Significance of Karthigai for Vaishnavas

From the Bhakti List Archives

• November 24, 1999


Dear Vaishnavas,

Hare Krishna.

A good lady recently asked me about the significance of Karthigai for
Vaishnavas.
Any one could help shed some light on the basis of Alvar Pasurams, etc. ?

Also, the Shivaites celebrate this by burning sokappan, commemorating Lord
Shiva's appearing as a jyoti to settle the dispute between Lord Brahma and
Lord Vishnu as to who the supreme is. This of course is not accepted by
sattvika puranas and those who follow them, ie. the Vaishnavas.

What is the Vaishnava opinion on this, with due reference to authentic
scriptural sources ?


Vaishnava dasanu dasan,
R. Jai Simman
Singapore