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In the Sanatan tradition, the last and most fruitful month of Chaturmas i.e. Kartik month is considered to be the period of spiritual practice, self-purification and special blessings of Gods and Goddesses. According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Kartik begins with the sacred completion of Sharad Purnima. In the scriptures, this month has been described as giving salvation and fulfilling wishes. Devuthani Ekadashi, the time of Lord Sri Hari Vishnu’s awakening from Yoga Nidra, also falls in this month, along with this, the great festival of Diwali, the goddess of wealth, opulence and happiness and prosperity, Diwali is also celebrated on the new moon day of Krishna Paksha of this holy month. According to religious beliefs, whoever starts following some special rules, restraint and proper routine from the beginning of Kartik month, poverty never enters their house and the immense blessings of Goddess Lakshmi automatically start showering on Diwali.
While describing the glory of Kartik month in Skanda Purana, it is clearly said that there is no scripture like the Vedas, there is no pilgrimage like Ganga and there is no other month like Kartik. This month is very dear to both Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi. It is believed that during this entire month, Goddess Lakshmi tours the earth and resides permanently in the house where she sees cleanliness, peace, devotion, purity and the twinkling of lamps. Mahalakshmi Puja performed on the night of Diwali bears full fruit only when the seeker fills his conduct, thoughts, eating habits and home environment with positive energy. Therefore, if some essential rules are made a part of lifestyle as soon as the first day of Kartik begins, then even the closed doors of luck start opening.
During the month of Kartik, special importance has been given to taking bath in Brahma Muhurta i.e. getting up before sunrise. If possible, one should take bath in any holy river like Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti or Saryu. If for some reason river bathing is not possible, one can take bath at home by mixing a little Ganga water in the bathing water. It is believed that Lord Narayana resides in water before sunrise for the entire month of Kartik. Immediately after bathing, one should pour pure water, red sandalwood, roli, akshat and red flowers in a copper pot and offer Arghya to the rising Sun God. This rule not only provides physical health and sharpness to the seeker, but also opens new avenues of economic progress by strengthening the position of Sun and Jupiter in the horoscope.
Tulsi is considered to be the form of Goddess Lakshmi and the entire month of Kartik is considered best for worshiping Tulsi. In this month, every morning after taking bath, offer water to the Tulsi plant, revolve around it and in the evening, light a lamp of pure cow’s ghee under the Tulsi plant. According to the scriptures, by sitting near the Tulsi plant in the month of Kartik and chanting ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya’ or the Beej Mantra of Maa Lakshmi, all the Vaastu defects and negative powers in the house are eliminated. Tulsi marriage is also organized in this month, hence, there is never any shortage of money and grains in the family that serves Tulsi ji properly throughout the month and there is happiness and peace in marital life.
The most important and essential part of Kartik month is ‘Deep Donation’. It is mentioned in the scriptures that by donating a lamp in this month, the fear of untimely death is averted and one also gets relief from Pitrudosh. Every day, as soon as the evening falls, earthen lamps must be lit at the main entrance of the house, in the north-east corner, near the temple, near Tulsi ji and near the water point in the kitchen. Apart from this, lighting a lamp on the banks of a river, on the banks of a reservoir, under a Peepal or Amla tree and at a crossroads gives wonderful results. It is believed that the person who donates a lamp with full devotion in the month of Kartik, the fear of Yamraj ends in his house and the permanent arrival of Goddess Lakshmi in the house is ensured even before the arrival of Diwali.
In the month of Kartik, it has been said that it is mandatory to maintain strict control not only on worship, but also on eating habits and personal behaviour. During this entire month, one should completely avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, garlic and onion. According to both Ayurveda and religious texts, one should avoid eating brinjal, bitter gourd, urad dal and especially curd and whey during the month of Kartik, as it is not considered favorable for health. Along with this, in this holy month, criticizing anyone, telling lies, disrespecting anyone or creating discord in the house is strictly prohibited. In the house where women are respected, sweet words are spoken and kindness is shown towards animals, Goddess Lakshmi never leaves that door.
The results of donations made in the month of Kartik never get destroyed, it is considered an inexhaustible virtue. According to one’s capacity, one should donate food, clothes, shoes, blankets or sesame seeds to the needy. Especially serving mother cow, feeding her green fodder or jaggery-roti provides manifold virtuous results in this month. Giving flour to ants and keeping grains and water for birds is also considered very auspicious. If you want to get rid of the ongoing financial crisis, debt or mental stress in your life before Diwali, then resolve to follow these simple but effective rules from the beginning of the month of Kartik. These small spiritual acts done with true devotion and regularity will fill your home with happiness, peace and eternal glory.