Karthika Snana Arambha means the beginning of the sacred bath (snana) observed during the holy month of Karthika Maasa. This is a highly spiritual practice where devotees wake up before sunrise (Brahmi Muhurta) and take a cold water bath, usually in a river, lake, pond, or at home with devotion.
Karthika Snana usually begins from Ashwija Purnima (Sharad Purnima) or Karthika Shuddha Pratipada and continues until Karthika Purnima. In some traditions, it begins on Karthika Shuddha Ekadashi and ends on Karthika Purnima — this 5-day snana is called Panchaka Snana.
Wake up early in the Brahmi Muhurta.
Light a deepa (lamp) before taking bath.
Take bath while chanting Hari naamas (names of Lord Vishnu).
Perform Sandhyavandana, Japa, and deepa daana (lamp offerings).
Follow a simple, sattvic lifestyle during this month — avoid anger, lies, and harming any living being.
Devotees offer deepas in water bodies during evenings, known as Kartika Deepotsava.
The scriptures say that taking a holy bath in Karthika Maasa destroys sins, increases punya, and pleases Lord Vishnu. It’s believed that even if a person has not done any other vrata, doing Karthika Snana with sincerity gives great spiritual merit.
If river bath is not possible, a simple bath at home with devotion is also valid.
Intention, faith, and humility matter more than rituals.
One should avoid ego and compare practices with others. What counts is the bhakti (devotion) and niyama (discipline).
| Category | Other Rituals |
| month | Aashwija |
| paksha | Shukla |
| tithi | Poornima |
| Nakshatra | |
| yogha |
