There are two significant festivals in Karthika month. First one is called
Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi (12th lunar day after new moon) and second one is Karthika Poornima (full moon). On Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi day Gods and daemons have churned the milk ocean. Lord Vishnu who is always in the milk ocean with Sri Maha Lakshmi is said to come to Brindavana with Brahma on the day of Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi. For this reason, it is said that one should worship Lord Vishnu on Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi day with devotion. On Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi day Tulasi plant is also worshipped.
Karthika Poornima (Full moon) is also called "Jwala Toranam" which means string of fire/lamps.During evening times, devotees light lamps in Shiva
,Vishnu and other temples. On Karthika Poornima day, devotees pour ghee made from cow's butter into small vessels made with rice flour or wheat flour, place a wick and light the lamp. Some devotees light lamp on gooseberry (Usiri or Amala) also. Several devotees donate lamps on river banks and in temples. By donating lamps on Karthika Poornima day, one is said to gain infinite good will from god.
The day in between Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi (12th lunar day after new moon) and Karthika Poornima (full moon) is known as Vaikunta Chaturdashi (14th lunar day
after new moon or day before full moon). Scripture say that Sri Maha Vishnu
worshipped Lord Shiva on Vaikunta Chaturdashi (14th lunar day after new moon or day before full moon). On this day one should donate silver or copper lamps to scholars or brahmins or priests.
There is no difference between Shiva and Vishnu as explained by this shlokam. Many scholars chant this shlokam during their Sandhya Vandanam (daily worship).
Shivaya Vishnu Roopaya
Shiva roopaya Vishnave
Shivasya Hrudayam Vishnoh
Vishnoscha Hrudayam Shivaha
This in brief is the significance of Karthika month. During this Karthika month
or any other auspicious day, performing the above mentioned austerities in front of Lord Dattatereya or Sadguru Padukas you will be blessed immensely by Sadguru and Lord Dattatreya.
Courtesty: DivineIndia website
