Karthigai Masam (November to December) is a highly auspicious Tamil month. Fasting and pujas performed in this month is believed to be highly meritorious. Special significance is associated with Gooseberry or Nellikkai (Awala or Amla) and Karthigai Masam. It is believed that hearing stories of Muruga or Kartikeya under the Nellikkai tree will help in attaining good health and prosperity.
If food is taken under the gooseberry tree it will help in good health. If food is offered to the hungry or poor people or any living being under a gooseberry tree it will help in fulfilling your prayers and desires.
It is also said that if women of the family eat under the nellikai tree in Karthigai Masam it will help in the prosperity of the entire family.
Significance of Gooseberry or Nellikkai in Karthigai Masam is mentioned in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. The popular belief is that during the Karthigai month gods and sages reside on the Nellikkai Tree. Therefore worshipping the tree during the period can help in destroying sins and in fulfilling wishes.
