Kartika
Urja-vrata can be of three types:
(1) A firm vow to increase our chanting for the month.
(2) Renouncing some particular eatable which we may like most.
(3) Bathing in the brahma-muhurta and attending mangal-arotik everyday
(either in the temple or at home).
Other things which have unlimited benefit (as described below with the
relevant shlokas) in Kartika are:
(4) Serving & living in the association of sadhus
(5) Hearing krsna-katha from the mouth of pure sadhus
(6) Reading Srimad-Bhagavtam
(7) Give charity to brahmanas
(8) Donating sesame
(9) Eating of a palasa (brahma) leaf
(10)Feeding cows
(11)Being awake during the last three hours of the night & reciting or singing His names during this period.
(12) Take bath everday
(13) Perform ablutions
(14) Offer grains & water to the ancestors
(15) Pass the month in the merriment of devotional music
(16) Circumambulating the temple
(17) By burning aguru or camphor for the pleasure of the Lord
(18) Sleep on the floor not on a bed
(19) Maitain celibacy for the month
(20) Worship Lord Damodara by chanting the Damodarastakam everyday
(21) Eating only havisya throughout Kartika
(22) Eating only once throughout Kartika (very significant)
(23) Offer candied sugar & sweet rice to Hari with ghee
(24) Take care of Tulasi's garden in this month or serve Tulai
(25) Serve asvattha or vata trees
(26) Offering Dipa-dana to the Lord (great significance described below)
(27) Reviving a dipa offered by someone else
(28) Settle a dipa on the dome or within a temple or outside
(29) Elevate a dipa high in the sky
(30) Placing dipas at the house of a brahmana, crossroads, sides of main rods, at the root of trees, in cow-pens, in forests, or in caves
(31) Residing in Mathura (most important)
(32) Offer lamps to Tulasi
(33) Eating in silence
(34) Offering gold, silver, gems, pearls and fruits to Lord Damodara
(35) Avoiding kidney-beans (rajamasa) and horse-beans (nispava)
(36) Avoiding patola (seeds of a tee), eggplant (parval)
(37) Avoiding preserved foods such as pickles and liquor
(39) Avoiding food meant for others (ie not eating in excess), other's beds, other's wives and other's wealth
(40) Avoiding to anoint one's body, sleeping on a bed, consuming other's food
(41) Avoiding eating in bell metal
(42) Bathing & worshipping Radha-kunda on Bahulastami (highly recommended)
(43) Kindling a dipa in Yama's honour on Trayodashi outside the house
(44) Worshipping Dharmaraja on caturdashi and offering dipas on caturdashi
(45) Awakening Lakshmi om amavasya by offering dipa
(46) Offering camphor dipa on Dvadashi especially
(47) Worshipping cows & govardhana on Sukla Pratipat
(48) Worshipping Bali Maharaj at the dusk of Sukla Pratipat
(49) Worship Yama and eating prasadam cooked by one's sister on yama-sukla-dvitiya
(50) Honour, feed, circumambulate cows on Gopastami or Suklastami
(51) Full fasting on the most auspicious Prabodhani Ekadasi & remaining awake in the night
(52) Awakening the Lord on ekadashi and celebrating a ratha-yatra
(53) Observing the Bhisma-pancaka fast for the last five days in Kartika
(54) Taking and breaking Kartik vow in the right manner
TAKING THE VRATA
On Purnima (13th Oct), one should wake up in the last yama (three hours of
the night) and after due purification, he can awaken the Lord with hymns. Late
in the company of other Vaisnavas he should engage in singing and perform
mangala-aratika and listen to the qualities of the Lord in the early morning
hours.
He should then go to the river bank, perform acaman and express his sankalpa.
He should then formulate his request to the Lord with prayers and offer Him
arghya (water with barley and darbha grass etc.)
sankalpa-mantra (for eg for chanting 64 rounds everyday):
karttike 'ham karisyami laksha-namam janardana
prity-artham tava devesa damodara maya saha
O Janardana, O Devesa, O Damodara, You are accompanied by Sri radhika.
During this month of Kartika, I shall chant one lakh names (64 rounds) everday for
Your satisfaction.
According to the Gautamiya Tantra, Kartika is particularly meant for
mantra-siddhi i.e perfection in chanting of the Maha-mantra.
BREAKING THE VRATA
A person should end his Kartika vow on Purnima in the following manner:
After attending his habitual duties in the early morning, he should feed
brahmans to his best capacity and offer them presents proportional to the
vrata that he performed, in order to counteract accidential flaws. Then he can
break the fast after offering it for the pleasure of Lord Hari with the items
given up in Kartika.
Quotes from the Hari-bhakti-vilasa:
INDRIYANAM YATHA SRESTHAM MANAH PROKTAM MANISIBHIH
MASANAM KARTIKAH SRESTHAH PANDAVANAM YATHA'RJUNAH
(PADMA PURANA, KRIYA YOGASARA 22/70)
Just as the mind is the leader of the senses, as thoughtful persons have
said, similarly, the best of all months is Karttika and the best of all
Pandavas is Arjuna.
KARTIKA KHALU VAI MASAM SARVA MASESU CA UTTAMAM
PUNYANAM PARAMAM PUNYAM PAVANANAM CA PAVANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/36 from SKANDA PURANA)
The month of Karttika is the topmost of all other months. It is the most
meritorious and purified of all other pure months.
NA KARTIKA SAMO MASO NA KRTENA SAMAM YUGAM
NA VEDA SADRSAM SASTRAM NA TIRTHA GANGAYA SAMAM
KARTIKAH PRAVARO MASO VAISNAVANAM PRIYAH SADA
KARTIKAM SKALAM YASTU BHAKTYA SEVATE VAISNAVAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/39,40 from SKANDA PURANA)
There is no other month equal to Karttika and there is no other yuga equal
to Krta-yuga. There is no other scripture equal to Vedas. There is no other
place of pilgrimage equal to Ganges, therefore, the month of Karttika is very dear
to the Vaisnavas (people dedicated to Visnu).
DVADASU API MASESU KARTIKAH KRSNA VALLABHAH
TASMIN SAMPUJITO VISNUR ALPAKAIR APY UPAYANAIH
DADATI VAISNAVAM LOKAM ITI EVAM NISCITAM MAYA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/41 from PADMA PURANA)
Among all twelve months, the month of Karttika is dear to Lord Sri Krsna. If
somebody performs a little worship of Lord Sri Hari in this month, He offers
that devotee His own abode. This statement is true.
TATAH PRIYATAMA VISNO RADHIKA GOPIKASU CA
KARTIKE PUJANIYA CA SRI DAMODARA SANNIDHAU
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/195 from PADMA PURANA)
Among all other gopis, Srimati Radharani is the most dear to Lord Krsna.
Therefore in the month of Karttika, one should worship Lord Damodara with
Srimati Radharani near Him.
KARTIKE'SMIN VISESENA NITYAM KURVITA VAISNAVAH
DAMODARA ARCANAM PRATAH SNANA DANA VRATA ADIKAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/3 from SKANDA PURANA)
Specifically in the month of Damodara, one should daily worship Lord
Damodara and take bath early in the morning, give charity and follow a fasting vow.
This is the duty of Vaisnavas.
NIYAMENA VINA VIPRAH KARTIKAM YAH KSIPEN NARAH
KRSNA PARAN-MUKHAS TASYA YASMAD URJO'SYA VALLABHAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/24 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Narada Muni
and Saunaka Rsi)
Oh brahmanas, any person who tries to observe a Karttika month without
following rules and regulations properly, Lord Sri Krsna remains against
them because this month (Karttika) is very pleasing to Him.
YAIR NA DATTAM HUTAM JAPTAM NA SNANAM NA HARER VRATAM
NA KRTAM KARTIKE PUTRA DVIJAS TE VAI NARADHAMAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/25 from SKANDA PURANA)
Oh son Narada, those brahmanas who do not give charity in the month of
Karttika, perform sacrifice, chant japa and fast for Lord Hari are the
lowest of mankind.
PRAVRTTANAM CA BHAKSANAM KARTIKE NIYAME KRTE
AVASYAM KRSNA RUPATVAM PRAPYATE MUKTIDAM SUBHAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/49 from SKANDA PURANA)
Whatever one usually eats, if he gives up some of the ingredients of it in
the month of Karttika, then he achieves the same aupicious form as Lord Sri
Krsna undoubtedly.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in the Digdarsini-tika, "Those who are
engaged in eating daily and following the rules of Karttika, they should try to
minimize and give up certain ingredients in eating. Obtaining the same form
as Krsna means that it liberates one from the miseries of this material world
and gives all auspiciousness and happiness."
SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA KARTIKE KESAVA AGRATAH
SASTRA AVATARANAM PUNYAM SROTAVYAN CA MAHAMUNE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/76 from SKANDA PURANA Lord Brahma speaks to Narada
Muni)
Oh great sage, after giving up all varieties of religious functions, one
should follow Karttika fast and listen to the narrations of Lord Sri Hari
before His Deity form.
PALASA PATRA BHOJI CA KARTIKE PURUSO NARAH
NISPAPAH SYAT TU NAIVEDYAM HARER BHUKTVA VIMUCYATE
MADHYASTHAM ISVARAM PATRAM VARJAYED BRAHMANE TARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/87 from PADMA PURANA)
Any person in the month of Karttika, who eats on the leaf plate of Palasa
the remnants of the Lord, becomes free from all sins and achieves liberation.
Besides brahmanas (twice born persons), others are not advised to eat from
this leaf because this leaf is said to be the leaf of the Supreme Lord.
SNANAM JAGARANAM DIPAM TULASI VANA PALANAM
KARTIKE YE PRAKURVANTI TE NARA VISNU MURTAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/90 from PADMA PURANA Lord Krsna speaks to Satyabhama)
Any person who performs bathing in the month of Karttika, remaining awake,
offering lamps, giving charity or planting and transplanting Tulasi, he
achieves the same form as Lord Sri Visnu.
KALPA KOTI SAHASRANI PATKANI BAHUNY API
NIMESA ARDHENA DIPASYA VILAYAM YANTI KARTIKE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/99 from SKANDA PURANA)
If even for a short time somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Sri
Hari, then whatever sins he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa
equals 1000 yugas) are all destroyed.
YATHA CA MATHANAD VAHNIH SARVA KASTHESU DRSYATE
TATHA CA DRSYATE DHARMO DIPADANE NA SAMSAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/120 from PADMA PURANA)
Just as by rubbing of two sticks of wood one can see fire, so by offering a burning ghee wick to the Lord in the month of Karttika, one can see his merits without a doubt.
In his Digdarsini-tika Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains, "Even though fire is present in all pieces of wood, still without rubbing fire does not manifest. Similarly, in all kinds of functions, although merit is available, by offering a lamp in this month, certainly one can see the merit. Not otherwise. Of this there is no doubt. Therefore, without offering lamps, all merits are unprofitable. This is the essence here."
VAISNAVO NA SA MANTAVYAH SAMPRAPTE KARTIKE MUNE
YO NA YACCHATI MUDHATMA DIPAM KESAVA SADMANI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/122 from PADMA PURANA)
Oh sage, a person who does not offer a ghee lamp in Lord Kesava's temple in Karttika, that foolish person is not addressed as a Vaisnava.
EKADASYAM PARER DATTAM DIPAM PRAJVALYA MUSIKA
MANUSYAM DURLABHAM PRAPYA PARAM GATIM AVAPA SA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/129 from SKANDA PURANA)
One rat (female mouse) had once burnt a ghee lamp which was offered by
someone else on Ekadasi day. By doing so, she achieved a rarely achievable
human form and at last attained the topmost destination.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami writes in his Digdarsini-tika, "In this verse it is found that it is possible to attain the results of directly offering a lamp on Ekadasi. This history of the mouse is very famous in the Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya. (In a temple of Lord Visnu, there was a mouse living who was eating the ghee from the extinguished ghee lamps which had been offered by others to Him. One day when she felt hungry to eat ghee, she tried to eat the ghee from a lamp which was not yet extinguished. While eating ghee from the lamp, the cotton wick got stuck in her teeth. Since the ghee wick had a flame, the mouse started jumping in front of the Lord's Deity form and thus died due to fire. But Lord Sri Visnu accepted the jumping of that mouse with a lit ghee wick in her mouth as His aratik. In the end He gave her liberation, the topmost destination.)
MATHURAYAM NARAIR URJE SNATVA DAMODARO'RCITAH
KRSNA RUPA HI TE JNEYA NA ATRA KARYA VICARANA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/155 from PADMA PURANA)
Any person who worships Lord Damodara in the month of Karttika in the
Mathura area, certainly achieves the same form as Lord Sri Krsna Himself.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami comments on this in his Digdarsini-tika, "Human
beings achieving the same form as Krsna means that they see Lord Sri Krsna. In
other words, they become as worshipable as Lord Sri Krsna. This this the
understanding here."
KARTIKE MATHURAYAM VAI PUJANAD DARSANAD DHRUVAH
SIGHRAM SAMPRAPTAVAN BALO DURLABHAM YOGA TATPARAIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/161 from PADMA PURANA)
Although a child, Dhruva Maharaja during the month of Karttika in the area
of Mathura worshiped Lord Sri Damodara and immediately became fixed in his
devotion, became worshipable by Saunaka and the other sages and saw the
Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face.
SULABHA MATHURA BHUMAU PRATY ABDAM KARTIKAS TATHA
TATHAPI SAMSARANTIHA NARA MUDHA BHAVA AMBUDHAU
YANI SARVANI TIRTHANI NADA NADYAH SARANSI CA
KARTIKE NIVASANTY ATRA MATHURE SARVA MANDALE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/162,164 from PADMA PURANA)
Although Mathura (Vraja area) is easily available on the earth and Karttika
is easily attainable in the year, but oh, what a great misfortune in the
side of human beings who are still suffering in the ocean of material existence.
In the month of Karttika, all of the places of pilgrimage, oceans, rivers and
lakes come to Mathura area [but they do not take advantage of it.]
ASVINASYA TU MASASYA YA SUKLA EKADASI BHAVET
KARTIKASYA VRATA ANIHA TASYAM KURYAD ATANDRITAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/168 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Lord Krsna
and Satyabhama)
One should take a fasting vow for the month of Karttika without any
laziness on the Ekadasi which falls in the light part of the month of Asvina
(September-October).
NA GRAHE KARTIKE KURYAD VISESENA TU KARTIKAM
TIRTHE TU KARTIKIM KURYAT SARVA YATNENA BHAVINI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/186 from SKANDA PURANA)
Oh beautiful lady, specifically, one should not take a vow of fasting in
the Karttika month in the home or house. Always the endeavor should be made to
go to a place of pilgrimage to make this vow and observe it there.
DAMODARA ASTAKAM NAMA STOTRAM DAMODARA ARCANAM
NITYAM DAMODARA AKARSI PATHET SATYA VRATA UDITAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/198)
In the month of Karttika, one should daily worship Lord Damodara and sing
the Damodarastaka (the eight prayers of Lord Damodara) which pleases Lord
Damodara, written by the sage named Satyavrata.
GOVARDHANA GIRAU RAMYE RADHAKUNDAM PRIYAM HAREH
KARTIKE BAHULA ASTAMYAM TATRA SNATVA HAREH PRIYAH
NARO BHAKTO BHAVED VIPRAS TADDHI TASYA PRATOSANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/207 from PADMA PURANA)
Oh brahmanas, in the beautiful Govardhana area there is a Radhakunda (a
lake of Radharani) which is very dear to Lord Sri Hari. One who takes bath in it
on the eighth day of the dark moon night of Karttika, becomes very dear to Lord
Sri Hari.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that, "Although by
taking bath in Radhakunda one becomes very dear to Lord Sri Hari, still, if
he takes bath anywhere in the name of pleasing Lord Hari, he pleases Him as
well.
SRI KRSNA DASA VARYO'YAM SRI GOVARDHANA BHUDHARAH
SUKLA PRATIPADI PRATAH KARTIKE'RCYU 'TRA VAISNAVAIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/232 from SKANDA PURANA)
On the first day of the light part of the month of Karttika, a Vaisnava
should certainly worship the topmost servant of Lord Sri Krsna, Sri
Govardhana Hill, early in the morning as it is found in the Srimad Bhagavatam, 10th
Canto, 21 chapter, verse 18.
DVADASYAM TULASI PATRAM DHATRI PATRAS CA KARTIKE
LUNATI SA NARO GACCHET NIRAYAN ATI GARHITAN
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/356 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Krsna and
Satyabhama)
Any person, on dvadasi day (day after Ekadasi), in the Karttika month, if
he picks Tulasi leaves or Amalaki leaves, he falls into a grievously hellish
planet to suffer.
MALATI MALAYA VISNUH PUJITO YENA KARTIKE
PAPAKSARA KRTAM MALAM HATHAT SAURIH PRAMARJJATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/92 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Brahma
and Narada Muni)
In the month of Karttika (October-November), any person, if he worships Lord
Visnu with Malati (white Jasmine) flowers, whatever sinful activities are
registered for him by Yamaraja, death personified, are removed.
KAMALAIH KAMALAKANTAH PUJITAH KARTIKE TU YAIH
KAMALA ANUGA TESAM JANMANTARA SATESU API
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/102 from PADMA PURANA, UTTARA KHANDA)
Any person who offers lotus flowers to Lord Narayana, the dearest
personality of Laksmidevi in the month of Karttika, Laksmidevi resides with him for
hundreds of births.
MANJARIBHIH SAPATRABHIR MALABHIS CAPI KESAVAH
TULASYA KARTIKE PRITO DADATI PADAM AVYAYAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA7/340 from PADMA PURANA, KARTIKA MAHATMYA)
Any person who offers a garland made out of Tulasi leaves and manjaris to
Lord Sri Kesava during the month of Karttika, He gives such a person His
eternal abode.
PRASANGA ALIKHYATE 'TRAIVA SRIMAD BHAGAVAD ALAYE
DIPA DANASYA MAHATMYAM KARTIKIYANCA TAD VINA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 8/60 from RAMA ARCANA CANDRIKA)
Offering a ghee lamp in the month of Karttika in the temple of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, their merits cannot be explained.
Traditional service to the Supreme Lord should be properly executed although one should protect the breaking of his own vows, sometimes somebody's special devotion should be accepted without
caring for his own vows, but one should not act against Lord Krsna etc. One should fast during Karttika. One should not speak about his own fasting vows to others. By doing so one becomes greatly offensive.
URJE SUKLA DVITIYAYAM MADHYAHE YAMA ARCAYET
SNANAM KRTVA BHANUJAYAM YAMA-LOKAM NA PASYATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/267 from SKANDA PURANA and PADMA PURANA)
On the midpart of the second day of the light part of the month of Karttika
one should worship Yamaraja and take bath in the Yamuna. If he does so, he
will not have to go to the abode of Yamaraja.
BHAKTIR NA VICYUTA YESAM NA CYUTANI VRTANI CA
SUPRIYAH SRIPATIR YESAM TE SYUR BHAGAVATA NARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 10/9 from SKANDA PURANA Markandeya Rsi speaks to King
Bhagiratha)
Oh king, any person who is not devoid of devotional service, those people who fast on Ekadasi and who fast in the month of Karttika and who do not break the rules and regulations, and who love the Supreme Personality of Godhead, these devotees are called Bhagavata devotees (very advanced devotees). Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives his commentary in his Digdarsani-tika regarding fasting on Ekadasi and following the rules and regulations for fasting in the month of Karttika. He says that one who is dedicated to the devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead these are not? his infallible symptoms, such as fasting on Ekadasi and following the proper rules and regulation for fasting during the month of Karttika. He does not deviate from these functions at any time. Therefore, the Supreme Lord remains their dear personality.
SRAVANE VARJAYET SAKAM DADHI BHADRA PADE TATHA
DUGDHAM ASVAYUJE MASI KARTIKE CA AMISAM TYAJET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/117 from SKANDA PURANA, NAGARA KHANDA)
(While following Caturmasya) one should give up eating leafy vegetables in
the month of Sravana (July-August). In the month of Bhadrapada
(August-September), one should give up yogurt. In the month of Asvina
(September-October) one should give up milk and in the month of Karttika
MANTRA ARAMBHAS TU CAITRE SYAT SAMASTA PURUSARTHADAH
VAISAKHE RATNA LABHAH SYAT JYAISTHE MARNAM DHRUVAM
ASADHE BANDHU NASAH SYAT PURNAYUH SRAVANE BHAVET
PRAJAJA NASO BHAVED BHADRE ASVINE RATNA SANCAYAH
****KARTIKE MANTRA SIDDHIH SYAT MARGA SIRSE TATHA BHAVET
PAUSE TU SATRUPIDA SYAT MAGHE MEDHAVI BARDHANAM
PHALGUNE SARVA KAMAH SYUR MALA MASUM PARITYAJET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 2/17-19 from GAUTAMIYA TANTRA)
In Gautamiya Tantra, it is stated that one who accepts initiation in Caitra, achieves the four objects of human life (religiosity, economic development, sense gratification and liberation); in Vaisakha, he achieves all kinds of wealth, in Jyestha he certainly achieves death; in Asadha some relatives die; in Sravana he attains an increase in his duration of life; in Bhadra his offspring die; in Asvina he collects wealth; in Karttika he achieves perfection in chanting of his received mantra; in Pausa he receives torture from his enemies; in Magha he receives an increase of intelligence; in Phalguna he achieves his ultimate goal, but the extra month is rejected for such process.
Everyone should observe the different ceremonies and
celebrations of the Lord by all means.
Nectar of Devotion:
Chapter Twelve :Further Aspects of Transcendental Service
Performing Devotional Service in Karttika
One of the most important of these ceremonial functions is called Urja-vrata. Urja-vrata is observed in the month of Karttika (October-November); especially in Vrndavana, there is a specific program for temple worship of the Lord in His Damodara form. "Damodara" refers to Krsna's being bound with rope by His mother, Yasoda. It is said that just as Lord Damodara is very dear to His devotees, so the month known as Damodara or Karttika is also very dear to them. The execution of devotional service during Urja-vrata in the month of Karttika is especially recommended to be performed at Mathura. This system is still followed by many devotees. They go to Mathura or Vrndavana and stay there during the month of Karttika specifically to perform devotional services during this period. In the Padma Purana it is said, "The Lord may offer liberation or material happiness to a devotee, but after some devotional service has been executed, particularly in Mathura during the month of Karttika, the devotees want only to attain pure devotional service unto the Lord." The purport is that the Lord does not award devotional service to ordinary persons who are not serious about it. But even such unserious persons who execute devotional service according to the regulative principles during the month of Karttika, and within the jurisdiction of Mathura in India, are very easily awarded the Lord's personal service.
......................
Madhya-lila: Chapter Twenty-two, Text 127
TEXT 127
sarvatha saranapatti, kartikadi-vrata
`catuh-sasti anga' ei parama-mahattva
TRANSLATION
"Thirty-four: One shouId surrender to Krsna in all
respects. (35) One should observe particular vows like
kartika-vrata. These are some of the sixty.four important
items of devotional service.
..............................
Letter or lecture (?):
The Damodara month is coming, and it will begin on the 18th of this October. So from that day, we'll observeUfUDamodara-vrata for one month. From 18 to 17th November. The duty will be that in the evening you'll offer candle, a small candle, all of you, just before the Deity, not within the room, outside the room, and chant the Damodarastaka, namamisvaram. That is already printed in our song book. So this will be Damodara-vrata.
...................
Letter to: Bharadraja das : 75-11-18
Regarding your question about offering aroti to the form of
Damodara, no, the Deity worship that you are now doing is
sufficient during the Damodara-vrata.
...................................
Prabhupada's Lectures Nectar of Devotion 1972
721018ND.VRN
Devotee (2): Srila Prabhupada, today is the beginning of
Urja-vrata. Can you describe what that is, Urja vrata, how it
should be observed?
Prabhupada: What is this?
Guru dasa: They want to know Urja vrata.
Prabhupada: Uh.
Gurudasa: He wants you to describe what it is.
Devotee (1): And how should we observe it,
Prabhupada: Urja-vrata, you chant Hare Krsna twenty-four
hours one month (Laughter) That's all.
Gurudasa: Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna...
Prabhupada: Yes. Don't sleep, don't eat. This is Urja-vrata.
Can you execute?
Devotee (1): I don't know. (Laughter)
Prabhupada: Yes.
Bharadraja das : 75-11-18 Bombay
Regarding the Nrsimhadeva Deity, yes, that can be done, however to
worship Nrsimhadeva requires a separate temple structure, not that Lord
Nrsimhadeva can be worshiped in the same temple as Radha-Krsna. Regarding
your question about offering aroti to the form of Damodara, no, the Deity worship
that you are now doing is sufficient during the Damodara-vrata.
Srila Prabhupada on the Ekadasi vow:
Regarding the vows and chanting method you have adopted, it is very nice. But do not impose something which will be difficult to execute. There is no need of fasting once every week. Two days fasting per month on Ekadasi is sufficient. Besides that there are other special fasting days. Spiritual realization depends on austerities and vows, but in this age, by the Mercy of Krishna and Lord Caitanya, we need not undergo very severe penances, as we are unable to do it. The rules and regulations which we have already prescribed, that is sufficient for ordinary men. But as you have increased the chanting of beads to 25 rounds daily, that is very nice.
(1) A firm vow to increase our chanting for the month.
(2) Renouncing some particular eatable which we may like most.
(3) Bathing in the brahma-muhurta and attending mangal-arotik everyday
(either in the temple or at home).
Other things which have unlimited benefit (as described below with the
relevant shlokas) in Kartika are:
(4) Serving & living in the association of sadhus
(5) Hearing krsna-katha from the mouth of pure sadhus
(6) Reading Srimad-Bhagavtam
(7) Give charity to brahmanas
(8) Donating sesame
(9) Eating of a palasa (brahma) leaf
(10)Feeding cows
(11)Being awake during the last three hours of the night & reciting or singing His names during this period.
(12) Take bath everday
(13) Perform ablutions
(14) Offer grains & water to the ancestors
(15) Pass the month in the merriment of devotional music
(16) Circumambulating the temple
(17) By burning aguru or camphor for the pleasure of the Lord
(18) Sleep on the floor not on a bed
(19) Maitain celibacy for the month
(20) Worship Lord Damodara by chanting the Damodarastakam everyday
(21) Eating only havisya throughout Kartika
(22) Eating only once throughout Kartika (very significant)
(23) Offer candied sugar & sweet rice to Hari with ghee
(24) Take care of Tulasi's garden in this month or serve Tulai
(25) Serve asvattha or vata trees
(26) Offering Dipa-dana to the Lord (great significance described below)
(27) Reviving a dipa offered by someone else
(28) Settle a dipa on the dome or within a temple or outside
(29) Elevate a dipa high in the sky
(30) Placing dipas at the house of a brahmana, crossroads, sides of main rods, at the root of trees, in cow-pens, in forests, or in caves
(31) Residing in Mathura (most important)
(32) Offer lamps to Tulasi
(33) Eating in silence
(34) Offering gold, silver, gems, pearls and fruits to Lord Damodara
(35) Avoiding kidney-beans (rajamasa) and horse-beans (nispava)
(36) Avoiding patola (seeds of a tee), eggplant (parval)
(37) Avoiding preserved foods such as pickles and liquor
(39) Avoiding food meant for others (ie not eating in excess), other's beds, other's wives and other's wealth
(40) Avoiding to anoint one's body, sleeping on a bed, consuming other's food
(41) Avoiding eating in bell metal
(42) Bathing & worshipping Radha-kunda on Bahulastami (highly recommended)
(43) Kindling a dipa in Yama's honour on Trayodashi outside the house
(44) Worshipping Dharmaraja on caturdashi and offering dipas on caturdashi
(45) Awakening Lakshmi om amavasya by offering dipa
(46) Offering camphor dipa on Dvadashi especially
(47) Worshipping cows & govardhana on Sukla Pratipat
(48) Worshipping Bali Maharaj at the dusk of Sukla Pratipat
(49) Worship Yama and eating prasadam cooked by one's sister on yama-sukla-dvitiya
(50) Honour, feed, circumambulate cows on Gopastami or Suklastami
(51) Full fasting on the most auspicious Prabodhani Ekadasi & remaining awake in the night
(52) Awakening the Lord on ekadashi and celebrating a ratha-yatra
(53) Observing the Bhisma-pancaka fast for the last five days in Kartika
(54) Taking and breaking Kartik vow in the right manner
TAKING THE VRATA
On Purnima (13th Oct), one should wake up in the last yama (three hours of
the night) and after due purification, he can awaken the Lord with hymns. Late
in the company of other Vaisnavas he should engage in singing and perform
mangala-aratika and listen to the qualities of the Lord in the early morning
hours.
He should then go to the river bank, perform acaman and express his sankalpa.
He should then formulate his request to the Lord with prayers and offer Him
arghya (water with barley and darbha grass etc.)
sankalpa-mantra (for eg for chanting 64 rounds everyday):
karttike 'ham karisyami laksha-namam janardana
prity-artham tava devesa damodara maya saha
O Janardana, O Devesa, O Damodara, You are accompanied by Sri radhika.
During this month of Kartika, I shall chant one lakh names (64 rounds) everday for
Your satisfaction.
According to the Gautamiya Tantra, Kartika is particularly meant for
mantra-siddhi i.e perfection in chanting of the Maha-mantra.
BREAKING THE VRATA
A person should end his Kartika vow on Purnima in the following manner:
After attending his habitual duties in the early morning, he should feed
brahmans to his best capacity and offer them presents proportional to the
vrata that he performed, in order to counteract accidential flaws. Then he can
break the fast after offering it for the pleasure of Lord Hari with the items
given up in Kartika.
Quotes from the Hari-bhakti-vilasa:
INDRIYANAM YATHA SRESTHAM MANAH PROKTAM MANISIBHIH
MASANAM KARTIKAH SRESTHAH PANDAVANAM YATHA'RJUNAH
(PADMA PURANA, KRIYA YOGASARA 22/70)
Just as the mind is the leader of the senses, as thoughtful persons have
said, similarly, the best of all months is Karttika and the best of all
Pandavas is Arjuna.
KARTIKA KHALU VAI MASAM SARVA MASESU CA UTTAMAM
PUNYANAM PARAMAM PUNYAM PAVANANAM CA PAVANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/36 from SKANDA PURANA)
The month of Karttika is the topmost of all other months. It is the most
meritorious and purified of all other pure months.
NA KARTIKA SAMO MASO NA KRTENA SAMAM YUGAM
NA VEDA SADRSAM SASTRAM NA TIRTHA GANGAYA SAMAM
KARTIKAH PRAVARO MASO VAISNAVANAM PRIYAH SADA
KARTIKAM SKALAM YASTU BHAKTYA SEVATE VAISNAVAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/39,40 from SKANDA PURANA)
There is no other month equal to Karttika and there is no other yuga equal
to Krta-yuga. There is no other scripture equal to Vedas. There is no other
place of pilgrimage equal to Ganges, therefore, the month of Karttika is very dear
to the Vaisnavas (people dedicated to Visnu).
DVADASU API MASESU KARTIKAH KRSNA VALLABHAH
TASMIN SAMPUJITO VISNUR ALPAKAIR APY UPAYANAIH
DADATI VAISNAVAM LOKAM ITI EVAM NISCITAM MAYA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/41 from PADMA PURANA)
Among all twelve months, the month of Karttika is dear to Lord Sri Krsna. If
somebody performs a little worship of Lord Sri Hari in this month, He offers
that devotee His own abode. This statement is true.
TATAH PRIYATAMA VISNO RADHIKA GOPIKASU CA
KARTIKE PUJANIYA CA SRI DAMODARA SANNIDHAU
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/195 from PADMA PURANA)
Among all other gopis, Srimati Radharani is the most dear to Lord Krsna.
Therefore in the month of Karttika, one should worship Lord Damodara with
Srimati Radharani near Him.
KARTIKE'SMIN VISESENA NITYAM KURVITA VAISNAVAH
DAMODARA ARCANAM PRATAH SNANA DANA VRATA ADIKAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/3 from SKANDA PURANA)
Specifically in the month of Damodara, one should daily worship Lord
Damodara and take bath early in the morning, give charity and follow a fasting vow.
This is the duty of Vaisnavas.
NIYAMENA VINA VIPRAH KARTIKAM YAH KSIPEN NARAH
KRSNA PARAN-MUKHAS TASYA YASMAD URJO'SYA VALLABHAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/24 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Narada Muni
and Saunaka Rsi)
Oh brahmanas, any person who tries to observe a Karttika month without
following rules and regulations properly, Lord Sri Krsna remains against
them because this month (Karttika) is very pleasing to Him.
YAIR NA DATTAM HUTAM JAPTAM NA SNANAM NA HARER VRATAM
NA KRTAM KARTIKE PUTRA DVIJAS TE VAI NARADHAMAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/25 from SKANDA PURANA)
Oh son Narada, those brahmanas who do not give charity in the month of
Karttika, perform sacrifice, chant japa and fast for Lord Hari are the
lowest of mankind.
PRAVRTTANAM CA BHAKSANAM KARTIKE NIYAME KRTE
AVASYAM KRSNA RUPATVAM PRAPYATE MUKTIDAM SUBHAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/49 from SKANDA PURANA)
Whatever one usually eats, if he gives up some of the ingredients of it in
the month of Karttika, then he achieves the same aupicious form as Lord Sri
Krsna undoubtedly.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in the Digdarsini-tika, "Those who are
engaged in eating daily and following the rules of Karttika, they should try to
minimize and give up certain ingredients in eating. Obtaining the same form
as Krsna means that it liberates one from the miseries of this material world
and gives all auspiciousness and happiness."
SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA KARTIKE KESAVA AGRATAH
SASTRA AVATARANAM PUNYAM SROTAVYAN CA MAHAMUNE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/76 from SKANDA PURANA Lord Brahma speaks to Narada
Muni)
Oh great sage, after giving up all varieties of religious functions, one
should follow Karttika fast and listen to the narrations of Lord Sri Hari
before His Deity form.
PALASA PATRA BHOJI CA KARTIKE PURUSO NARAH
NISPAPAH SYAT TU NAIVEDYAM HARER BHUKTVA VIMUCYATE
MADHYASTHAM ISVARAM PATRAM VARJAYED BRAHMANE TARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/87 from PADMA PURANA)
Any person in the month of Karttika, who eats on the leaf plate of Palasa
the remnants of the Lord, becomes free from all sins and achieves liberation.
Besides brahmanas (twice born persons), others are not advised to eat from
this leaf because this leaf is said to be the leaf of the Supreme Lord.
SNANAM JAGARANAM DIPAM TULASI VANA PALANAM
KARTIKE YE PRAKURVANTI TE NARA VISNU MURTAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/90 from PADMA PURANA Lord Krsna speaks to Satyabhama)
Any person who performs bathing in the month of Karttika, remaining awake,
offering lamps, giving charity or planting and transplanting Tulasi, he
achieves the same form as Lord Sri Visnu.
KALPA KOTI SAHASRANI PATKANI BAHUNY API
NIMESA ARDHENA DIPASYA VILAYAM YANTI KARTIKE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/99 from SKANDA PURANA)
If even for a short time somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Sri
Hari, then whatever sins he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa
equals 1000 yugas) are all destroyed.
YATHA CA MATHANAD VAHNIH SARVA KASTHESU DRSYATE
TATHA CA DRSYATE DHARMO DIPADANE NA SAMSAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/120 from PADMA PURANA)
Just as by rubbing of two sticks of wood one can see fire, so by offering a burning ghee wick to the Lord in the month of Karttika, one can see his merits without a doubt.
In his Digdarsini-tika Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains, "Even though fire is present in all pieces of wood, still without rubbing fire does not manifest. Similarly, in all kinds of functions, although merit is available, by offering a lamp in this month, certainly one can see the merit. Not otherwise. Of this there is no doubt. Therefore, without offering lamps, all merits are unprofitable. This is the essence here."
VAISNAVO NA SA MANTAVYAH SAMPRAPTE KARTIKE MUNE
YO NA YACCHATI MUDHATMA DIPAM KESAVA SADMANI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/122 from PADMA PURANA)
Oh sage, a person who does not offer a ghee lamp in Lord Kesava's temple in Karttika, that foolish person is not addressed as a Vaisnava.
EKADASYAM PARER DATTAM DIPAM PRAJVALYA MUSIKA
MANUSYAM DURLABHAM PRAPYA PARAM GATIM AVAPA SA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/129 from SKANDA PURANA)
One rat (female mouse) had once burnt a ghee lamp which was offered by
someone else on Ekadasi day. By doing so, she achieved a rarely achievable
human form and at last attained the topmost destination.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami writes in his Digdarsini-tika, "In this verse it is found that it is possible to attain the results of directly offering a lamp on Ekadasi. This history of the mouse is very famous in the Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya. (In a temple of Lord Visnu, there was a mouse living who was eating the ghee from the extinguished ghee lamps which had been offered by others to Him. One day when she felt hungry to eat ghee, she tried to eat the ghee from a lamp which was not yet extinguished. While eating ghee from the lamp, the cotton wick got stuck in her teeth. Since the ghee wick had a flame, the mouse started jumping in front of the Lord's Deity form and thus died due to fire. But Lord Sri Visnu accepted the jumping of that mouse with a lit ghee wick in her mouth as His aratik. In the end He gave her liberation, the topmost destination.)
MATHURAYAM NARAIR URJE SNATVA DAMODARO'RCITAH
KRSNA RUPA HI TE JNEYA NA ATRA KARYA VICARANA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/155 from PADMA PURANA)
Any person who worships Lord Damodara in the month of Karttika in the
Mathura area, certainly achieves the same form as Lord Sri Krsna Himself.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami comments on this in his Digdarsini-tika, "Human
beings achieving the same form as Krsna means that they see Lord Sri Krsna. In
other words, they become as worshipable as Lord Sri Krsna. This this the
understanding here."
KARTIKE MATHURAYAM VAI PUJANAD DARSANAD DHRUVAH
SIGHRAM SAMPRAPTAVAN BALO DURLABHAM YOGA TATPARAIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/161 from PADMA PURANA)
Although a child, Dhruva Maharaja during the month of Karttika in the area
of Mathura worshiped Lord Sri Damodara and immediately became fixed in his
devotion, became worshipable by Saunaka and the other sages and saw the
Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face.
SULABHA MATHURA BHUMAU PRATY ABDAM KARTIKAS TATHA
TATHAPI SAMSARANTIHA NARA MUDHA BHAVA AMBUDHAU
YANI SARVANI TIRTHANI NADA NADYAH SARANSI CA
KARTIKE NIVASANTY ATRA MATHURE SARVA MANDALE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/162,164 from PADMA PURANA)
Although Mathura (Vraja area) is easily available on the earth and Karttika
is easily attainable in the year, but oh, what a great misfortune in the
side of human beings who are still suffering in the ocean of material existence.
In the month of Karttika, all of the places of pilgrimage, oceans, rivers and
lakes come to Mathura area [but they do not take advantage of it.]
ASVINASYA TU MASASYA YA SUKLA EKADASI BHAVET
KARTIKASYA VRATA ANIHA TASYAM KURYAD ATANDRITAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/168 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Lord Krsna
and Satyabhama)
One should take a fasting vow for the month of Karttika without any
laziness on the Ekadasi which falls in the light part of the month of Asvina
(September-October).
NA GRAHE KARTIKE KURYAD VISESENA TU KARTIKAM
TIRTHE TU KARTIKIM KURYAT SARVA YATNENA BHAVINI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/186 from SKANDA PURANA)
Oh beautiful lady, specifically, one should not take a vow of fasting in
the Karttika month in the home or house. Always the endeavor should be made to
go to a place of pilgrimage to make this vow and observe it there.
DAMODARA ASTAKAM NAMA STOTRAM DAMODARA ARCANAM
NITYAM DAMODARA AKARSI PATHET SATYA VRATA UDITAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/198)
In the month of Karttika, one should daily worship Lord Damodara and sing
the Damodarastaka (the eight prayers of Lord Damodara) which pleases Lord
Damodara, written by the sage named Satyavrata.
GOVARDHANA GIRAU RAMYE RADHAKUNDAM PRIYAM HAREH
KARTIKE BAHULA ASTAMYAM TATRA SNATVA HAREH PRIYAH
NARO BHAKTO BHAVED VIPRAS TADDHI TASYA PRATOSANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/207 from PADMA PURANA)
Oh brahmanas, in the beautiful Govardhana area there is a Radhakunda (a
lake of Radharani) which is very dear to Lord Sri Hari. One who takes bath in it
on the eighth day of the dark moon night of Karttika, becomes very dear to Lord
Sri Hari.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that, "Although by
taking bath in Radhakunda one becomes very dear to Lord Sri Hari, still, if
he takes bath anywhere in the name of pleasing Lord Hari, he pleases Him as
well.
SRI KRSNA DASA VARYO'YAM SRI GOVARDHANA BHUDHARAH
SUKLA PRATIPADI PRATAH KARTIKE'RCYU 'TRA VAISNAVAIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/232 from SKANDA PURANA)
On the first day of the light part of the month of Karttika, a Vaisnava
should certainly worship the topmost servant of Lord Sri Krsna, Sri
Govardhana Hill, early in the morning as it is found in the Srimad Bhagavatam, 10th
Canto, 21 chapter, verse 18.
DVADASYAM TULASI PATRAM DHATRI PATRAS CA KARTIKE
LUNATI SA NARO GACCHET NIRAYAN ATI GARHITAN
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/356 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Krsna and
Satyabhama)
Any person, on dvadasi day (day after Ekadasi), in the Karttika month, if
he picks Tulasi leaves or Amalaki leaves, he falls into a grievously hellish
planet to suffer.
MALATI MALAYA VISNUH PUJITO YENA KARTIKE
PAPAKSARA KRTAM MALAM HATHAT SAURIH PRAMARJJATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/92 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Brahma
and Narada Muni)
In the month of Karttika (October-November), any person, if he worships Lord
Visnu with Malati (white Jasmine) flowers, whatever sinful activities are
registered for him by Yamaraja, death personified, are removed.
KAMALAIH KAMALAKANTAH PUJITAH KARTIKE TU YAIH
KAMALA ANUGA TESAM JANMANTARA SATESU API
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/102 from PADMA PURANA, UTTARA KHANDA)
Any person who offers lotus flowers to Lord Narayana, the dearest
personality of Laksmidevi in the month of Karttika, Laksmidevi resides with him for
hundreds of births.
MANJARIBHIH SAPATRABHIR MALABHIS CAPI KESAVAH
TULASYA KARTIKE PRITO DADATI PADAM AVYAYAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA7/340 from PADMA PURANA, KARTIKA MAHATMYA)
Any person who offers a garland made out of Tulasi leaves and manjaris to
Lord Sri Kesava during the month of Karttika, He gives such a person His
eternal abode.
PRASANGA ALIKHYATE 'TRAIVA SRIMAD BHAGAVAD ALAYE
DIPA DANASYA MAHATMYAM KARTIKIYANCA TAD VINA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 8/60 from RAMA ARCANA CANDRIKA)
Offering a ghee lamp in the month of Karttika in the temple of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, their merits cannot be explained.
Traditional service to the Supreme Lord should be properly executed although one should protect the breaking of his own vows, sometimes somebody's special devotion should be accepted without
caring for his own vows, but one should not act against Lord Krsna etc. One should fast during Karttika. One should not speak about his own fasting vows to others. By doing so one becomes greatly offensive.
URJE SUKLA DVITIYAYAM MADHYAHE YAMA ARCAYET
SNANAM KRTVA BHANUJAYAM YAMA-LOKAM NA PASYATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/267 from SKANDA PURANA and PADMA PURANA)
On the midpart of the second day of the light part of the month of Karttika
one should worship Yamaraja and take bath in the Yamuna. If he does so, he
will not have to go to the abode of Yamaraja.
BHAKTIR NA VICYUTA YESAM NA CYUTANI VRTANI CA
SUPRIYAH SRIPATIR YESAM TE SYUR BHAGAVATA NARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 10/9 from SKANDA PURANA Markandeya Rsi speaks to King
Bhagiratha)
Oh king, any person who is not devoid of devotional service, those people who fast on Ekadasi and who fast in the month of Karttika and who do not break the rules and regulations, and who love the Supreme Personality of Godhead, these devotees are called Bhagavata devotees (very advanced devotees). Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives his commentary in his Digdarsani-tika regarding fasting on Ekadasi and following the rules and regulations for fasting in the month of Karttika. He says that one who is dedicated to the devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead these are not? his infallible symptoms, such as fasting on Ekadasi and following the proper rules and regulation for fasting during the month of Karttika. He does not deviate from these functions at any time. Therefore, the Supreme Lord remains their dear personality.
SRAVANE VARJAYET SAKAM DADHI BHADRA PADE TATHA
DUGDHAM ASVAYUJE MASI KARTIKE CA AMISAM TYAJET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/117 from SKANDA PURANA, NAGARA KHANDA)
(While following Caturmasya) one should give up eating leafy vegetables in
the month of Sravana (July-August). In the month of Bhadrapada
(August-September), one should give up yogurt. In the month of Asvina
(September-October) one should give up milk and in the month of Karttika
MANTRA ARAMBHAS TU CAITRE SYAT SAMASTA PURUSARTHADAH
VAISAKHE RATNA LABHAH SYAT JYAISTHE MARNAM DHRUVAM
ASADHE BANDHU NASAH SYAT PURNAYUH SRAVANE BHAVET
PRAJAJA NASO BHAVED BHADRE ASVINE RATNA SANCAYAH
****KARTIKE MANTRA SIDDHIH SYAT MARGA SIRSE TATHA BHAVET
PAUSE TU SATRUPIDA SYAT MAGHE MEDHAVI BARDHANAM
PHALGUNE SARVA KAMAH SYUR MALA MASUM PARITYAJET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 2/17-19 from GAUTAMIYA TANTRA)
In Gautamiya Tantra, it is stated that one who accepts initiation in Caitra, achieves the four objects of human life (religiosity, economic development, sense gratification and liberation); in Vaisakha, he achieves all kinds of wealth, in Jyestha he certainly achieves death; in Asadha some relatives die; in Sravana he attains an increase in his duration of life; in Bhadra his offspring die; in Asvina he collects wealth; in Karttika he achieves perfection in chanting of his received mantra; in Pausa he receives torture from his enemies; in Magha he receives an increase of intelligence; in Phalguna he achieves his ultimate goal, but the extra month is rejected for such process.
Everyone should observe the different ceremonies and
celebrations of the Lord by all means.
Nectar of Devotion:
Chapter Twelve :Further Aspects of Transcendental Service
Performing Devotional Service in Karttika
One of the most important of these ceremonial functions is called Urja-vrata. Urja-vrata is observed in the month of Karttika (October-November); especially in Vrndavana, there is a specific program for temple worship of the Lord in His Damodara form. "Damodara" refers to Krsna's being bound with rope by His mother, Yasoda. It is said that just as Lord Damodara is very dear to His devotees, so the month known as Damodara or Karttika is also very dear to them. The execution of devotional service during Urja-vrata in the month of Karttika is especially recommended to be performed at Mathura. This system is still followed by many devotees. They go to Mathura or Vrndavana and stay there during the month of Karttika specifically to perform devotional services during this period. In the Padma Purana it is said, "The Lord may offer liberation or material happiness to a devotee, but after some devotional service has been executed, particularly in Mathura during the month of Karttika, the devotees want only to attain pure devotional service unto the Lord." The purport is that the Lord does not award devotional service to ordinary persons who are not serious about it. But even such unserious persons who execute devotional service according to the regulative principles during the month of Karttika, and within the jurisdiction of Mathura in India, are very easily awarded the Lord's personal service.
......................
Madhya-lila: Chapter Twenty-two, Text 127
TEXT 127
sarvatha saranapatti, kartikadi-vrata
`catuh-sasti anga' ei parama-mahattva
TRANSLATION
"Thirty-four: One shouId surrender to Krsna in all
respects. (35) One should observe particular vows like
kartika-vrata. These are some of the sixty.four important
items of devotional service.
..............................
Letter or lecture (?):
The Damodara month is coming, and it will begin on the 18th of this October. So from that day, we'll observeUfUDamodara-vrata for one month. From 18 to 17th November. The duty will be that in the evening you'll offer candle, a small candle, all of you, just before the Deity, not within the room, outside the room, and chant the Damodarastaka, namamisvaram. That is already printed in our song book. So this will be Damodara-vrata.
...................
Letter to: Bharadraja das : 75-11-18
Regarding your question about offering aroti to the form of
Damodara, no, the Deity worship that you are now doing is
sufficient during the Damodara-vrata.
...................................
Prabhupada's Lectures Nectar of Devotion 1972
721018ND.VRN
Devotee (2): Srila Prabhupada, today is the beginning of
Urja-vrata. Can you describe what that is, Urja vrata, how it
should be observed?
Prabhupada: What is this?
Guru dasa: They want to know Urja vrata.
Prabhupada: Uh.
Gurudasa: He wants you to describe what it is.
Devotee (1): And how should we observe it,
Prabhupada: Urja-vrata, you chant Hare Krsna twenty-four
hours one month (Laughter) That's all.
Gurudasa: Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna...
Prabhupada: Yes. Don't sleep, don't eat. This is Urja-vrata.
Can you execute?
Devotee (1): I don't know. (Laughter)
Prabhupada: Yes.
Bharadraja das : 75-11-18 Bombay
Regarding the Nrsimhadeva Deity, yes, that can be done, however to
worship Nrsimhadeva requires a separate temple structure, not that Lord
Nrsimhadeva can be worshiped in the same temple as Radha-Krsna. Regarding
your question about offering aroti to the form of Damodara, no, the Deity worship
that you are now doing is sufficient during the Damodara-vrata.
Srila Prabhupada on the Ekadasi vow:
Regarding the vows and chanting method you have adopted, it is very nice. But do not impose something which will be difficult to execute. There is no need of fasting once every week. Two days fasting per month on Ekadasi is sufficient. Besides that there are other special fasting days. Spiritual realization depends on austerities and vows, but in this age, by the Mercy of Krishna and Lord Caitanya, we need not undergo very severe penances, as we are unable to do it. The rules and regulations which we have already prescribed, that is sufficient for ordinary men. But as you have increased the chanting of beads to 25 rounds daily, that is very nice.
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