Top News

New Delhi: There are many such traditions in Sanatan Dharma, whose purpose is not only to perform religious rituals but also to bring discipline, restraint and spiritual awareness in a person’s life. Chaturmas is considered to be such a special period. It is a holy period of four months when devotees try to improve their lives through devotion, sadhana, fasting and introspection. There is a religious belief that the effect of virtuous deeds done during this period is considered more auspicious, hence lakhs of people across the country especially observe Chaturmas.

According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturmas in the year 2026 will start from Saturday, July 25. This day is of Devshayani Ekadashi of Ashadh Shukla Paksha, which is considered very important. The belief of Lord Vishnu going into Yoga Nidra is associated with this day. At the same time, Chaturmas will end with Devuthani Ekadashi on Friday, November 20. This Ekadashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha is considered the day of awakening of Lord Vishnu. Thus this religious period will last for approximately 119 days.

Which months are included in Chaturmas?

The word Chaturmas itself means a group of four months. During this period, the months of Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik come. These four months have special religious significance in Hindu religion. In these months, the importance of worship, fasting, stories, donations and religious rituals increases. Many people follow special rules during this period and try to bring positive changes in their daily routine.

Lord Vishnu’s belief to Yoga Nidra

According to religious legends, Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. It is believed that during this time they rest in the world of King Bali and remain in a state of rest for four months. After this, God awakens again on the day of Devuthani Ekadashi. With this, marriage, housewarming and other auspicious functions also start again. This is the reason why this entire period is considered special for the worship of Lord Vishnu.

What is the religious significance of Chaturmas?

From the religious point of view, Chaturmas is considered a time of spiritual purification and spiritual progress. During this period, people stay away from worldly attractions and try to spend more time in devotion to God. It is believed that the results of chanting, penance, charity and worship done during this period are manifold. Therefore, a large number of devotees observe fast and take a pledge to adopt restraint and discipline in their life.

Why are auspicious works banned?

Auspicious activities like marriage, house warming, mundan, sacred thread ceremony and starting of new business are usually not performed during Chaturmas. According to religious beliefs, it is considered appropriate to postpone auspicious works during the rest period of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, most of the people organize such programs only after Devuthani Ekadashi.

Why do sages and saints stay at one place?

Chaturmas falls during the rainy season. Traveling becomes difficult during the rainy season and the number of small animals in nature also increases. For this reason, sages, saints and sages stay at one place during this period and spend time in meditation, preaching and religious activities. This tradition is called Varshavas or Chaumasa. Its objective is to protect living beings as well as to focus on spiritual practice.

Chaturmas is not limited to religious rituals only, but it also provides an opportunity to adopt self-control, discipline and a positive lifestyle. This is a time of four months which inspires a person to give a new direction to his life through devotion, meditation and introspection. This is the reason why Chaturmas is considered very sacred and important in the Sanatan tradition.