the Sun: After completing your puja, offer Arghya (water) to Lord Surya (the Sun God), seeking blessings for health, vitality, and spiritual growth.
Take a Holy Dip in the Ganga: Bathing in the Ganges River during Kartik is considered highly meritorious. If that’s not possible, a symbolic bath with reverence at home also holds significance.
Engage in Religious Chantings: Utilize this sacred time by chanting mantras, reading holy texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, and listening to Kartik Mahatam Katha.
Kartik month Tulsi Puja: Lighting a lamp near a Tulsi (holy basil) plant is believed to bring spiritual rewards and blessings, as the plant is deeply associated with Lord Vishnu. Daily offerings of Tulsi Patra (holy basil leaves) to Lord Vishnu are also highly recommended for spiritual merit.
Observe Fasting: In North India, many devotees observe a one-time meal fast during Kartik as a form of self-discipline and devotion.
Perform Acts of Charity: Engage in good deeds such as donating to the needy, feeding the poor, and supporting charitable causes.

Kartik Month Festivals and Fasts observed

If you plan to celebrate these festivals, consult the lunar calendar for accurate dates. Below is a sequential list of significant events, including important vrats (fasts):

Sankashti Chaturthi and Karva Chauth – Karva Chauth: Celebrated by married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husbands’ long lives. The fast is broken after offering prayers to the moon.

Ahoi Ashtami, Radha Kund Snan, Kalashtami, Guru Pushya Yoga

Ahoi Ashtami: Observed for the well-being of children, with women fasting and breaking it after sighting the stars.
Guru Pushya Yoga: An auspicious day for purchasing new items to attract Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.

Rama Ekadashi – Occurring before Diwali, this fast is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, seeking prosperity.

Dhanteras, Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha), Yam Deepak

Dhanteras: Dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari and Lord Kubera, worshipped for wealth and health. Lighting a lamp for Yama, the god of death, is believed to prevent untimely death and suffering.

Masik Shivratri, Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja

Masik Shivratri: Monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kali Chaudas: Celebrates Goddess Kali.
Hanuman Puja: Honors Lord Hanuman, known for strength and devotion.

Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali – Celebrated differently across regions; most people perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening to seek the goddess’s blessings.

Govardhan Puja and Annakut – Devotees create a symbolic Govardhan mountain in courtyards to honor Lord Krishna. A feast of 56 dishes (56 bhog) is prepared as an offering.

Bhai Dooj, Yam Dwitiya, Chitragupta Puja

Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the bond between siblings. Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them a prosperous life.
Chitragupta Puja: Business communities worship Lord Chitragupta, who keeps records of human deeds.

Nagula Chauth and Vinayak Chaturthi

Nagula Chauth: Dedicated to the worship of serpents.
Vinayak Chaturthi: Observes prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Labh Panchami – Marks the end of Diwali festivities, considered auspicious for starting new ventures and businesses.

Chhath Puja – Women fast for 36 hours without food or water, honouring Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, praying for their children’s well-being.

Gopashtami and Panchak Begins

Gopashtami: Celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of cows (go).
Panchak: The beginning of an inauspicious period in the Hindu calendar.

Akshaya Navami and Amla Navami – Amla Navami: Devotees worship the Amla (gooseberry) tree, believed to be Lord Vishnu’s abode.

Bhishma Panchak Begins – A five-day fasting period honouring Bhishma Pitamah.

Devotthan Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi) – Marks the end of Chaturmas as Lord Vishnu awakens from cosmic sleep, allowing auspicious events like weddings to resume.

Tulsi Vivah and Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) – Tulsi Vivah: Symbolic marriage of the Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu, representing the end of the monsoon season.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi – A unique ritual where Tulsi leaves are offered to Lord Shiva and Bel leaves to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing divine unity.

Kartik Purnima Vrat, Dev Diwali, Manikarnika Snan, Guru Nanak Jayanti

Kartik Purnima: An auspicious day of Damodar month for worshiping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Dev Diwali: Celebrated grandly in Varanasi with thousands of lamps on the Ganges, marking the gods’ return to the celestial realm.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: Commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Conclusion

My visit to Someshwar Temple during this sacred Damodar month was an enlightening experience, revealing the deep faith and vibrant traditions that continue to thrive in the heart of India’s spiritual landscape.