# Kārtika > The holiest month — Dāmodara month **Observed:** October-November (one lunar month) --- ## Significance Kārtika, also known as Dāmodara month or Ūrjā, is considered the holiest month of the year for Vaiṣṇavas. During this month, all devotional activities yield multiplied results. Even a small act of devotion performed in Kārtika brings immense spiritual benefit. The month is named after Kārttikeyī, another name for Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. It commemorates the pastime of Mother Yaśodā binding Lord Kṛṣṇa with ropes, hence the name "Dāmodara" (*dāma* = rope, *udara* = belly). --- ## Dāmodara-līlā > When mother Yaśodā saw that Kṛṣṇa was trying to run away after His mischief, she began to chase Him, and finally she caught Him. She decided to bind Him with rope, but the rope was always two inches too short. > > — [[sb/10/9|SB 10.9]] Summary This pastime reveals that the Supreme Lord allows Himself to be bound by the pure love of His devotees. He cannot be captured by austerity, yoga, or knowledge—only by devotion. --- ## Observance ### Daily Practices - **Dīpa-dāna:** Offering ghee lamps to the Lord - **Dāmodarāṣṭakam:** Daily recitation of the eight prayers - **Vrata:** Various vows and austerities - **Extra japa:** Increased chanting rounds ### Special Days in Kārtika - **Dīpāvalī:** Festival of lights - [[wiki/events/govardhana-puja|Govardhana-pūjā]] - **Tulasī-śāligrāma vivāha:** Marriage ceremony of Tulasī and Śāligrāma --- ## Vṛndāvana Parikramā Many devotees travel to Vṛndāvana to spend Kārtika visiting the holy places associated with Kṛṣṇa's pastimes. Daily circumambulation of Vṛndāvana or Govardhana Hill is especially meritorious. --- ## Dāmodarāṣṭakam The eight prayers to Lord Dāmodara by Satyavrata Muni are sung daily throughout the month while offering ghee lamps: > *namāmīśvaraṁ sac-cid-ānanda-rūpaṁ* > *lasat-kuṇḍalaṁ gokule bhrājamānam* > > To the Supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose earrings are swinging playfully, who is beautifully shining in Gokula... --- ## Related - [[sb/10/9|SB Canto 10, Chapter 9]] — Mother Yaśodā Binds Lord Kṛṣṇa - [[wiki/events/govardhana-puja|Govardhana-pūjā]] - [[wiki/articles/yasoda|Mother Yaśodā]] --- *Kārtika begins the day after Śayanī Ekādaśī and lasts for one lunar month.*