Karthika month is one of the best among all hindu months for doing all kinds of religious activities.
From the Karthika Masa Mahatmya chapter in the Skanda Purana:
As regards Kartika Month, Bhagavan Vishnu always accorded high esteem
and whatever good deeds were performed in the ‘Masa’ were fully
accepted by all the Devas since they were readily available there
through out the month
The acts and endeavours of the devotees like ‘Snaan’, ‘Daan’,
‘Bhojan’, ‘Vrath’, ‘Til’(Sesame Seeds), Dhenu (Cows), ‘Suvarna’
(Gold), ‘Rajat’ (Silver), ‘Bhumi’ (Land), ‘Vastra’(Clothing), Tapasya,
Japa, Homa, Yagna, Annadaan, Puja with Tulasi leaves, Abhishek of
Vishnu’s Idol with Ganges and other holy river waters as also
‘Panchamrit’ comprising milk, ghee, curd, honey and sugar;
‘Shodasopacharas’ to Deities, Veda- parayana, Purana Shravan, Bhajans,
Deva Stutis, Visits to Temples, fasting, abstinence, ‘Jaagarans’
(Keeping awake in the night singing hymns), Guru Seva etc. would
indeed secure manifold returns in the consecrated month of Kartik.
Its not only the women who should actually observe the fasts and other austerities but men should also do the same.
What to do during Karthika masa:
At every time during the day and night, ‘kirtans’(Stanzas) on one’s
own lips must be uttered like ‘Govinda Govinda Hare Murari, Govinda
Govinda Mukunda Krishna, Govinda Govinda Rathangapane, Govinda
Damodara Maadhaveti’. Specific time on each day must also be
apportioned for ‘Bhagavat Geeta Paath’ or reading as many Chapters as
possible.Also, a devotee must observe sleeping on the floor and if
possible perform Kanya Daan and Vidya Daan in the month. Practice of
the month long austerity and good conduct even in one Kartika month in
a year ought to result in tangible benefits for sure!
What not to do during this month:
One has to observe certain dont’s during Kartika Month such as
avoiding use of oil on the body and food (except on Naraka
Chaturdasi), food from others, fruits with many seeds, rice, left over
or spoilt food, heavy food and twice a day, drinking intoxicants, use
of glass items, eating group food or Grama Purohit, Shraddhas and from
women during menses period; eating in lotus leaves, consuming
brinjals, carrots, ‘Loki, onions and masoor dal; eating on Ekadashi
days; turning off guests at eating time; conversing with chandal,
Mlechha, Patita (women with bad character), Vratahin ( those not
observing the rules of Kartika month), hater of Brahmanas, those who
talk ill of others, non believers of God/ Godmen and immoral beings
Bathing(Snana) in particular, in Karthika month, seems to be of considerable significance :
During the month of Kartika, Snanaas (bathings) acquire considerable
importance. Those who are devoted to Surya Deva, Ganesha, Shakti, Siva
and Vishnu are all required to formally observe Kartika Snanas. Snanas
in favour of Surya need to be followed as long as Surya is in ‘Tula’
Rasi. Snanas in favour of Shankara be performed from Asvayuja Pournami
to Kartika Pournami. Bathings in favour of Devis be observed from
Aswayuja Shukla Pradhana day till Karthika Krishna Chaturdasi while
for Ganesha Snanas are to be performed From Ashvin Krishna Chaturdasi
till Kartika Krishna Chaturdasi. Bhagavan Janardana would be pleased
with formal Snaanas from Aswin Shukla Ekadashi till Kartika Shukla
Ekadashi.Those who observe the Snana Procedure during the month of
Kartika would be free from the tributations of Yama Dharma Raja.
To sum up:
If during the entire Kartik Month-or atleast ‘Pancha Rathras’ (five
nights), a devotee recites ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ as well as reads /
hears ‘Vishnu Sahasranam’ and ‘Gajendra Moksha Paatha’, he secures
freedom from want, disease, adversity and discontent. Most certainly,
the austerities observed on Kartika Ekadashi day alone would ensure
contentment in ‘Iham’ (Current Life) and bliss in ‘Param’ (Post Life).
Each act of virtue on the most auspicious day of Kartika Ekadashi is
bound to obtain a multiplier effect endlessly.
