The Kashmiri Pandit community celebrates Deepamala, a festival echoing the traditions of Diwali. The rituals, prayers, and the luminous atmosphere that accompany this special night in the month of Kartik, as devotees honor goddess Lakshmi
By Satish Mahaldar
On the 14th of November 2023, the auspicious month of Kartika Maasa commenced, marking a period highly revered by devotees of Bhagavan Vishnu. It is believed that all virtuous deeds performed during this sacred “Masa” are wholeheartedly accepted by the Devas, as they remain abundantly present throughout the entire month. The acts and endeavors of devotees, such as ‘Snaan’ (ritual bathing), ‘Daan’ (charitable giving), ‘Bhojan’ (feasting), ‘Vrath’ (observances), ‘Til’ (Sesame Seeds), Dhenu (Cows), ‘Suvarna’ (Gold), ‘Rajat’ (Silver), ‘Bhumi’ (Land), ‘Vastra’ (Clothing), Tapasya, Japa, Homa, Yagna, Annadaan, Puja with Tulasi leaves, Abhishek of Vishnu’s Idol with Ganges and other holy river waters, as well as ‘Panchamrit’ comprising milk, ghee, curd, honey, and sugar, and ‘Shodasopacharas’ to Deities, Veda-parayana, Purana Shravan, Bhajans, Deva Stutis, Visits to Temples, fasting, and abstinence are especially significant.
According to Lord Brahma, the fortnight from Kartika Krishna Trayodasi to the end of the month, i.e., from Deepavali on the Amavasya of Aswayuja, should be observed as Festival Days. The ‘Pradosha’ time of that Trayodasi holds great significance, during which Lord Yama is worshipped with ‘Deepas’ at the main door of the residence, accompanied by Naivedya, ensuring protection against ‘Apamrutyu’ or Akaala Mrithyu (premature and sudden death) in the family. The recitation of the Mantra after the worship is believed to please Yama Raja: “Mrityuna pasha dandaabhyaam Kaalena cha maya saha, Trayodashyam Deepa daanaath Suryajah Preeyathamiti.” Subsequently, on Kartika Amavasya morning, worship is performed to the Devatas, and in the evening, strings of ‘Deepas’ are lit while Devi Lakshmi is worshipped with the prayer, “Devi Lakshmi! We welcome You with ‘Deepa Jyoti’ as You are the Symbol of Limitless Illumination; You are the representation of Surya, Chandra, Agni, and Gold; Do make Your residence as our own!”
The Kartika Krishna Paksha, the most auspicious fortnight, is a time for prayers for ‘Apamrityu’ (freedom from untimely death) for Yama Raja and prosperity for Devi Lakshmi, ushering an era of happiness. Devotees who recite ‘Om Namo Narayanaya,’ read or listen to ‘Vishnu Sahasranam,’ and ‘Gajendra Moksha Paatha’ during the entire Kartik Month or at least ‘Pancha Rathras’ (five nights) are believed to secure freedom from want, disease, adversity, and discontent. The austerities observed on Kartika Ekadashi day alone are said to ensure contentment in the current life (‘Iham’) and bliss in the post-life (‘Param’). Each virtuous act on the auspicious day of Kartika Ekadashi is believed to have a multiplier effect endlessly.
Referencing the Nilmat Puran, Abhinav Gupta composed Vartika as the very first verse of “Malini Vijaya,” detailing the installation of the idol of Sarika (Sharika; Chakreshwari) and the naming of the place as Sri Nagar (Place of Sri Chakra). The Sri Chakra, representing the form of Shakti (Power), is depicted as a diagram with a central point (Bindu) symbolizing the core of the cosmos. It comprises three circles, four gates, 43 triangles, and lotuses vibrating from the central point, representing the form of Mahadevi. The text describes six triangles representing Shat-Dal (Six forms/Goddesses) and 18 angles representing the Ashtadash Bujas (18 Arms) of Devi. Nilmat Puranam Verse 1051-53 mentions various deities, including Cakresvari (Chakreshwari), associated with Vishnu, and the subsequent Verse 1054 refers to Cakrasvami (Vishnu), emphasizing liberation from sins and honor in the world of Rudra.
The Kashmiri text mentions a festival named Deepamala or Sukhasuptika, celebrated on the same night of the lunar calendar as Diwali. Devotees are instructed to worship goddess Lakshmi every day on the new moon night (Amavasya) in the month of Kartik, placing earthen lamps at various locations and outside their main house doors. After prayer rituals, people gather with family and friends for dinner, and the earthen lamps are ceremonially submerged (visarjan) after Kartika Punim.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine.
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