Shloka 1
Kārttika-vrata Discipline: Purity Rules, Morning Bath Saṅkalpa, Tilaka Injunctions, and Food Prohibitions
शौनक उवाच । कथयस्व मुने सूत सर्वमासोत्तमस्य च । कार्तिकस्य विधिं सम्यङ्नियमान्वक्तुमर्हसि
śaunaka uvāca | kathayasva mune sūta sarvamāsottamasya ca | kārtikasya vidhiṃ samyaṅniyamānvaktumarhasi
சௌனகர் கூறினார்—ஹே சூத முனிவரே, எல்லா மாதங்களிலும் சிறந்த கார்த்திக மாதத்தின் விதிமுறைகளையும் நியமங்களையும் முறையாக முழுமையாக விளக்கி அருள்வீராக।
Śaunaka
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सर्वमासोत्तमस्य = सर्व-मास-उत्तमस्य (समास); सम्यङ्नियमान् = सम्यक् + नियमान्; वक्तुमर्हसि = वक्तुम् + अर्हसि.
FAQs
Śaunaka asks Sūta to explain the proper procedure (vidhi) and observances (niyamas) for the month of Kārttika, praised as the best of months.
The verse reflects the Purāṇic valuation of Kārttika as a uniquely meritorious period for vows, worship, and disciplined practice—hence “sarva-māsa-uttama.”
It models humility and right inquiry: spiritual merit is pursued through correct knowledge of prescribed practices and sincere discipline, learned from an authoritative teacher.