Karthika Puranam Chapter 14 (Adhyaya 14) in English: Story, Meaning and Lesson | Karthika Masam 2026 Day 14

Quick answer: Karthika Puranam Adhyaya 14 is read in India on Monday, 23 November 2026 (Shukla Chaturdashi), whether you follow the tithi-based table or read one adhyaya a day from 10 November. In the USA, UK and Canada the month began a day earlier (Monday 9 November), so readers there going one a day reach it on Sunday, 22 November; check your local panchang. The chapter tells the story of King Shrutakirti and sets out the observances of the vow and the things to avoid during the month. In India this is the second Karthika Somavaram, and the eve of Karthika Pournami.

The frame

Vasishtha's teaching to King Janaka reaches the eve of the full moon. After King Suveera and the gift of a daughter in Chapter 13, our 30-adhyaya guide says, adhyaya 14 turns to King Shrutakirti and to the rules of the vow itself.

King Shrutakirti

Shrutakirti is one of the stories the tradition remembers. When the Telugu Wikisource text closes the Skanda Purana part on Karthika Pournami, it recalls its main stories by name: Tattvanishtha, Shatrujit, the vana bhojanam, Devadatta, Ajamila, Manthara, Shrutakirti and Ambarisha.

Our sources name the story but do not summarise its events, so we do not retell it here. Please read it in a Telugu edition your family trusts, or in the Telugu Wikisource text linked from our 30-adhyaya guide.

The observances of the vow, and what to avoid

The chapter also gathers the observances of the Karthika vow and the things to avoid during the month. Earlier chapters have already given the core of the vow: in Chapter 1, a bath and lamp each morning, worship of Vishnu, Shiva, tulasi and Ganga, the name of Hari, fasting and charity; in Chapter 2, the forms of the Monday fast, from a full fast to a bath with prayer.

For a practical list of what families observe and avoid today, food included, see our Karthika Masam 2026 rules, food and do's and don'ts. It is a guide to present-day practice, not a translation of this chapter; if your edition lists different rules, follow your book and your family's custom.

The second Karthika Somavaram

In India this adhyaya falls on the second Karthika Monday, and Karthika Pournami follows on Tuesday 24 November. Many families keep today's fast in one of the forms Chapter 2 describes. If you are pregnant, elderly, diabetic, on regular medicine or have any health condition, speak to your doctor first and choose a lighter form such as fruit, one meal, or prayer alone.

What this chapter teaches

• A vow has a shape: the chapter sets out what to do and what to avoid, so the month is kept with care.
• Restraint is part of devotion: things to avoid are as much a part of the vow as things to do.
• The stories and the rules belong together: Shrutakirti's story sits beside the observances it illustrates.

How to read it today

• Pick one time: after the morning bath, or in the evening after lighting the Karthika lamp. Keep the same time each day if you can.
• Light a small lamp: ghee or sesame oil before your home shrine or tulasi. Never leave a flame unattended; in apartments keep it clear of curtains and smoke detectors.
• Read or listen: say that you are reading adhyaya 14, then read it aloud from a Telugu edition your family trusts (about 15 to 30 minutes). One person can read while the family listens; the text praises listening as much as reading.
• Today's small practice: keep today's Somavaram in a form that suits your health, and prepare for tomorrow's Pournami: clean the lamps, roll wicks and set out oil or ghee.
• Close simply: offer a flower or a little prasadam, bow and say a short prayer.

Printed editions do not always break the chapters at the same place, so a story may begin an adhyaya earlier or later in your book. If your book differs, follow your book. Our summary is a guide to the day's reading, not the text itself.

Tomorrow: Karthika Pournami 2026. All four Mondays: Karthika Somavaram 2026 dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karthika Puranam Chapter 14 about?

The story of King Shrutakirti, and the observances of the Karthika vow along with the things to avoid during the month.

Is Shrutakirti an important story in the Karthika Puranam?

Yes. The Telugu Wikisource text, as our 30-adhyaya guide notes, recalls Shrutakirti among the main stories when it closes the Skanda Purana part on Karthika Pournami.

When is Karthika Puranam Chapter 14 read in 2026?

In India on Monday, 23 November 2026, the second Karthika Somavaram. Abroad, readers going one adhyaya a day from 9 November reach it on Sunday, 22 November; check your local panchang.

Where can I find a practical list of Karthika do's and don'ts?

See our Karthika Masam 2026 rules, food and do's and don'ts page. It is a practical guide for today, not a translation of this chapter.

Karthika Puranam chapters and Karthika Masam 2026 guides

• Previous: Karthika Puranam Chapter 13
• Next: Karthika Puranam: all 30 adhyayas and the rest of the month
• Karthika Puranam 2026: the 30-adhyaya reading table and summaries
• Karthika Masam 2026: dates, rituals and festivals
• Karthika Masam 2026 calendar, day by day