Chaturmas are observed for four months. The name chaturmas indicates four months. Chatur means four and masa mean 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 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.
Legend Of Chaturmas :
Once, Goddess Lakshmi complained to Lord Vishnu that as he sleeps for an improper period, all the Devas have to wait for him to wake so that they can discuss their problems. The reason is that sometimes the period continues for a long period. Hence, Goddess Laxmi requested Lord Vishnu to fix a period for taking sleep, so that none should keep waiting for him.
Lord Vishnu accepted her suggestion and decided to sleep for 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 on Chaturmas.
FESTIVALS :
- Guru Purnima
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Raksha Bandhan
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Dasara
- Diwali
The first month of Chatur Mas is Shravan, which is devoted to the god Shiva. Particularly on Mondays, people observe fast and begin new works. Some people avoid green leafy vegetables 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 colorful festivals of Navaratri followed by Durga Pooja and Dussehra are celebrated this month. People usually avoid milk during 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 belief in reading the ancient mythological Puranas or epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita etc. Some vow to visit temples every day.
Rules while Observing Fast during Chaturmas :
- The person performing vrat must wake up early in the morning. It is considered good if one wakes up before Sunrise.
- The person who performs vrat must avoid all leafy vegetables, spices, and Sweets.
- Sleeping on the floor is Considered very well.
- Mauna Vrat is considered highly auspicious.
- Must Avoid anger, greed, and bad feelings.
- Must enchant Lord Vishnu's prayer
- On the last of this vrat one should donate food, clothes to brahmins as Dakshina and get their Blessings.
Things To Do :
The period of Chaturmas is considered the time to involve in good Karmas and remember God.
The period of Chaturmas is good for regularly visiting temples and other places to worship. Also, suitable for committing any religious activities.
Things Not To Do
It is advisable to stay at one place during Chaturmas. Traveling and change in the working area should be avoided.
Avoid performing any auspicious activity at home, especially wedding ceremonies.
During the Chaturmas period, salty food, milk, sweet dishes, jaggery, alcohol, curd, brinjals, etc. are avoided.
2024 Dates :
Begins on July 17 and ends on November 12.
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