Tripurari Poornima (Kartik Poornima)

This festival is celebrated on the day of Kartik Poornima, since Deity Shiva annihilated the demon Tripurasura on this day. It is a festival of Deities. It is celebrated as a victory of good over evil in temples at many places in India. Let us understand the history behind this festival and its importance from the following article.

1. Tithi (Day as per Hindu calendar)

Tripurari Poornima is celebrated on Kartik Poornima.

2. History

The demon Tripur worshiped Lord Brahma and obtained His grace. While he was performing austerities, the other gods did take efforts to disturb his worship; But all went in vain. Deity Brahma had to bestow him with a boon. Tripur asked for the boon that, ‘May he attain immortality’. After getting the boon, he persecuted all the Deities. Even Shri Vishnu could not oppose Tripur. Finally Deity Shiva fought for three days and killed the demon Tripur on Kartik Shukla Paksha Poornima and restored the lost glory of the Gods. All the Deities were overjoyed to regain their lost glory. They celebrated by praising Deity Shiva and lighting oil lamps (Deepotsav). Since then Kartik Shukla Paksha Poornima is celebrated every year. – Gurudev Dr. Kateswamyji (Magazine ‘Ghangarjit’, November 2006)

Tripurari – > Tripur + ari. Tripur is the name of the demon. Ari in Sanskrit means to kill or annihilate. Hence, Kartik Shukla Paksha Poornima came to be called as Tripurari Poornima, that is the day when the demon Tripur was annihilated.

3. Method of celebrating

On Tripurari Poornima, arrangement to light lamps around big tall stone pillars is done and lamps are lit around it. These pillars are called Tripuri.