The Light of Bhakti.
Varsana Swami: Deeply cherished amongst devotional practices which Kartik inspires, it is essential to sing the beautiful Damodarastakam prayers while offering small individual candles or lamps to the Lord.
Lighting the candle depicts igniting the spirit, the inner flame, to consume the outer wax, or flesh, integrating body and soul as they unite in the luminous and purifying nature of fire.
As Kartik is a time for reaffirming our vows and increasing our service, this offering of fire kindles a spirit of dedication and inspires the heart to burn with a desire for seva. In the luster cast by hearts ablaze, we perceive life in a more wholesome perspective, being reminded again of our true spiritual nature.
In the light of eternity, our daily struggles become increasingly consumed in the burning heart of a greater love. This love never dies but forever shines forth as the light of the world, the effulgence of bhakti, which the rays of the sun represent.
We place our little candles in the sand at Damodara’s lotus feet, and as they flicker and fade, we witness how the luster of His toenails shines on like an endless series of moons glittering in the light of the countless devotees. The endless reflections symbolize the eternal nature of this simple ceremony of offering a small flame to our dear most Lord.