The holy month of Kartika is important for both Vaishnavaites and Saivites. Those who light the ghee deepa when visiting either a Vishnu or Siva temple will receive blessings equal to those who perform Ashwa Medha yaga. During Kartika purnima, those who perform the Laksha deeparchana to Siva and Kesava or have darsan of laksha deeparchana.will attain Vishnu loka. Dwadasi, Purnima and Krishna chaturdasi of Kartika are very auspicious. Those who light the deepa during these days will get rid of their sins. Deepa darsanam during this auspicious occasion provides long life, health, wealth, and knowledge.

Kartika Purnima was celebrated at Hindu Temple of Atlanta on 26th November. Satyanarayana Puja was performed and Abhishekams for Lakshmi and Parvatha Vardhini were conducted. Following the Satyanarayana Puja Laksha Deeparchana was performed at both the temples. 108 deepas (ghee lamps), each containing 1000 wicks were lit and carried by 108 devotees. Sri Venkateswara Utsava Murthy with Vajra Alankaram was taken in procession while the one lakh ghee deepas were lit. Akasa Deepam was placed on Garuda temple.

At Siva Temple Annabhishekam was performed. Laksha Deepa harathi was given to Lord Siva (108 deepas each containing 1000 wicks). 108 devotees carried these deepas outside and placed in front of Siva Temple in the form of a Siva Lingam. Once all the lights were placed a Jwala toranam was placed near these laksha deepas. It was a wonderful sight.

About 500 devotees participated in this function and received blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy on this auspicious day. May the light of lights illumine you all! May God bless you with more light! May you merge in this supreme light and attain the eternal abode of bliss and immortality!