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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: The Sons of Tarakasura
In the Puranas, the three sons of Tarakasura, Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha and Vidyunmali, practised austerities to Brahma Ji and obtained three wonderful cities (Tripura). They moved about in the sky and could be destroyed only when all three came in a line.
Part 2: The Gods' Prayer
Troubled by the tyranny of the people of Tripura, the gods went to Shiva Ji. Shiva made the earth his chariot, the sun and moon the wheels and Mount Meru his bow.
Part 3: The Burning of Tripura
When the three cities came in a line, Shiva burned all three with a single arrow. The gods celebrated by lighting lamps. From that time there has been a tradition of deepdan on Kartik Purnima.
Thus ends the complete Kartik Purnima Katha