Chaaturmaas: Significance & Rituals

"Chaaturmaas", also known as "Chaturmas'' or the "Four Holy Months", is a significant period in the Hindu calendar. "Chaaturmaas" begins on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi) and concludes on Prabodhini or Deva Uttana Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi). In 2023, "Chaaturmaas" begins  from '29 June and lasts until  23 November.'

Chaturmaas is mainly followed in North India. Lasting for four months namely: 'Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin & Karthik', it holds great religious and spiritual importance for millions of devotees around the world.

The very first month- "Shravan" (also called 'Saavan') is dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially the Mondays. Being the 5th month of the Hindu Lunar calendar, this is an opportune time to connect with Shiv Shambhu. During 'Shravan' itself, Lord Shiva had drunk the poison (Halahal) emerging from Samudra Manthan turning his throat to blue. To relieve him from the harmful effects of the poison, Mata Parvati (Sati at that time) & his devotees (common people) have bestowed fresh & cool water on Shivlings. Additionally, Indra Dev had also initiated heavy rains at that time to shower on Lord Shiva (for protecting him from the heat  of Halahal). Since then, it rains very heavily during the month of Saawan. And Shiva's devotees bestow water on Shivlings to receive the kindness and utter elegance of Lord Shiva over them.

The second month of Chaaturmaas- "Bhadrapada" is mainly dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. Being the 6th month of the Hindu Lunar Calendar, this month can bring about purification, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. The month is characterized by lush greenery, rain showers, and the rejuvenation of nature.

The third month of Chaaturmaas- "Ashwin" includes Navratri/ Durga Puja & Dussehra. Being the 7th month of the Hindu Lunar Calendar, it is a time for devotees to express their devotion, seek blessings, and engage in acts of piety. The weather is often pleasant, with cooler temperatures and a festive atmosphere. It is a time of harvest, and agricultural communities celebrate the bountiful yields and offer gratitude for the agricultural abundance.

The fourth & the last concluding month of Chaaturmaas- "Karthik '' includes festivals such as Karva Chauth, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, etc. Being the 8th month of the Hindu Lunar Calendar, it is considered an auspicious month for performing various religious rituals, penances, and devotional practices. Many festivals and ceremonies are observed during this time, and devotees engage in acts of devotion, fasting, and charity.

"Chaaturmaas" is very closely associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver and sustainer in Hindu shastras. It is believed that during this time, Lord Vishnu goes into a deep slumber, known as "Yoga Nidra," resting on the cosmic serpent, Sheshnag. Devotees observe this period as a time of heightened devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual practices to express their reverence for Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings.

Many devotees observe various forms of fasting during "Chaaturmaas" known as 'Chaturmas Vrat' or 'Chaturmaasam' or 'Chatur Maas Vrat.' Different names have been given to the fasts of all the months of Chaaturmaas namely- Shaka Vrata, Dadhi Vrata, Ksheera Vrata, Dwidala Vrata, & Bahubeeja Vrata (in Kannada culture).

Some fast on specific days, while others abstain from certain types of food or observe flexible fasting- having one or two meals. It is recommended to prohibit lots of eatables such as salt, oil, jaggery, garlic, onion & many more.

The most common practice is Ekadashi fasting, where devotees refrain from consuming grains and cereals on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning lunar phases. Fasting on all the Ekadashis in the time period of "Chaaturmaas" holds special significance. It is believed that this practice purifies the body and mind, promotes self-control, and invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Basically, the process of fasting during "Chaaturmaas" is completely related to the importance of health during this period. As in this duration, various systems of our body, such as the digestive system, operate in a very different manner. Hence during "Chaaturmaas", some people choose to follow certain dietary and lifestyle practices.

Some individuals may opt for a restricted diet during Chaturmas. This can include avoiding certain foods like onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, or foods that are considered heavy or tamasic (promoting inertia) in nature. Instead, they may prefer lighter, satvic (promoting purity and clarity) foods. These dietary changes are believed to promote spiritual well-being and discipline rather than directly altering the functioning of the digestive system.

It's important to keep in mind that the impact of Chaaturmas practices on the body's systems is indirect and can vary among individuals. These practices are primarily associated with spiritual and religious significance rather than direct physiological effects.

"Chaaturmaas" is a time when spiritual leaders, saints and scholars often conduct satsangs (spiritual gatherings) & deliver discourses on religious teachings and scriptures. Devotees engage in regular prayers, recitation of religious texts, and chanting of mantras. The Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and the chanting of the 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' mantra are particularly popular during this period. Some people also initiate reading Mahabharata, Ramayana, or Bhagavad Gita during the 4 month period. All these provide an opportunity to seek guidance, deepen understanding of spiritual concepts, & receive inspiration for spiritual journey.

Chaaturmaas emphasizes the importance of selfless service and charity. Devotees engage in acts of kindness, donate to the needy, and support charitable causes. This practice is believed to accrue spiritual merits and purify the soul.

It is a time for devotees to deepen their knowledge of Hindu scriptures, philosophy, and spiritual teachings. Many participate in study groups, satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and discourses to gain a deeper understanding of their faith.

During "Chaaturmaas", some devotees take vows of austerity and refrain from certain activities. This may include avoiding non-vegetarian food, alcohol, smoking, or even reducing materialistic pursuits and indulgences. By voluntarily embracing simplicity and renunciation, individuals aim to cultivate detachment from worldly desires & focus on overall spiritual growth.

"Chaaturmaas" is also a time when devotees embark on pilgrimages to sacred places associated with Lord Vishnu or other deities.

Also during this time, it is believed that  all the Teerths (sacred rivers and ponds) in the whole world are considered to arrive at Braj Mandal for 4 months. Hence, people also visit Braj (Vrindavan & Mathura) during "Chaaturmaas."

These journeys allow them to seek divine blessings, perform rituals, and immerse themselves in a spiritually charged environment.

On the other hand, there's a belief that celestial beings and saints do not move around in the universe during "Chaaturmaas." They stay stationed at one place & perform Tapas.

Overall, "Chaaturmaas" is a period of heightened devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual practices in Hinduism.

During "Chaaturmaas", one can gain enormous benefits by indulging in below activities:

• Touching the Lotus feet of the deity- Brings fortune &  success.
• Performing Circumambulation around the deity in temple - Is considered highly spiritual and considered to be a form of offering prayers to the deity.
• Studying the shastras & Worshipping Lord Vishnu - Rewards one with   Vaikuntha.
• Practice of yoga - Bestows  good healh. Also helps one to align with his being.
• No bad words/ Avoiding foul language  - Rewards  command over one's thoughts and helps to gain control over self.

Apart from the above mentioned benefits, this day serves as an occasion to redirect our focus towards spiritual path, purify thoughts and actions, & seek the divine grace of Lord Vishnu.