Shloka 32
Kārtika-Māhātmya
The Greatness of Kārtika
मांसाशिनोऽपि भूपाला अत्यर्थं मृगयारताः । ते भांसं कार्तिके त्यक्त्वा गता विष्ण्वालयं शुभे ॥ ३२ ॥
māṃsāśino'pi bhūpālā atyarthaṃ mṛgayāratāḥ | te bhāṃsaṃ kārtike tyaktvā gatā viṣṇvālayaṃ śubhe || 32 ||
मांसाशिनोऽपि भूपाला अत्यर्थं मृगयारताः। ते कार्तिके मांसं त्यक्त्वा शुभे विष्ण्वालयं गताः॥
Narada
Vrata: Kārtika-vrata (dietary restraint component)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that Kārtika is a uniquely meritorious time: even deeply ingrained habits like meat-eating and hunting can be purified through vrata-based restraint, leading to Viṣṇu’s grace and attainment of His abode.
Bhakti is shown as practical and transformative—by honoring Viṣṇu in Kārtika through self-control (especially abstaining from meat), one aligns conduct with devotion and becomes fit for Viṣṇu’s realm.
Kalpa (ritual discipline) is implicit: the verse points to vrata-niyama—time-bound observance in Kārtika—where dietary restraint functions as a prescribed devotional rule supporting worship and merit.