Changes

This refers to daan of an umbrella or parasol, and a pair of shoes or wood slippers to a learned Brahmin or a Brahmin scholar. The donor of an umbrella is honoured by divine beings and Brahmins in Indra Lok. The donor of a pair of shoes is able to crush all obstacles (thorns) and enemies and attains divine Gau Loka.

This refers to daan of an umbrella or parasol, and a pair of shoes or wood slippers to a learned Brahmin or a Brahmin scholar. The donor of an umbrella is honoured by divine beings and Brahmins in Indra Lok. The donor of a pair of shoes is able to crush all obstacles (thorns) and enemies and attains divine Gau Loka.

The story of Prince Hemkant of Bangdesh illustrates the value of donating an umbrella during '''Vaishakha''' month. The Prince had killed 300 students once for not offering him hospitality while he was out hunting. As a result, his father, King Kushketu, sent him into exile. After 28 years of wandering, he once saw a learned Brahmin who had fainted due to the heat of Vaishakh month. The Prince, feeling pity, fashioned an umbrella with twigs and palash leaves, and held it over the Brahmin. He then also gave him some water. The Brahmin recovered due to this. This act of pity helped expiate the sin of murder of 300 students. The Prince was then reconciled with his father, and eventually crowned as King.

The story of Prince Hemkant of Bangdesh illustrates the value of donating an umbrella during '''Vaishakha''' month. The Prince had killed 300 students once for not offering him hospitality while he was out hunting. As a result, his father, King Kushketu, sent him into exile. After 28 years of wandering, he once saw a learned Brahmin who had fainted due to the heat of Vaishakh month. The Prince, feeling pity, fashioned an umbrella with twigs and palash leaves, and held it over the Brahmin. He then also gave him some water. The Brahmin recovered due to this. This act of pity helped expiate the papa (पापम्) of murder of 300 students. The Prince was then reconciled with his father, and eventually crowned as King.

Kartika masa is considered a holy month with special donations of Amla (Bharat's gooseberry) pumpkin on some days of this month.  

Kartika masa is considered a holy month with special donations of Amla (Bharat's gooseberry) pumpkin on some days of this month.