Devotees ignore cyclone warnings, take holy dip

Ignoring the warnings issued by the weathermen, fasting Shiva devotees took holy dips in rivers and seas to observe Somavaram Vratham.

The day began with thousands of Shiva devotees making a beeline to temples to mark the beginning of Karthika Somavaram.The month is considered auspicious for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu devotees.

The devout believe that observing the Karthika Somavaram Vritham with devotion and seeking blessings of Lord Shiva and Vishnu will make their lives prosperous and healthy.

Both Shiva and Vishnu temples in the state have been illuminated. Various cultural programmes have been organized to mark the event.   

According to mythology, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on Ashadha Suddha Ekadashi and wakes-up on Karthika Suddha Ekadashi.

Lord Shiva slayed Tripurasuras on Karthika pournami to protect the world, as per Hindu mythology.

In this month Ganga (Goddess of river Ganges) enters all rivers, canals, ponds and wells and makes them as pious as the river Ganga. Bhavani and Ayyappa deeksha is also taken in Karthika masam and is continued up to Makara Sankranthi (January 15).