In this world, the simple act of witnessing the preparation of a lamp-wick brings immense spiritual benefit, granting access to the supreme abode—a realm so exalted that even the gods struggle to reach it. Those who, with sincere effort, place oil and wicks in the lamp again and again, are blessed with the highest state. When a lamp is about to extinguish, none can revive it, yet even beings from other worlds who observe this event share in its spiritual fruit. Even one who, having begged for small amounts of oil to offer for the lamp dedicated to Viṣṇu, earns great merit. The humblest person, simply standing with palms joined and watching a lamp being lit for Viṣṇu, attains Viṣṇu’s world. Whoever intentionally or personally kindles a lamp is freed from all sins and reaches the world of Viṣṇu. There is an ancient legend, the mere hearing of which absolves all sins. On the beautiful banks of the Sarasvatī river stood Siddhāśrama, a hermitage. There lived a Brahmin named Kapila, learned in the Vedas. Kapila, though poor, was devoted to vows and fasts, sustaining his family through alms. Through his austerities, he worshipped Viṣṇu, and after proper worship, he always kindled a lamp for the Lord. Bringing oil to his home, he would worship Keśava and, with supreme devotion, light a lamp to please Hari. As Kapila continued his devotions, a sharp-toothed cat began to frequent his house, always in pursuit of mice. Day and night, the cat came for food, ever alert and sitting before the image of Nārāyaṇa. Many mice, drawn by the oil or seeking to steal the wicks, were eaten by the cat in the Brahmin’s house. Absorbed in its own meditation—its mind fixed on food—the cat continually consumed these mice. Time passed, and on the sacred day of Ekadashi, Kapila, pure in his house, observed a fast with his wife, worshipping Achyuta. That night, he performed a vigil, singing hymns and dancing in devotion. But as midnight approached, the Brahmin succumbed to sleep and delusion. Meanwhile, the cat, with sharp teeth and swift steps, watched from the corner of the house, eyeing the offerings. It saw a small mouse, accustomed to stealing the wick from the dimly burning lamp, come to drink oil. The mouse, startled, darted into its hole, accidentally striking the wick with its foot and causing the lamp to flare brightly. The oil vessel tipped, illuminating the room. At that moment, Kapila awoke, shaking off the sleep that clouded his mind. The cat remained awake through the night, intent on catching mice. At dawn, Kapila performed his daily rites, and afterward, broke his fast with his relatives. As Kapila continued his lamp vow, he was blessed with sons, grandsons, abundant wealth, grain, perfect health, supreme prosperity, and great fortune. By the power of his dedication to the lamp, Kapila attained liberation, journeying through the sacred paths of the sun and moon. The Supreme Self, manifest in the lamp’s light, appointed him, and in time, the mouse also died within its hole. Kapila then ascended a splendid celestial chariot, attended by gods and gandharvas, surrounded by apsarases and accompanied by hosts of vidyadharas. Amid auspicious cries of victory and blessings, honored by the nagas, he entered the world of Viṣṇu. For countless aeons, enjoying abundant pleasures, Kapila was eventually reborn on earth as a king. He was named Sudharma, righteous in soul, worshipper of gods and Brahmins, handsome, fortunate, and endowed with great strength and valor. His beloved wife, Rūpasundarī, possessed all auspicious marks, was devoted to her husband, virtuous, and the most fortunate among women. Together, they were blessed with many sons and noble daughters. As this joyful couple spent their days together, the month of Kārttika arrived—a time that awakens the eyes of Hari. In this sacred month, lamps are kindled by those devoted to Nārāyaṇa, and vows such as Kṛcchra and Cāndrāyaṇa, along with other disciplines, are observed by devotees of Viṣṇu and those who fear the perils of worldly existence. When the holy day of Prabodhinī arrived, King Sudharma spoke to his queen: “O fortunate one, today is Prabodhinī, sacred and arising from the lotus-navel of Viṣṇu. I will worship today, fasting and restraining my senses. After bathing at the sacred Puṣkara, I will worship the lotus-eyed, imperishable Lord Janārdana, together with Lakṣmī.” Hearing her husband’s cherished wish, Rūpasundarī, delighted by his happiness, spoke softly, her face adorned with a lovely smile. She said, “A desire has also arisen in my heart, O king, a longing for beauty and charm abides within me. I wish to go with you to the foremost holy place, Puṣkara.” With this, the king and queen together journeyed to Puṣkara, ready to offer their worship and devotion.