Kartik – The Month That Ties Krishna with a Rope
By Sacinandana Swami,
October 2025
Dear devotees and friends,
Please accept my best wishes. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
There is a hidden current of divine grace flowing through this world. If you can catch it, you can be counted among the most fortunate. The good news is: in the month of Kartik, this current comes to the forefront so that everyone and anyone can catch it. Those who step into its waters are immediately carried closer to Krishna. Why? Because this month belongs not to ordinary time—the passing of month—but to divine love itself.
The Miracle of Kartik
During Kartik, the Lord makes Himself unusually accessible. The smallest act of devotion, even one ghee lamp offered with loving attention, is amplified thousands of times. It is as if Krishna leans towards us and whispers: “In this month, even a little is enough, if it is offered with heart.”
And here lies the true miracle: Krishna, who cannot be bound by Vedic mantras, spiritual teachings, or the efforts of powerful yogis, becomes bound by the love of His devotees. That is why He is called Dāmodara — the One tied with ropes of affection.
Can you imagine? The Absolute Truth, the Cause of all causes, tied by the loving hands of Mother Yaśodā, gives a hint to all His devotees across all times—a hymn that echoes throughout the month of Kartik: devotion is stronger than anything else.
Traditional Offerings that Open the Heart to Devotion
The scriptures highlight a few practices especially dear to Krishna during this month:
1. Offer a ghee lamp daily because even one lamp lights the path back to Krishna’s eternal abode.
2. Sing the Dāmodarāṣṭakam prayers, where each verse reminds us of the Lord’s sweetness and mercy.
Text: kksongs.org/songs/n/namamisvaram.html
Melody: soundcloud.com/sacinandanaswami/sri-damodarastakam-an?
3. Serve Tulasī Devī, who is the gatekeeper to Vraja-bhakti.
4. Rise early to greet the Lord in the quiet morning hours through your spiritual practices of chanting, readi ng, praying, and meditating on the Lord.
These are the four classical observances in the month of Kartik. Do them regularly—with devotion—and your heart will feel the instant reciprocation of the Lord. For sure!
5. At the end of Kartik, conclude with a celebration. Offer prasādam to others, be charitable, and share the joy of devotion.
Additional Offerings
Tradition forms the foundation, but love always seeks to express itself beyond the given rules. Here are some extra Kartik observances that you might like to practice:
– Chant extra rounds of the mahā-mantra, or give your full attention to the ones you already chant.
– Read daily from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The pastimes of Krishna, the prayers of the devotees, and their profound spiritual insights deepen the Krishna-centeredness in Kartik.
– Sing more. The Gopī-gīta, Śaraṇāgati, or any song that brings your heart closer to Krishna.
– Simplify your diet and lifestyle. Maybe eat less pizza and cake (smile), and relish more prasādam made with devotion.
– Act with compassion and kindness. Kartik is ruled by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the goddess of compassion, Kṣameśvarī. Offer a kind word, a helping hand, or a forgiving heart in the spirit of Rādhārāṇī. In a way, these are lamps of devotion as well.
– Be creative—Devotionally creative!
The Goddess of the Month
Yes, the month of Kartik has a presiding Goddess. This month belongs to Śrīmati Rādhārāṇī. She is Kārtikā-devī, the Goddess of Kartik. Since She rules with compassion, She doesn’t consider our mistakes. Whatever you offer — no matter how small or imperfect — She multiplies it with Her mercy and offers it at Krishna’s lotus feet.
Most important: This month, don’t worry about what you can’t do. Instead, focus on what you can do and offer it with love. As Śrīla Prabhupāda said, “Your offering is love. And if Krishna accepts your offerings, then what more do you want? The Lord becomes your most intimate friend… Then just see how’ peaceful you feel, how much tranquility you feel, and how you are protected by Krishna…”
The Best Place to Be
Of course, being in Vrindavan during Kartik is unparalleled. The very dust there seems to chant the holy names, and every breeze carries devotion. But if you cannot be there physically, don’t worry. Wherever you are, you can transform your home into a representation of Vrindavan — by singing, offering lamps, and remembering Krishna. Find Vrindavan in your heart!
To help you, I will send daily Kartik Inspirations from Vrindavan (see below). Let’s walk together through this magical month.
A Final Note of Hope
Once Śrīla Prabhupāda asked: “What is the proof that Krishna is God?” When no one could provide a satisfying answer, he said with confidence: “You know Krishna is God because you feel his presence when you chant, as well as when you serve. You feel the ecstasy—this is the proof.”
My dear devotees and friends, Kartik is the month when this proof becomes most tangible. Open your heart, make a small offering, and see for yourself.
Wishing you all the best and lots of spiritual strength
Sacinandana Swami
PS: To help you stay focused and connect with the spiritually charged atmosphere of the Month of Kartik, I will send you daily five-minute-long audio inspirations directly from Vrindavana, which will be available at:
Instagram: instagram.com/sacinandanaswamiofficial and instagram.com/deepeningbhakti
YouTube: youtube.com/sacinandanaswamiyoutube
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/sacinandana.swami.deepening.bhakti
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/sacinandanaswami