THE MONTH OF KARTIKA

In the Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda), Lord Krishna says, “Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to me; of all months, the month of Kartika (October/November) is most dear; of all places of pilgrimage, my beloved Dwaraka is most dear, and of all days, Ekadashi is most dear.” Hence, this month is very special to all Krishna bhaktas. It is also known as “Damodara Mas” since it was the month in which his mother Yashoda bound the child Krishna on the anvil for being mischievous. From then on, he got the name “Damodara” which means “one who was bound around his waist.”

There are many other stories connected with the month of Kartika. The Puranas say that Maha Vishnu goes to Yoga Nidra (sleep) on Ashadha (June/July) Suddha Ekadashi and wakes up on Kartika Suddha Ekadashi, which falls on 23rd November this year.

Lord Shiva annihilated the asuras known as Tripurasuras on Kartika Pournami day and saved the world from their trepidations. During this month, the Ganga is said to enter into all rivers, canals, ponds, and wells and make them as pure as herself.

Devotees of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala in Kerala take a vow for the whole of this month, which culminates in the famous festival of Makara Sankranti on which day hundreds of devotees go to the temple.

Kartika Pournami or the full moon day of this month is celebrated on a grand scale in many places. In south India especially there are many events that have great spiritual importance. Millions of small mud lamps (diyas) are lit in every house and temple to celebrate the full moon of this month. In the south, this day is celebrated in a similar way to how Diwali is celebrated in North India.

In South India, Kartika Purnima is celebrated as the birthday of Kartikeya, the god of war and elder son of Shiva.

In the pilgrim town of Thiruvannamali, a huge bonfire is lit on top of the mountain on this auspicious day. This can be seen from as far as 50 miles off.

On this special day, we have the famous camel fair in Pushkar in Rajasthan, which used to be a small local affair and has now turned into a world-famous festival.

The two most important celebrations in this month are Karva Chauth and Diwali.

As usual with all our rituals and spiritual observances, there is some scientific reason behind them which is connected with the movement of the sun or moon. In this case, it is connected with the sun. As has been discussed before, the Hindu calendar is divided into two halves of six months each known as Uttarayana, from January 14th to July 14th when the sun starts moving towards the north and Dakshinayana, from July 14th to January 14th when the sun starts its journey back to the south. This is known as the “sadhana pada” and is an ideal time for purification and spiritual practices. Uttarayana is known as kaivalya pada in which our sadhana of the previous six months should hopefully lead us to enlightenment. The month of Kartika is that time of year when we are starting to move towards the kaivalya pada. So, this month is very important for the practice of all types of spiritual practices and extra meditation, etc.

The Puranas give us certain specific instructions as to the type of food we should take during this month, which will not only keep our body healthy but also allow us to go deeper into meditation and mantra chanting, etc.

Of course, non-vegetarian food should be totally avoided during this month. Apart from the ethical point of view, there is a scientific reason for us to avoid animal food in this month. Animals are generally in the process of reproduction in this month and they are prone to diseases. Eating them at this time will be harmful to human beings.

Even though bitter gourd is normally considered to be very good for health, Ayurveda advises avoiding it during this month. This vegetable starts to become overripe during this season, and bacteria will be generated in the seeds. Consuming this vegetable during this season may lead to food poisoning!

This month marks the beginning of the winter season, and we should avoid chilled water. Drinking Tulasi chai or just plain Tulasi water is always very good for controlling colds and coughs. Fresh Tulasi leaves should be added to food to keep it free of pollution. Due to the change in weather bacteria can easily get into food and by adding one or two Tulasi leaves, pollution will be averted. Many people suffer from hyperacidity during this season and for this, Ayurveda recommends making small balls of jaggery and black salt and consuming it at night. This will control wind and reduce pressure on the chest.

Actually, jaggery or molasses has great health benefits. Ayurveda advises taking a small piece of jaggery daily during this month. This helps to keep the body warm and controls blood pressure and coughs and colds to which most people are prone during this month. We are advised to consume a glass of milk along with 50 grams of jaggery to enhance our energy level and strengthen our immune system during this month. The use of black salt in cooking is also recommended.

As has been mentioned before, Kartika Pournami is celebrated in many states in Bharat. As is the custom with all our festivities, there is always some prasad or offering that is special for this day. A halwa made out of wheat is commonly made in all houses on this day. This not only keeps the body warm but also gives protection during all types of illnesses. It is made with atta (wheat flour), ghee, sugar, cardamom powder, and raisins.

The beautiful stotram known as the “Damodara Ashtakam” or the eight verses dedicated to the child Krishna in his form as Damodara is something that is chanted during this month by all devotees of Krishna. This can easily be found online by those who want to follow this.

“I offer my obeisance to the supreme controller, who possesses the eternal form of blissful knowledge, whose glistening earrings swing to and fro, who manifested Himself in Gokula, who stole the butter that the gopis kept hanging from the rafters of their storerooms, who ran away as if in fear of Mother Yasoda but who allowed himself to be caught – to that Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, I do bow.”

Sri Damodarashtakam Aum sri krishnaya namaha!