Chaturmas Vrat

Chaturmas is observed for a period of four months.The name chaturmas indicates four months. Chatur means  four and masa means month. 

Chaturmas starts on Ashada sukla Ekadashi also known as sayana Ekadashi and goes on until karthika sukla Ekadashi also known as uttahana Ekadashi.The four months of Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwina and Kartik are considered as the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. Lord Vishnu is believed to sleep on this day, hence the eleventh day of Ashadh is called Devashayani Ekadashi. He is believed to wake up on the eleventh of Kartik, hence called Prabodhini Ekadashi. The period corresponds with the rainy season in India.

It is believed that Hindu gods and goddesses are at rest during this period and should not be disturbed, so no auspicious ceremonies, such as weddings and thread ceremonies, are held during the four months' period.

Legend Of Chaturmas :

Once, Goddess Lakshmi complained Lord Vishnu that as he sleeps for an improper period of time, all the Devas have to wait for him to wake so that they can discuss their problems. The reason being that sometimes the time span continues for a long period of time. Hence, Goddess Laxmi requested Lord Vishnu to fix a time span for taking sleep, so that none should keep waiting for him.

Lord Vishnu accepted her suggestion and decided to sleep for the time period of four months. Thus, Lord Vishnu’s sleep is also called Yoga Nidra, starting from Devshayani Ekadashi and ending on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu also said that if someone would worship him during this period of sleep, the person will get immense blessings. Also, he will always stay at his/her home with Goddess Lakshmi in Chaturmas.

FESTIVALS :

• Guru purnima
• Krishna Janmashtami
• Raksha Bandhan
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Dasara
• Diwali

Significance of the four months of Chaturmas :

The first month of Chatur Mas is Shravan, which is devoted to god Shiva. Particularly on Mondays, people observe fast and begin new works. Some people avoid green leafy vegetables in this month. The second month is Bhadrapad. It is a month filled completely with festivals. The magnificent festival of the arrival of Lord Ganesha i.e. the Ganesh Chaturthi and the beautiful festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna - the Janamashtami come in this month. Some people avoid curd during these months. The third month is Ashwin. The colourful festivals of Navaratri followed by Durga Pooja and Dushhehra are celebrated in this month. People usually avoid milk in this month. The fourth and the last month is Kartik, which marks the end of the festival of lights - Diwali. Some people avoid pulses during this month.

People also take different resolutions during Chaturmas. The vows include things like ignoring non-vegetarian food and austerity etc. Some believe in reading the ancient mythological Puranas or epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana or Bhagvad Gita etc. Some vow to visit temples every day.

The first priority during these months is given to one's health. More emphasis is given on avoiding garlic as well as onion. These are avoided as it emanates unnecessary excitement. Eating onions and garlic may also lead to indigestion, which may create problems for the disciples to peacefully and thoroughly engage themselves in rituals and pujas.

Rules while Observing Fast during Chaturmas :

1.  The person performing vrata must wake up early in the morning. It is considered good if one wakes up before sunrise. Then the vrata saadhak worships the eternal god Vishnu.

2.  Sadhak must observe fast avoiding all leafy vegetables, spices and sweets.

3.  Sleeping on the floor is considered very good.

4.  Keeping mauna vrata (vow to remain silent) is also considered highly auspicious. One must keep away all the anger, greed and bad feelings. One must avoid talking false and slang language.

5.  Enchanting Lord Vishnu's prayers is also considered highly valuable.

6.  On the last day of observing vrata during Chaturmas, the saadhak must gift clothes, food and other important things as dakshina to Brahmins and get their blessings.

Fasting Impacts :

There are certain things that are avoided during the period of Chaturmas. These all have different effects on our body, be it good or bad.

1.     No intake of salt - helps in giving good voice and texture 2.     Avoiding oily food - gives longer life 3.     Avoiding non-vegetarian food - helps to give the power of a Yogi or a Muni 4.     Avoiding honey - helps to give lustre 5.     Resting on ground - helps in getting shelter of Lord Vishnu 6.     No intake of betel nuts - this gives happiness 7.     Avoiding intake of milk or yogurt - this gives peace in life 8.     Studying the scriptures - gives the Vishnu Lok 9.     Worshiping Lord Vishnu - helps in reaching Vaikunth 10.                        No intake of raw vegetables or fruits - helps in getting purity 11.                        Eating at noon time only - helps to take entry in Devalok 12.                        Singing in temples - helps to take entry in Gandharvalok 13.                        Eating at night time only - will give a chance to go for pilgrimage 14.                        No use of intoxicating liquors - gives a good and maintained health 15.                        Not to eat hot food - gives long life to children 16.                        Practicing Yoga - helps to attain Moksha 17.                        Taking bath daily - helps to reach heaven 18.                        Revolving around the temple - gives Moksha 19.                        Sprinkling water in the temple - gives entry into Apsara Lok 20.                        Eating on floor without using a plate or dish - helps to become powerful 21.                        Taking meal once a day - gives the results of Agnihotra 22.                        Touching the feet of the deity - helps to achieve success 23.                        Cleaning the temples - helps to stay in good house

Vishnu Maha puja is performed by giving a sacred bath to the Idol of Lord Vishnu(Abhishek), by chanting the mantras i.e. Vishnu Sahasranama and stotras etc.Chaturmas is believed to be the night of Lord Vishnu, So,Vishnu devotees listen to his stories,also recite them to others,through stories or hymns(bhajans).

This is the most beloved period of the Gods and Japa done in this period bears 1000 times greater results. During the period of Chaturmas, Sanyasis avoid travelling and stay at one place This is the period of enhancing one’s spiritual power by meditating.

 

Do’s and Don'ts Of Chaturmas

Do’s For The Four Holy Months

1.  The period of Chaturmas is considered as the time to involve in good Karmas and remember God.

2.  The time period of Chaturmas is good for regularly visiting temples and other places to worship. Also, suitable for committing any religious activities.

Don’ts For The Four Holy Months

1.  It is advisable to stay at one place during Chaturmas. Traveling and change in working area should be avoided.

2.  Avoid performing any auspicious activity at home, especially the wedding ceremonies.

3.  During Chaturmas period, salty food, milk, sweet dishes, jaggery, alcohol, curd, brinjals etc. are avoided.

2016 DATES : Begins on 15th July and ends on 11th November.