Kārtika-Māhātmya
The Greatness of Kārtika
कृतस्य स्पर्द्धिनि युगे त्रेतान्ते द्वापरे युगे । व्यतीते जलदापाये निर्मले चांबरे गृहे ॥ ५ ॥
kṛtasya sparddhini yuge tretānte dvāpare yuge | vyatīte jaladāpāye nirmale cāṃbare gṛhe || 5 ||
ସ୍ପର୍ଧାପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କୃତଯୁଗରେ, ତ୍ରେତାଯୁଗର ଶେଷରେ ଏବଂ ଦ୍ୱାପରଯୁଗରେ ମଧ୍ୟ—ବର୍ଷା ଋତୁ ଅତୀତ ହୋଇ, ମେଘ ଛାଡ଼ି ଯାଇ, ଘର ଉପର ଆକାଶ ନିର୍ମଳ ହେଲେ—ଏହି ବିଧି/ଆଚାର ପାଳିତ ହୁଏ।
Suta (narrating the Purana dialogue; verse is contextual/time-setting within the Mahatmya narration)
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"shanta","secondary_rasa":"adbhuta","emotional_journey":"Moves from vast yuga-time markers to a calm, purified post-monsoon atmosphere, creating a serene readiness for sacred action."}
The verse functions as a kāla-nirdeśa (time-indicator), stressing that sacred acts are strengthened when performed in a purified season—after the rains—when the environment is clear and conducive to sattva.
Indirectly, it frames bhakti-practices as disciplined observances: devotion is not only emotion but also orderly worship aligned with proper time (kāla), which supports steadiness and purity in worship.
It reflects Jyotiṣa/Vedic calendrical practice (kāla-nirṇaya): choosing an auspicious season (post-monsoon clarity) for rites, vratas, or tirtha-related observances mentioned in the surrounding Mahatmya.