Karthika Puranam · Day 25 of 30
Karthika Puranam Day 25
Chapter 25 — Durvasa curses Ambarisha
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Friday, December 4, 2026
Krishna Paksha Ekadashi · బహుళ ఏకాదశి
Chapter 25 — the story
The learned men leave the decision to the king. Ambarisha reasons that a sip of water neither slights his guest nor abandons the Dwadashi, and drinks a little water. Durvasa returns, declares that water is as good as food, kicks the king in anger, and curses him to ten births — as a fish, a tortoise, a boar, a lion and more.
Vishnu, dwelling in Ambarisha's heart, accepts the curse himself. When Durvasa tries to curse again, Vishnu sends the Sudarshana chakra after him. Durvasa flees to the sages, to Indra, Brahma and Shiva — and none of them can shelter him.
What this chapter teaches
The Lord stands between his devotee and harm — even a sage's curse.
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.