Dearest one, listen as I recount the story of the Kartika vow and its wondrous fruits. Among all observances, there are two vows most dear to me—they bestow both the pleasures of this world and the liberation beyond, and they grant the blessing of children. Even those burdened by great sins, if they bathe each morning during the month of Kartika while the sun resides in Libra, are freed from their bonds. Those who sweep their homes for Vishnu, adorn them with auspicious symbols like the svastika, and worship Vishnu with devotion, are liberated even as they live. In Kartika, those who bathe, keep night vigil, offer lamps, and serve the sacred tulasi grove become veritable embodiments of Vishnu. If these practices are observed for even three days in Kartika, such people are worthy of reverence by the gods themselves—what then of those who practice them from birth? So it was that Gunavati, year after year, devoted herself wholly to the service of Vishnu, her mind steadfastly fixed on him. In time, afflicted by old age, emaciated and suffering from fever, she struggled with great effort to bathe in the holy Ganga. As she entered the cold water, shivering and distressed, she beheld a wondrous sight: a celestial chariot descended from the sky. From it came beings bearing the emblems of Vishnu—conch, discus, mace, and lotus—and adorned with Garuda’s banner. These divine forms descended and gently placed Gunavati upon the chariot, where she was attended by groups of apsaras who fanned her with whisks. Then, surrounded by these hosts, she was borne away to Vaikuntha. Seated upon that radiant chariot, glowing like blazing fire, she attained my presence through the merit of her Kartika vow. In that moment, as the gods led by Brahma descended to earth with their prayers, all these hosts came along with me. Know, O beautiful one, that these Yadavas are all my companions; your father was Devaśarman, and this king was Satrājit. Candrasharman was Akrura; and you, O virtuous and auspicious one, were Gunavati, who increased my affection through the merit of the Kartika vow. Once, at my very door, you created a tulasi garden, and so now, a wish-fulfilling tree stands in your courtyard. The lamp you lit in Kartika, placed with devotion in your house and upon your own body, has made Lakshmi ever 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 shall never be separated from me. Thus, those who are devoted to vows in the month of Kartika, upon attaining my presence, bring me the same joy as you do. Indeed, men who perform sacrifice, charity, vows, and austerity do not attain even a fraction of the merit that comes from the Kartika vow. Hearing these words from the lord of the worlds, Satyā was filled with joy at the memory of her former meritorious birth and glory. She bowed deeply to Krishna, the source of the three worlds, and spoke. Thus concludes the eighty-ninth chapter of the glorious Padma Mahapurana, in the section of fifty-five thousand verses, within the greatness of Kartika, in the dialogue between Shri Krishna and Satyabhama, titled 'The Description of Satyā’s Former Birth.' Then Satyā, with her heart full of wonder, asked: “O Lord, all divisions of time are your forms. How then is Kartika the best among months? Among all lunar days, Ekadashi is dearest, and among months, Kartika is beloved. O Lord of gods, pray tell me the reason for this.” Shri Krishna replied, “Well asked, Satyā. Listen with a focused mind to the ancient conversation between Prithu, son of Vena, and the divine sage Narada. In days long past, Narada was questioned by Prithu, and the sage, who knows all, spoke of the cause for Kartika’s greatness.” Narada said: “Once there was an Asura named Shankha, son of the ocean, powerful enough to churn the three worlds. Having conquered the gods and driven them out, he seized the realms of heaven and took away the authority of Indra and the other guardians of the worlds. Out of fear, the gods, along with their wives and Indra, hid themselves in the cave of Mount Suvarna, where they dwelled for many years. While the gods remained hidden in this inaccessible cave, the Daitya Shankha roamed freely. He thought to himself, ‘Though I have deprived the gods of their authority and conquered them, they still possess strength. What should I do now? Today I realize that their power lies in the Vedic mantras. I will take those from them, and then they will become powerless.’ With this resolve, Shankha saw Vishnu sleeping and swiftly took the collected Vedas from Satyaloka. But the Vedas, frightened, fled and entered the waters, taking with them the sacrificial mantras. Shankha searched for them within the ocean but could not find them anywhere. Then Brahma, along with the gods, sought refuge in Vishnu. Bearing offerings, they went to Vaikuntha. There, to awaken him, they sang and played instruments, offered fragrance, flowers, incense, and lamps again and again. The Blessed Lord, pleased by their devotion, awoke and appeared before them, radiant as a thousand suns. The gods worshipped him with sixteen offerings and, having prostrated themselves, heard these words from Kesava: ‘I am the granter of boons, O hosts of gods. With auspicious singing and music, I will grant you all the desires of your hearts.