Karthika Puranam · Day 15 of 30
Karthika Puranam Day 15
Chapter 15 — The mouse that lit a lamp
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Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Shukla Paksha Pournami · శుద్ధ పౌర్ణమి
Also on this day: Karthika Pournami
Chapter 15 — the story
A yogi (named Karmanishtha in some editions) cleans a ruined temple on the banks of the Saraswati and lights lamps there through Karthika. A mouse drags away a wick to eat it; the wick catches the flame and burns as a lamp — and the mouse takes human form.
It had been Bahlika, a greedy Brahmin who made money by selling girls, hoarded grain and buried his wealth. He is told to dig up that wealth and give it away. This chapter shows that even a lamp relit by accident is rewarded.
What this chapter teaches
A lamp in Karthika is never wasted — even one lit by accident brings release.
How to read the Karthika Puranam
- Read or listen to one chapter each day of Karthika Masam, usually in the evening after lighting the deepam.
- Many families read together after the pre-dawn Karthika snanam or at the Tulasi kota.
- These are short summaries; for the full text, read a printed Karthika Puranam or listen to a pravachanam.