By Atma Tattva Das
As the month of Kartika approaches, devotees of Krishna around the world are gearing up for one of the most spiritually potent times in the Vaishnava calendar. Taking place during October and November, this month is revered as the holiest of the year, and it offers a unique opportunity for spiritual advancement. From candlelit offerings to vows of austerity, Kartika is a time when devotees focus their hearts on Lord Krishna, specifically in His childhood form as Damodara, who was once famously bound with rope by His mother, Yashoda, to curb His mischievous activities.
The significance of Kartika lies in its connection to Chaturmasya, the four months marking the rainy and autumn seasons in India. Traditionally, during this time, itinerant priests and preachers would refrain from traveling, choosing instead to deepen their spiritual practices. Kartika, the last of these four months, is when devotees make additional vows, perform extra devotional activities, and worship Krishna with greater intensity.
One of the highlights of Kartika is the Damodarastakam prayer, which is sung daily by devotees as they offer a candle or ghee lamp to Krishna. This offering symbolizes the light of devotion, illuminating the dark corners of the soul. Families, young and old, gather to perform this simple yet profound ritual, creating a serene atmosphere of reverence and love.
Devotees also observe major festivals like Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, and Govardhan Puja, commemorating Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan. These festivals, intertwined with the Kartika celebrations, add layers of joy, tradition, and worship.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/the-sacred-observance-of-kartik-a-month-of-deep-devotion-and-comedic-vows/
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