The Kartika month’s full moon day is known as Kartika Purnima. Typically, in a year we have twelve Purnimas, and when there is an “adhika masa” (extra, adjusting month), we may have a thirteenth as well. Kartika Purnima holds significance, with many celebrating it as per their family tradition.

The demon Tarakasura was eliminated by Skanda. His three sons, Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali, and Kamalaksha, wanted to become invincible and create a terror for the divine forces. They were given a boon by Brahma that their three cities made of gold, silver, and iron can float and move independently. They can be defeated only when these three come into alignment, which happens rarely.

The three cities (puras) together came to be known as “Tripura”, and the three demons together were called “Tripurasuras

See Full Page