When the eighty-eighth chapter of the Padma Mahapurana concluded, the blessed dialogue between Shri Krishna and Satyabhama continued. Shri Krishna began to recount the story of Gunavati. Hearing that both her father and husband had been slain by a terrible demon, Gunavati was overcome with grief. In her sorrow she cried out, “Alas, Lord! Alas, Father! Where are you going, leaving me behind? I am but a child—what shall I do, now that I am helpless without you?” She lamented, “Who will care for me now, seeing me destitute and unskilled, in this empty house? Who will provide food, clothing, and all I need, when I am so miserable? Unfortunate and bereft of happiness, with my protectors and very life destroyed, today, helpless and childish, to whom shall I turn for refuge?” Thus, after much heartfelt lamentation, Gunavati, deeply afflicted like a grieving curlew, collapsed to the ground, distraught, like a plantain tree struck by the wind. After a long time, she regained her senses, but lay weeping bitterly, submerged in an ocean of sorrow, overwhelmed by grief. Yet, summoning her strength, she sold all her remaining possessions and performed the proper funeral rites for her father and husband, as best as she was able. She fulfilled all the ceremonies according to her means, honoring them as tradition required. Thereafter, Gunavati continued to live in the same city, sustaining herself through her own efforts. She was devoted to Vishnu, peaceful, truthful, pure, and kept her senses under control. From birth to death, she faithfully observed two vows: the Ekadashi fast and the Kartika vow, never neglecting them. Shri Krishna explained, “These two vows, beloved, are most dear to me. They bestow both enjoyment and liberation, and grant the blessing of sons. Those who, in the month of Kartika, while the sun is in Libra, bathe every morning—even great sinners among them—are liberated. Those who sweep the house for Vishnu, draw auspicious symbols like the svastika, and worship Vishnu are liberated even while living. Those who, in Kartika, perform bathing, night vigil, lamp offering, and service to the tulasi grove become embodiments of Vishnu. Those who observe these practices for even three days in Kartika are worthy of reverence even by the gods—what then of those who observe them from birth?” So, year after year, Gunavati devoted herself constantly to the service of Vishnu, her mind wholly dedicated to him. Once, afflicted by old age, emaciated and suffering from fever, she somehow managed, with great difficulty, to go and bathe in the sacred Ganga. As she entered the cold water, shivering and distressed, she suddenly saw a celestial chariot descending from the sky. Upon it stood radiant beings, their hands bearing the conch, discus, mace, and lotus, adorned with the banner of Garuda, all assuming the form of Vishnu. They placed Gunavati upon that celestial chariot, attended by groups of apsaras, fanned her with whisks, and led her to Vaikuntha. Dwelling in that resplendent chariot, radiant like blazing fire, Gunavati attained the presence of Shri Krishna through the merit of her Kartika vow. Then, as the gods led by Brahma descended to earth by their prayers, all those hosts also came along with Krishna. Krishna revealed, “These Yadavas, O beautiful one, are all my companions. Your father was Devaśarman, and this king was Satrājit. And Candrasharman was Akrura; you, O virtuous and auspicious one, were Gunavati, increasing my affection through the merit of the Kartika vow. At my door, you once made a tulasi garden; therefore, this wish-fulfilling tree stands in your courtyard, O auspicious one. And the lamp you lit in Kartika month before, placed in your house and body, has made Lakshmi steadfast for you. All the vows and observances you dedicated to Vishnu, in the form of your husband, have brought you to be my wife. Whatever Kartika vow you performed before birth and death, by that alone you will never experience separation from me. Those men devoted to vows in the month of Kartika, having attained my presence, give joy to me as you do. Indeed, men who perform sacrifice, charity, vows, and austerity do not attain even a fraction of the merit of the Kartika vow.” Hearing these words from the lord of the worlds, Satyā, filled with joy at the memory of her former meritorious birth and glory, bowed to Krishna, the source of the three worlds, and spoke with devotion. Thus ends the eighty-ninth chapter, named 'The Description of Satyā's Former Birth,' in the glorious Padma Mahapurana. Satyā then asked, “All divisions of time are forms of you, O Lord; how then is Kartika the best among months? Among lunar days, Ekadashi is dear, and among months, Kartika is beloved; O Lord of gods, tell me the reason for this.” Shri Krishna replied, “Well asked, Satyā. Listen with focused mind to the conversation that took place between Prithu, son of Vena, and the divine sage Narada. In ancient times, Narada was questioned by King Prithu, and the sage, knower of all, spoke of the cause for Kartika's greatness.” Narada said: “Long ago, there was an Asura named Śaṅkha, son of the ocean, powerful and mighty, able to churn the three worlds. Having conquered the gods and driven them out, the great Asura seized the realms of heaven and took away the authority of Indra and the other guardians of the worlds. Out of fear of him, the gods, along with their wives and Indra, entered the cave of Mount Suvarṇa and dwelled there for many years. While the gods, residing in the inaccessible cave of Mount Suvarṇa, were under his control, the Daitya roamed freely throughout the worlds.” Thus began the account of Kartika’s supreme greatness, as told by Krishna to Satyabhama.