Kārtika-Māhātmya
The Greatness of Kārtika
तृप्तिर्न रसनातुल्या न समोऽन्यो द्विजेन च । न धर्मेण समं मित्रं न सत्येन समं यशः ॥ २१ ॥
tṛptirna rasanātulyā na samo'nyo dvijena ca | na dharmeṇa samaṃ mitraṃ na satyena samaṃ yaśaḥ || 21 ||
रस-निग्रहासारखी तृप्ती नाही; खरा द्विज (ब्राह्मण) यासारखा कोणी नाही। धर्मासारखा मित्र नाही, आणि सत्यासारखे यश नाही।
Narada (didactic teaching in the Uttara-Bhaga context)
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"shanta","secondary_rasa":"vira","emotional_journey":"From inner discipline (restraint of taste) to social-ethical ideals (true brāhmaṇa), then to moral companionship (Dharma as friend), and finally to the pinnacle of reputation grounded in Truth."}
It ranks inner discipline and moral absolutes above external supports: sense-restraint brings real contentment, Dharma protects like a true companion, and Satya alone yields enduring honor.
Bhakti is stabilized by purity: controlling taste and desire supports sāttvika living, while Dharma and Satya make devotion trustworthy and steady, preventing hypocrisy in worship and vrata.
It points to śikṣā/ācāra-based discipline—especially restraint in speech and consumption—supporting correct mantra-recitation and ritual conduct through personal purity and truthfulness.