Devotees holding peacock feathers to offer to Lord Kartik, son of Shiva and Parvathy, thronged the Matunga area on Kartik Poornima which was celebrated on November 6. Ashtika Samaj in Matunga, which is more than 80 years old, saw a crowd since 6am, especially of Maharasthrian ladies who believe that this is the only day one should take blessings from the idol of Lord Karthik.
With two peacock feathers in her hand, 62-year-old Sulochna Bhagat said she has been visiting the temple since past 10 years. "If you seek Lord Kartik's blessing on this day, your husband will live long. But if you pray on any other day, you will be a widow for the next seven births. According to Hindu Mythology, He remained unmarried because goddess Parvathy said that the girl she has found for him was just like herself and he did not want to marry someone like his mother," said the Naigaon resident.
The priest of Ashtika Samaj, K Balaji Shastrigal said that Lord Muruga (Kartik) blesses everyone on all days and according to south Indian mythology he had two wives. "The temple is open for all on all days, it's just that some people have different beliefs. The celebrations will continue for three days as three nakshatra or stars are going to align and Lord Kartik is preparing to take birth in the month of December, according to the south Indian calendar," he said.
"I have come because my mother has kept this tradition. I know that today is the only day Lord Kartik gives darshan. In Maharashtra, women don't seek his blessings on any other days," said 32-year-old Khar resident Nivedita Gonge.
Shripad Balkrishna Tithe is a 61-year-old Bandra resident who has been visiting this temple for 15 years. He has made three movies till now and credits everything to Lord Kartik. "I was going through financial troubles and my boss then suggested me to come to this temple on Kartik Poornima during the Ashwini Nakshatra and all my troubles will be gone. I did it and I have never faced a problem since," he said while taking stock of his peacock feathers that had been touched by Lord Karthik's feet. He said as peacock is the vehicle of the lord, it pleases him and its a sign of peace and energy. Many people keep these feathers in their house for good luck.
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