{
  "id": 19432005,
  "title": "Guiding Light: Kartika Masam's Path To Spiritual Awakening",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/guiding-light-kartika-masams-path-to-spiritual-awakening",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T01:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/guiding-light-kartika-masams-path-to-spiritual-awakening"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Deepavali approaches, the new Amanta month of Kartika arrives. Kartika is known for its significant festivals and spiritual practices. In many regions, the month signifies the onset of winter. Those seeking spiritual growth begin their day early, often as early as four in the morning. They perform ablutions and a devotional worship of their personal deities, setting the tone for their day of spiritual practice. Throughout the day, they engage in Purana shravanam (listening to sacred texts) in the evenings.\n\nA special lamp, known as amlaka/avla/usiri, is offered in temples. One of the key practices during Kartika is the worship of Tulasi on the Dwadashi, or twelfth day of the lunar month. The full moon, known as Purnima, is considered particularly auspicious, offering opportunities for deep spiritual insight.\n\nA unique tradition practiced during Kartika is \"Naktam,\" which literally means \"by night.\" Those who follow this tradition dedicate their entire day to spiritual practice and pursuit of knowledge. They observe a fast from morning until the evening, when they take their first meal. This practice is believed to cleanse the body and mind of impurities, aiding detoxification.\n\nAs winter sets in, the slower digestion makes this practice especially beneficial, aligning the body with the season's needs. The emphasis is on proper eating habits - light, timely meals that maintain the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), facilitating the spiritual pursuit. As these practices are followed, individuals find themselves progressing on their spiritual journey and experiencing a sense of inner peace and enlightenment.",
  "summary": "Coming with Deepavali is the new Amanta month of Kartika. When the Kruttika is the focus star of the full Moon, that month happens to be Kartika. Of the twelve months, Kartika witnesses important festivals and spiritual practices. In most parts of our country the season shifts to winter with the onset of Kartika masa. The seekers wake up early; early may mean four in the morning. Ablutions…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}