Karthika Masam
Nov 2 to Dec 1, 2024
The sacred month of Karthika, which typically falls somewhere between the end of October and the beginning of December, is the most auspicious month of the year for worshiping Lord Shiva and obtaining His grace for good health, mental balance, and deep meditations. During the month of Karthika, it is very good to wake up early in the morning and do meditation, especially in the sacred Brahmi Muhurta time between 3:30 AM and 4:30 AM. The atmosphere will be highly charged with cosmic energy, and one’s meditations will be very powerful.
In particular, Somavaram (Monday) is an especially auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva, and the Somavaras occurring in Karthika Masam are very important days for performing sadhana. This year in 2024, the Somavaras for Karthika month are Nov 4, 11, 18 and 25. Somavaram is the day of the moon (Soma), and white attracts the positive energy of the moon, so it is very good to wear white clothes in cotton or silk on Somavaram while performing spiritual practices. On Nov 8th Kartika purnima it is highly advised to do meditation, puja and/or japa to Lord Shiva.
Especially on these sacred days, one can do meditation, sing bhajans, or perform extra japa of one’s guru mantra. One can also chant the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra (“Om Namah Shivaya”) or Shiva-Sakti Panchakshari Mantra (“Om Hrim Namah Shivaya”), either 108 or 1008 times. This is also an excellent time to chant Sri Mrutyunjaya Mantra for healing any kind of disease or health problem. If it is possible, practicing silence and fasting or taking light, sattvic food will be very beneficial.
Those who have a Siva Lingam may wish to do puja by offering water, flowers, vibhuti, milk, yogurt, ghee, sugar, and/or honey. The offerings can be spooned onto the Siva Lingam (using a pure puja spoon only) while chanting “Om Namah Sivaya,” “Om Hrim Namah Shivaya,” or Sri Mrutyunjaya Mantra.
If you know how to chant the Rudram, Rudra Abhishekam performed in the evenings during Karthika Masam is extremely powerful.
