Chaturmas 2017: Four Religious Months Of Austerity

The holy period of Chaturmas in 2017 will commence from July 4 and come to an end on October 31. Devshayani Ekadashi marks the start and Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the last day of this holy period. Perform prayers, fasting, and good Karma to please Lord Vishnu. Explore more...

Chaturmas is referred to a period of four months (from July to October). Devshayani Ekadashi i.e. the eleventh day of bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) marks the beginning of Chaturmas. As per the Hindu Calendar, these four months start from the Hindu month Ashadha and lasts till the month of Kartik. The name Chaturmas is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Chatur’ that means ‘four’ and ‘Maas’, meaning month. Let's now explore some more aspects of these four holy months and look out all about Chaturmas and much more. Let’s begin with the Chaturmas 2017 Dates.

Chaturmas 2017 Dates

Chaturmas is the time when one can go for austerities, penance, taking holy dips, and many more religious activities. Let’s take glance at the dates of Chaturmas in 2017.

The above mentioned dates will help you to observe fasting and perform other related rituals during the time of Chaturmas. Hence, you will again get the blessings of Lord Vishnu during this Chaturmas.

Now, as we know the dates of this holy period, let’s take a look at the important festivals that would fall during this Chaturmas 2016:

Important Festivals During Chaturmas

1. Guru Purnima
2. Hariyali Teej
3. Naag Panchami
4. Raksha Bandhan
5. Kajari Teej
6. Janmashtami
7. Hartalika Teej
8. Ganesh Chaturthi
9. Sharad Navratri
10. Durga Puja
11. Karwa Chauth
12. Dhanteras
13. Narak Chaturdashi
14. Diwali
15. Govardhan Puja
16. Bhai Dooj
17. Chhath Puja

Now, let’s go ahead and take a glance at the significance of these four holy months of Chaturmas. Therefore, you will be able to celebrate Chaturmas with more faith and strong belief.

Chaturmas : Significance Of Four Holy Months

The period of Chaturmas holds an important significance for all the believers. It is believed that the deities goes for taking rest during these four months. This period from Devshayani Ekadashi to Dev Uthani Ekadashi is not considered to disturb the sleep of the deities. Hence, any auspicious ceremony is avoided, especially the marriage ceremonies are not initiated during Chaturmas. Let’s take a deep look at the significance of Chaturmas for householders and the Sanyasis, so that you can also know the importance while observing Chaturmas.

Chaturmas : Significance For Householders

The time duration of Chaturmas is not considered good for performing any kind of auspicious ceremony or celebration. All the ceremonies are being stopped right from the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. They are then again started from the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

Chaturmas is noted as an apt time to listen and recite the verses of Gods. Along with this, the period of Devshayani Ekadashi is known best for performing fasts or sacrifices, taking holy dip in rivers, for religious activities or meditation, and charitable deeds. Since, the period of Chaturmas starts during monsoon season, keeping fasts and rigor help to safeguard from health problems that may arise during monsoon season.

Chaturmas : Significance For Sanyasis

The period of Chaturmas is observed by the Sanyasis (ascetics) for a span of four fortnights. This time period starts from Guru Purnima or the full moon day of the Hindu month Ashadha and it lasts till the full moon day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada. During the time period of four holy months of Chaturmas, the Sanyasis stay at one place and narrate discourses to the common people for bringing them closer to the Almighty.

Hence, during the period of Chaturmas, you should also try to maintain the cleanliness and purity in thoughts. Try to indulge yourself in religious activities during this Chaturmas, to please Lord Vishnu.

Let’s now take a glance at the reason behind the occurrence of Chaturmas with the help of the legend associated with it.

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.

Chaturmas : Importance For Communities

The period of Chaturmas has different reasons to make it an important period for the Jains and the Buddhist communities. However, the aim of the holy period of four months is the same i.e. imbibing peace and committing religious acts during Chaturmas. Let’s take a look at the reason behind celebrating Chaturmas in both the communities:

Chaturmas : Importance For Jains

The time of monsoon gives birth to many seasonal insects. Sometimes they are very small in size and could not seen with bare eyes. So, there is a possibility that they may get killed, unintentionally. Jain monks believe that it is wrong to kill or harm these creatures. That’s why, during this time period of Chaturmas, they stay at one place, keep Maun Vrat (silent fast), perform austerities, and increase religious knowledge of the people.

Chaturmas : Importance For Buddhists

It is believed that Gautam Buddha remained at King Bimbisara’s royal garden, during the period of Chaturmas. In this time period, he gave sermons, hence, Buddhist monks also stay at one place and follow the same deeds as done by Gautam Buddha.

The importance of Chaturmas must have become clear before you. You should also observe the period of Chaturmas with dedication and devotion. During this Chaturmas, follow the fact that you should not harm any living creature as per the beliefs of Jains and Buddhists.

Now let’s take a look at the rituals that should be followed during this Chaturmas.

Chaturmas : Rituals Of The Day

Shayani Ekadashi or the Devshayani Ekadashi will commence the period of Chaturmas. A fast is observed on this day. There are some of the rituals that should be followed by the devotees in order to please Lord Vishnu. Let’s take a look at these rituals and make the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi worthwhile.

1. The observer of the fast should wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath, to startup with the rituals of the first day of Chaturmas.
2. As per the Chaturmas Vrat rituals, one should not consume food on this day.
3. Idol of Lord Vishnu is given bath and then the ritual, Vishnu Maha Puja is performed on Devshayani Ekadashi.
4. Mantras are chanted in order to please Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. The devotees usually chant the Mantra of Vishnu Sahasranama.
5. When the period of Chaturmas ends i.e. on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani, charitable deeds like donating clothes, offering food etc. are performed.

Hopefully, during the initiation of Chaturmas i.e. on the occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi, you would follow all the rituals with full faith and devotion.

Chaturmas : Impacts Of Fasting

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. Let us see what all would be the effects of avoiding or eating these things:

Now let's take a glance on what can be done or avoided during the period of Chaturmas.

Chaturmas : Do's and Don'ts Of Chaturmas

While the period of Chaturmas goes on, there are certain do’s and don’ts that one can follow on this Chaturmas to get blessings of Lord Vishnu. Let’s take a look at them:

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.

Chaturmas : 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.

Hopefully, this information on Chaturmas will help you understand all about the four holy months of Chaturmas. This way, you can now perform all the best tasks during the period of Chaturmas. Observe the fast and follow all the rituals on the day of Shayani Ekadashi. Along with this, do not forget to follow the do’s dont’s in between the period of Devshayani Ekadashi to Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

AstroCAMP wishes you a blessed Chaturmas..!