The auspicious month of Kartika begins – on 9th October . During this month, we honour Krishna’s extraordinary loving exchanges with His pure devotees by singing Damodarastakam and offering candles daily.
One such devotee, Yashoda, forgets that Krishna is God and relates to Him as His mother. When Krishna steals butter and yoghurt, Yasoda chases and then binds Him. This supremely charming pastime has been remembered, sung about, and honoured through the ages. Any spiritual activity we do during Kartika is magnified, so it’s an ideal time for us to immerse ourselves in Krishna consciousness.
By observing spiritual vows during Kartik we can get the shelter of Srimati Radhika, the Queen of Vrindavan. So we’re all encouraged to increase our chanting of Krishna’s holy names, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, associating with Krishna’s devotees, and worshipping His all-attractive form of Sri Damodar. Of the twelve months, this month is particularly dear to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Śrī Kṛṣṇa certainly rewards the devotee who worships Him during Kārtika with residence in His own abode, even if worshipped with minimum items. Dāmodara is famous as bhakta-vatsala, and His month imbibes His characteristics: it rewards even a tiny effort with huge results.
“When one offers a lamp during the month of Kārtika, his sins in many thousands and millions of births perish in half an eye blink.”
Text 77, Kartika-mahatmya, Hari-bhakti-vilāsa
We invite you to Radhadesh to offer your candle daily at the morning program from 9th October until 8th November. Every Sunday there will be an extra opportunity to offer a candle at noon arati. And if you can’t visit Radhadesh we can offer a candle in your name.
You will find more information on this link:
Kind regards,
Shyamsakhi dasi