Sacred Month of Kartik. History, Legends

The month of Kartika (October 14 - November 11), also known as Karttik or Karttik Mas, is considered one of the most auspicious and sacred periods in the Indian calendar. This month, which usually falls in October and November, is full of mythological events, religious practices and various festivals. During this period - from the full moon (purnima) of October to the full moon of November of the month, special days in Vedic Culture begin. It is worth recalling that the Vedic calendar is based on the movement of the Moon, while our modern calendar is based on the movement of the Sun.

So, this lunar month of the Vedic calendar is called Kartika, because the Moon at this time is near the constellation Krittika. In Europe it is better known under the name of Pleiades - a star cluster consisting of 6 clearly visible stars. Sometimes the day of counting of the holy month of Kartika (it is also called the month of Damodara) is considered to be the nearest ekadash, i.e. 24 October.


Origin and meaning

Kartikeya is the name of the second son of Lord Shiva (the first son is called Ganesha). Kartikeya is the leader of Shiva's army, which defeated the asuras (demons), who under the leadership of the great evil demon Tarakusura, wanted to conquer the entire universe. Kartikeya was brought up and nurtured by his six mothers, who are the brightest 6 stars of the constellation Kritika. This is how everything in Vedic culture has its deep multi-layered sacred meaning that reveals the true essence of the phenomenon.

Kartika is the eighth month in the Vedic calendar, which holds a special place in Indian culture. This month is dedicated to the worship of deities, as well as purification of the soul and body. In Kartika, participation in various rituals and asceticism is prescribed, emphasising the importance of spiritual growth and self-awareness.

According to Vedic tradition, Kartika is associated with several major deities including Vishnu, Shiva and Devi. Throughout the ages, this month has come to symbolise harmony and peace. Many scriptures state that all deeds done at this time bear special fruit and make a deep imprint on people's lives.

Connection with nature

It is also important to note that the month of Kartika is associated with changes in nature. It is the time when many plants start blooming profusely, which symbolises the awakening of life and the activity of nature. Autumn in the Indian climate brings freshness after the rains, and many people use this time to work in the fields and harvest crops. This time also coincides with the beginning of the fruit and vegetable picking season, emphasising the unity of man and nature.

Mythology associated with Kartika and legends

The mythology surrounding the month of Kartika is full of interesting stories. One of the most popular legends is related to the name of Devi. It is believed that Goddess Durga was born in this month and defeated the demon Mahishasura. Celebrations in honour of her victory are celebrated with special passion and fervour.

According to another legend, the month of Kartika is also associated with God Vishnu. During this period, he in his avatar, sent to protect the righteous, appears on earth in various forms. These mystical appearances inspire devotees to new levels of reverence and self-improvement.

In addition, God Shiva is deeply revered in Kartika. Many believe that honouring Shiva in this month brings special results. As the patron saint of asceticism and meditation, Shiva is a symbol of spiritual purification and transformation. The celebration of Kartik Purnima, which falls on the full moon, culminates in the evening when devotees gather at sacred water bodies to perform washing and prayer rituals.

Also the Month of Kartika is a special spiritual month, in the Vaishnava calendar it is called Damodara, and is associated with Sri Krishna Damodara and Srimati Radharani. Damodara is Krishna's cute and sweet baby boy, he is about 3 years old. He has misbehaved and mum Yashoda wants to educate Him. To do this, she decides to tie Krishna to a big wooden stupa - a vessel for grinding spices. But that was not the case. It is not possible to bind the One within whom all the universes are contained. Mother Yashoda removed the ribbons from her head and ordered the softest ropes to be brought. But no matter how she tried, by mystic power Krishna did not allow Himself to be bound. Although Yashoda tied together all the ribbons and ropes she could find in the house and the ropes that the neighbours had brought, when she tried to make a knot, it was a little short, only two fingers wide. Yashoda was sweating, her hair was disheveled, she was laughing at her attempts and the neighbours were laughing at the whole situation, but Yashoda persisted, because she wanted Krishna to grow up to be a good person, to stop behaving like a mad elephant who destroys everything and does not obey. And Krishna, seeing His mother's love, allowed Himself to be bound. From this He was nicknamed ‘Damodara’, which translates as ‘He whose belly is tied with a rope’. During this month, which is sacred to Vaishnavas, the Damodarashtaka prayer is sung, where this story is told in beautiful poetic Sanskrit.

And also at this time the great Love Story of Krishna and Radha is recalled: ‘One day Srimati Radhika and Krishna, surrounded by friends, were sitting in a beautifully decorated kunja, they were joking and laughing. Krishna, seeing Srimati Radhika in a friendly good mood, conceived the idea of glorifying her. He thought that if he glorified her with pleasant graceful words, she would certainly be pleased with him.He said:
‘O Srimatiji, your face is beautiful. It is more beautiful than the moon!’
But Radhika asked reproachfully: ‘More beautiful than the moon? Who is this moon?’ (in Sanskrit the moon would be “Chandra”). Srimati thought that he was talking about a girl, for in fact there is nothing beautiful about the moon, it has many dark spots, and its character is not constant: it appears to be whole or disappears altogether. It is changeable, somehow windy. Thinking about this, Radhika became sad. Seeing this, Krishna, not understanding the reason for her sadness, decided to diversify his eulogy by saying: ‘Oh no, no, not just one Moon, you are as beautiful as millions of Moons! You are more beautiful than an infinite number of Moons!!!’.

‘Who is this Million Moons?’ - thought Srimati in despair. After all, in Sanskrit, ‘Moon’ buden Chandra and ‘many moons’ is Chandra Valli. Chandravali! Therefore Krishna as it were said: ‘You are more beautiful than Chandravali!’.

Radhika's eyes sparkled, ‘Oh, you are comparing me to Chandravali? Is that so?’ She rose abruptly from her seat, intending to leave the kunja now, but an amazing thing happened. While Radha and Krishna were sitting side by side talking, unbeknownst to both of them, sneaking up from behind, their gopi friend tied Sri Radha's cloak and Sri Krishna's pitambara together without them noticing. Also this knot she sprinkled petals and whispered mantras, thus as if to strengthen their senses. And when Srimatiji in a fit of anger jumped up to go away, the veil prevented her from doing so. Turning round, she noticed the knot and the petals. At the same instant her anger changed to mercy, and she looked at Krishna with an angry look on one side and a playful look on the other. The offence was forgotten and peace reigned between Radha and Krishna once again. But since then their couple has been called Radha-Damodara, ‘Bound by Love’.

According to another legend, once Lalita Sakhi, Radha's friend, was making a garland for Radha and Krishna. She took fragrant jasmine blossoms and one by one planted them in such an amazing way that the flowers held together without a thread, so great was her love and care for her friend. Lalita whispered to herself like a mantra: ‘My friend Radhika should meet Krishna and they should never be separated again, their happiness should be eternal. They should only meet and never experience any obstacle, any distress!’ So her garland was held on this strong faith and hope, not a thread.

And when her friend Sri Radhika met Krishna Shyamasundar in the evening, Lalita sakhi with joy and deep affection wrapped this garland around both of them. The lovers were very happy, for this garland connected them forever and their couple was given another name, Radha Damodara, as they are bound by the faith of their devotees. This is another goal and hope of the month of Kartika and Damodara vrata. A bond of deep prema with God, what can be more beautiful? Sambandha means deep connection. We can become connected to Him, one with Him, if we develop a deep relationship, a deep love.

Our heart is like a new moon. It is not yet visible, but it has potential. As the moon gets bigger as Kartika approaches, so should our heart's desire become bigger and stronger. When the first day of Kartika arrives and we see the full moon, we realise that it means the fulfilment of all desires. When Krishna appeared in this world as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, He came on the full moon. That means Krishna's three desires would be fulfilled. But at that time there was an eclipse, which means that these three desires were a secret deep in his heart. A full moon means, ‘Yes, your wishes will be fulfilled!’ When Krishna fulfilled the desires of the gopis' heart, it happened on the day of the autumn full moon. The moon fulfilled all the desires. It is no coincidence that the beginning of the month of Kartika falls on the full moon - it is a sign that we have great hope. In this month, by the grace of Sri Radha ( Parvati, Prakriti), if we use these moments of the holy month to reach her lotus feet and by her grace fulfil our innermost desires.

Kartika is Krishna's favourite month under the personal patronage of Damodara and Srimati Radharani. Both Krishna and Radharani bestow special blessings on all people who perform vrata in this month. Vrata is a religious vow. Here's what the Padma Purana tells us about vrata in Karttika:

‘During the month of Karttika, a person should rise early in the morning for the pleasure of Lord Hari, take morning ablution, serve Tulasi, offer the ghee lamp and celebrate the festival at the end of the Karttika vow.’

‘In the month of Karttika especially one should worship Radha and Damodara. Those who worship these Deities or images of Radha and Damodara under the Tulasi tree should be considered liberated souls.’

Thus, at this time of veneration, the Vaishnavas offer Lord Damodara, Srimati Radharani and Tulasi Devi burning lamps or lit wicks. Many times in the Puranas it is repeated about the glory of offering a burning lamp to dipa in the month of Kartika. Here are some quotes from the Padma Purana, ‘By simply offering a ghee lamp to Lord Janardhana during the month of Kartika, even one who has never repeated mantras or performed rituals and other activities for purification will attain complete purification.’ There are 5 main vows for Kartika:

1. Get up early in the morning (during Brahma-muhurta before sunrise, and note, in Russia in October-November this is not early at all, it is between 7-9am).
2. Perform morning ablutions (also favourable during Brahma-muhurta).
3. Offering a burning dipu lamp or wick to Sri Krishna Damodara and Srimati Radharani.
4. To serve Tulasi (chanting prayers, watering, offering the lamp)
5. At the end of the month, have a festival with a night vigil.

And there are additional vows: sing Damodarashtaka, offer flowers, read holy books and hold conversations about Krishna; sing, dance and play musical instruments for the pleasure of the Lord, read additional japa circles: https://youtu.be/ShUwYIrVU-M?si=AJOE4n2o1X-YA-08

Symbolism of the month

In Vedic philosophy, Kartika symbolises purificatory processes. The philosophy suggests that in this month, purification of the mind and body is not just a ritual, but a necessary step to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The most important aspect of attaining this state is the ongoing practices of meditation and surrendering oneself to God. In this regard, Kartika practices include not only physical actions but also inner services to harmonise the mind and body.

Festivals in the month of Kartika are.

1) Thupa and Diwali

One of the most significant festivals falling in the month of Kartika is Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Diwali is celebrated in honour of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In the context of Kartika, this festival is particularly important as it symbolises not only physical but also spiritual transformation.

Devotees clean their homes, put up lamps and decorate interior spaces to welcome the festival with a pure heart. It is a time to share joy with loved ones and strengthen family bonds. During Diwali, people make donations, help those in need and take part in rituals to achieve prosperity and abundance in life.

2) Kartika Purnima.

Another important festival in this month is Kartika Purnima. This full moon is the time when the worship of deities reaches its peak. The devotees flock to the sacred rivers and lakes to perform ablution. It is a ritual to purify and cleanse the mind of negative thoughts and emotions. The celebrations include extravaganza lights, offerings and special prayers.

3) Gayatri Japa.

An important aspect of the month of Kartika is Gayatri Japa, which is prescribed by many spiritual traditions. It is believed that this period is particularly favourable for meditation and mantra recitation. Many devotees purposefully engage in practices to elevate the spirit, and this often leads to profound inner changes.

Gayatri Japa connects people with higher consciousness and the universe, helping them to find harmony between the outer world and inner experiences. It is important to emphasise that it is not just a routine, but an important step in the spiritual journey.

Practices and rituals

1) Ablution and fasting

Ablution, especially in sacred waters, is considered fundamental in the month of Kartika. This physical cleansing reflects the desire for spiritual purification. The faithful perform ablution rituals not only in rivers and lakes, but also in their homes, establishing a special practice to illuminate their inner space.

Fasting at this time also plays an important role. Many adhere to strict restrictions, giving up meat, alcohol and other saturated foods. This not only cleanses the body, but also trains the discipline of the mind, which is key to thinking more deeply about one's actions and thoughts.

2) Bhakti and devotion

During the month of Kartika, many devotees actively engage in bhakti, a form of devotion to the deities. This may include reading sacred texts, repeating mantras and participating in common prayers. Such practices foster feelings of unity with other devotees and create an atmosphere of mutual help and support.

Prayers and offerings become an integral part of daily life. People come together to celebrate the divine presence in their lives, strengthening their connections with higher powers.

Influence on culture and tradition

1) Art and Literature

The month of Kartika has had a significant impact on Indian art and literature. A host of writers, poets and artists have drawn inspiration from the various mythological stories associated with this time. Their works embody the spirit of Kartik festivals and emphasise the importance of the spiritual journey.

The various music and dance traditions also highlight many works dedicated to these festivals. Various cultural events are organised for the Kartik festivals and people of all ages participate in them.

2) Social activities

The month of Kartik is also a time when many communities come together for social events. This includes charity events, helping the needy and various forms of volunteering. Such activities help strengthen social bonds and create space for altruism.

Many organisations and temples take an active role in distributing food, clothing and other necessary items to those in need. This contributes to a more just and compassionate society where everyone has a place.

The month of Kartika in India holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. Its many mythological stories, festivals and practices not only reflect the richness of Indian culture, but also create a space for self-awareness and inner growth. This sacred month mobilises people towards harmony with the world around them and themselves.

The importance of Kartika can hardly be overemphasised, as it affects not only the faithful but also the society at large. Practices, rituals and festivals held during this period help people to remember their connection with the Supreme, strengthen their spiritual harmony and call for light beginnings in everyday life. Everyone involved in Kartika celebrations finds in this time an opportunity for renewal, purification and spiritual growth.