- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kartik Purnima 2025: Purnima is the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha during every Hindu lunar month. Since a full moon day or Purnima comes once in a month, there are a total of 12 Purnima Tithis throughout the year. The moon or Chandradev shines in its full glory in the sky on the sacred occasion of Purnima and bestows many spiritual and material benefits. Hence, full moon days are considered highly significant in Hinduism. One such Purnima tithi is Kartik Purnima. On this sacred day, devotees observe a fast to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
This year, devotees will observe Kartik Purnima Vrat on 5th November 2025. Know vrat katha, vidhi and rules to perform this sacred fast below:
Kartik Purnima Vrat Katha
There was a demon named Tarakasura. He had three sons: Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyunmali. Tarakasura was extremely powerful and terrorised the earth and heaven. Distressed by his actions, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva to put an end to him. Hearing their prayers, Lord Shiva slew Tarakasura, delighting the gods.
His three sons were deeply saddened by this and, seeking revenge, performed severe penance to Lord Brahma. Pleased with their penance, Brahma Dev asked them to ask for a boon. All three asked for immortality but Lord Brahma told them to seek a boon other than immortality.
After this, the three contemplated the matter for a while and then said to Brahma, "Build three separate cities, where everyone can travel the entire earth and sky." The demons also said, “When we meet in a thousand years, may our three cities merge into one. May the god who possesses the power to destroy all three cities with a single arrow be the cause of our death.”
Brahma Dev granted them their desired boon, and following Brahma's instructions, Mayadanav established three cities for them. A city of gold was built for Tarakaksha, a city of silver for Kamala, and a city of iron for Vidyunmali. Together, they established their rule over the three worlds. Lord Indra, greatly frightened by these three demons, sought refuge in Lord Shiva. Hearing Indra's words, Lord Shiva constructed a divine chariot to destroy them. Every element of this divine chariot was created by the gods.
The Moon and the Sun became the wheels. Indra, Varuna, Yama, and Kubera became the chariot's four horses. The Himalayas became the bow, and Sheshnag became the bowstring. Lord Shiva himself became the arrow, and Agnidev himself became the arrow's tip. Lord Shiva himself rode this divine chariot.
A fierce battle ensued between this chariot, made by the gods, and the three brothers. During the battle, the three chariots came to a point where they were aligned due to a divine play. As soon as they were aligned, Lord Shiva released his arrows and destroyed all three demons. The demigods were very happy after Lord Shiva slaughtered them and gave Lord Shiva the name ‘Tripurari’.
Kartik Purnima is a sacred day of fasting that falls on the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. (Image Source: Freepik)
Kartik Purnima Vrat Vidhi And Rules
Devotees observing the Kartik Purnima Vrat must wake up early in the morning and bathe in the Ganges. Then, they must take a vow and begin the fast by worshipping Lord Ganesha. After installing the Kalash, rhey must perform the Shodashopachara puja of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Then, worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and the Moon.
On the day of the fast, spend the entire day fasting, chanting mantras, and singing hymns. In the evening, offer prayers to the Moon and listen to the Kartik Purnima Vrat Katha. While observing the vrat, the devotees must consume fruits, milk and water or can observe a Nirjala Upwas. Tamasic foods such as grains, spices, tobacco, tea, and coffee must also be avoided during Kartik Purnima vrat.
Kartik Purnima Vrat Parana Vidhi
Devotees must break the Kartik Purnima fast in the evening after offering prayers to the moon. Before breaking the fast, donate food, ghee, clothing, sesame seeds, and rice to Brahmins. After the donation, the devotees can eat fruits or a light sattvic meal.
ALSO READ: Kartik Purnima 2025: Date, Time, Ganga Snan Shubh Muhurat, Significance And Rituals
Significance Of Observing Kartik Purnima Vrat
Performing spiritual deeds on Kartik Purnima and observing this vrat helps to eradicate sins and attain salvation. Donating to the needy on this day increases happiness and prosperity. Additionally, worshipping Lord Shiva, along with Lord Vishnu is also considered to be of special importance on this day.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)