The holiness of the Mahatmya of kartik has been elaborately dealt with in the Uttar Khanda of Padma Puran. In the dialogue between King Dilip and the age Vasihta on the most efficacious means of obtaining salvation, the wise sage had referred to Kartik Mahatmya by illustrating various significant legendds pertaining to the month.

Satyabhama enquiries of Krishna as to how the Kartik month came to be regarded as holy. In reply, Krishna relates the story of Sankhasura the demon who carried away the Vedas into the sea how Vishnu was obliged to take the incarnation of mastya (Fish) and kill Sankha Asura (conch shell demon) and restore the Vedas to the Gods - a quest for truth and enlightenment. This incarnation is said to have taken place on the 11th day of Kartik and is commemorated by all devout Hindus through bathing and prayers at Praying and Badarkashrama.

It is said Lord Krishna himself stressed the importance of religious observances during Kartik to his own wife Satyabhama. He disclosed that in her previous life she herself had been a Brahmin's daughter and was his consort in consequence of the Vratas she had performed during this month.

The efficacy of Vratas is emphasised through another interesting tale in the Kartik Mahatmya. The story goes that once Dhaneswara, a man of low caste, went to Mahismato to sell skins. His business led him to the banks of the Narumada where he was thrown in the company of pilgrims. He watched their religious performances and was prompted to join them more out of curiosity then devotion. But even this anticipation sufficed to secure him heavenly bliss.