Shloka 20
Kārtika-Māhātmya
The Greatness of Kārtika
न कृष्या तु समं वित्तं न लाभः सुरभीसमः । न तपोऽनशनादन्यन्न दमेन समं शिवम् ॥ २० ॥
na kṛṣyā tu samaṃ vittaṃ na lābhaḥ surabhīsamaḥ | na tapo'naśanādanyanna damena samaṃ śivam || 20 ||
ಕೃಷಿಯಿಂದ ದೊರೆಯುವ ಧನಕ್ಕೆ ಸಮಾನವಾದ ಧನ ಇಲ್ಲ; ಉತ್ತಮ ಜಾತಿಯ ಸುರಭಿ ಗೋವಿನಂತೆ ಲಾಭ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಉಪವಾಸಕ್ಕಿಂತ ದೊಡ್ಡ ತಪಸ್ಸಿಲ್ಲ; ಇಂದ್ರಿಯದಮನದಂತೆ ಮಂಗಳಕರವಾದುದು ಇಲ್ಲ।
Narada (in a didactic passage; traditional dialogue frame associates teachings with Narada and the Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It ranks ordinary human pursuits and disciplines, concluding that true welfare (śiva) is rooted in dama—self-restraint—because it stabilizes the mind and makes all dharmic and spiritual practices fruitful.
Bhakti is sustained by inner discipline: fasting as tapas can purify intent, but sense-control (dama) is presented as the highest auspicious support, helping the devotee maintain steadiness in worship, japa, and vrata.
While not a technical Vedanga lesson, it reflects dharma-śāstra style practical instruction: the verse emphasizes vrata-like discipline (anaśana) and ethical self-regulation (dama), which underpin correct ritual performance and daily conduct.