Karthika Puranam · Day 8 of 30
Karthika Puranam Day 8
Chapter 8 — The power of Hari's name — Ajamila's story begins
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Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Shukla Paksha Ashtami · శుద్ధ అష్టమి
Chapter 8 — the story
Janaka doubts that merit can come so easily. Vasishtha answers by explaining sattvika, rajasa and tamasa dharma, and the power of the Lord's name — a single spark, he says, can burn a mountain of wood.
He begins the story of Ajamila of Kanyakubja, son of Satyavrata, who falls into a life of vice. Of his sons, the one who survives is named Narayana. As Ajamila lies dying, Yama's fearsome messengers come for him; in terror he cries out "Narayana!" for his son, and at once Vishnu's messengers appear and claim him. The chapter ends with the two sides face to face. (The story continues in chapters 9 and 10.)
What this chapter teaches
The Lord's name has power even when spoken without intent — Ajamila only called his son.
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.