Listen, O wise one, to the sacred tale of Kartika’s greatness, as revealed in the Padma Purana. It is said that whoever worships Lord Janardana with devotion during the holy month of Kartika attains merits equal to performing a grand horse sacrifice. Even the simple act of offering to Janardana a garland made by a sage bestows immense blessings. The king of the gods himself, O best of sages, proclaims that such acts yield the fruit of giving ten thousand cows. Indeed, in Kartika, a single flower offered by a sage is as pleasing to the Lord as the Kaustubha gem or a garland from the forest. In this sacred month, Hari is delighted even with the humble gift of a single tulasi leaf. Sūta described how the Lord, seeing a young boy absorbed in humble and devoted worship, was deeply moved. Once more, the blessed Mahadeva, Lord Shiva, bearing the bull banner, spoke to Guha: “Hear, O Peacock-rider, the greatness of offering a lamp in Kartika. The ancestors, ever surrounded by their kin, yearn for a son in their lineage who will be devoted to their memory and offer them worship. Whoever pleases Kesava by offering a lamp during Kartika—whether fueled by ghee or sesame oil—performs all sacrifices and bathes at holy places through this single act. What need is there for a horse sacrifice when a lamp is offered? Especially during the dark fortnight, if a lamp is given before Kesava for five nights, imperishable merit is attained. “Even if a lamp is lit by another, or by a mouse, on Ekadashi, that merit is not lost. Those who, having attained rare human birth, perform such acts, reach the highest state. Even a hunter, worshipping Maheshvara on the fourteenth day, or a woman who, though taking refuge with a dog-eater, prepares a lamp—such people become pure and reach the eternal heaven. There was once a woman named Lilavati who, through such merit, ascended to the supreme abode. A cowherd, witnessing the worship of the wielder of the Sharnga bow on Amavasya, joyfully exclaimed ‘Victory!’ and became king of kings. “Therefore, lamps should be offered at night until sunrise—in homes, cow-pens, temples, shrines of the gods, cremation grounds, and lakes. For five days, with ghee and other auspicious substances, lamps should be given. Even sinful ancestors, who have been deprived of their offerings, attain supreme liberation by the merit of lamp-giving.” Thus concludes the one hundred and twenty-first chapter of the Padma Purana, in the Uttarakanda, describing the greatness of lamps, fragrance, and dhātrī. Then, Kartikeya approached Lord Shiva and asked, “O Lord, tell me about the special fruits of Dipavali. For what purpose is it observed, and who is its presiding deity? What gifts should be given or avoided, what joys are prescribed, and what festivities are mentioned?” Sūta said: Hearing Skanda’s words, the venerable Kāmaśoṣaṇa, Lord Shiva, smiled and praised the question before answering. Śiva replied: “On the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartika, a lamp should be placed outside for Yama. By this act, untimely death is averted, and the son of the Sun, Yama, is pleased with those who perform this ritual with their spouse, escaping the bonds of death and time. “On the fourteenth day, at moonrise, those who fear sin must bathe. If the fourteenth falls earlier, in either half of Kartika, bathe at dawn without delay. On this day of the lamp festival, Lakshmi resides in oil, and Ganga is present in water. Whoever bathes at this time is freed from Yama’s realm. “While bathing, one should whirl apāmārga, gourd, prapunnāṭa, and vāhvala for the destruction of hellish sins. With a clod of earth, thorns, and apāmārga leaves, whirl them repeatedly, praying that sin be removed. Afterward, offer libations while reciting the names of Yamarāja—Yama, Dharmarāja, Mṛtyu, Antaka, Vaivasvata, Kāla, the destroyer of all beings, Audumbarā, Dadhna, Nīla, Parameṣṭhin, Vṛkodara, Citrā, and Citragupta—offering them obeisance. “A lamp should be given to Naraka after worshipping the deities. At twilight, offer beautiful lamps, especially in the houses of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, and others; in towers, temples, assembly halls, and by rivers; at walls, gardens, wells, gateways, thresholds, stables, secluded places, and even elephant sheds. “On Amavasya dawn, after bathing, worship and bow to the gods and ancestors with devotion. Perform the fortnightly śrāddha with curd, milk, ghee, and other foods, feeding the brāhmaṇas with various dishes and seeking their forgiveness. At midday, nourish the townspeople and honor their gatherings. “As long as reciters’ affection endures in the year, before Hari awakens, women should awaken Lakshmi. When Lakshmi is awakened by a virtuous woman, she does not depart from that householder for the entire year. “In those days, the enemies of the gods, fearful of Vishnu, know that Lakshmi is asleep in the Milk Ocean and also sheltered by the lotus. O Lakshmi, you are light itself, the sun, the moon, lightning, gold, and the stars; you are the light of all lights, the very flame that abides in every lamp.” Thus, the greatness of Kartika and Dipavali, the merit of offering lamps, and the rituals to please the gods and ancestors were lovingly revealed, promising blessings and liberation to all who observe them with faith.