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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Chaturmas: What to do and not to do during the four sacred months after Devshayani Ekadashi
The Divine Pause in Cosmic Calendar There are many stories mentioned in our Vedic texts, like the Vedas, Puranas, etc. in the context of Chaturmas (literal meaning: four months), which begins after Devshayani Ekadashi. According to our scriptures, Devshayani Ekadashi creates a divine pause in the cosmic calendar. Scriptural Foundation and Lord Vishnu 's Cosmic Sleep As per the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, goes into Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) for four months, lying on Sheshnag in the Ksheer Sagar (cosmic ocean). He awakens on Devuthani Ekadashi, also known as Devotthan or Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Vedic calendar month of Kartik. This period is known as Chaturmas (Chatur = four, Maas = months). It is believed that all auspicious activities are paused during this time because the Preserver Himself is resting. Vishnu awakens on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, also called Devuthani or Prabodhini Ekadashi. Historical Context and Practical Origins In Vedic times, sages and ascetics avoided travel during the rainy season due to practical reasons—flooded roads, diseases, and the protection of insects and new plant life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Instead, they would stay in one place and engage in tapas (austerities), study, and meditation. This practice evolved into the Chaturmasya Vrata. Even Jain and Buddhist monks follow this tradition. These four months became a sacred window for discipline, minimalism, and purification. Activities to Embrace During Chaturmas Charity and Service (Annadaan) Charity and helping others during Chaturmas are considered highly auspicious. Offering food, clothes, or donations to the needy helps neutralize bad karma and brings blessings. Annadaan (food donation) holds special significance. Spiritual Practices and Worship Devotees are encouraged to observe fasts, especially on all Ekadashis from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani or Devprabodhini Ekadashi, which marks the end of Chaturmas. Fasting aids in controlling desires, cleansing the body, and strengthening the mind. One should worship Lord Vishnu with devotion, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, and chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", which aligns the devotee with divine energies and enhances spiritual focus. Sacred Study and Self-Reflection Devotees are also encouraged to read sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, or perform daily recitations of devotional hymns. This period is ideal for deepening one's understanding of dharma (righteousness) and practicing inner discipline. Activities to Avoid During Chaturmas Auspicious Ceremonies and New Ventures Certain activities are avoided during Chaturmas. Weddings, housewarming ceremonies, mundan rituals, and new business ventures are usually postponed, as it is believed that divine energy is at rest, and initiating new ventures may not receive full blessings. Environmental Restraint People are also advised to avoid digging the earth, cutting trees, or harming living beings during this time, as nature is in a regenerative state. Even unnecessary travel is discouraged to support the theme of stillness and reflection. Dietary Guidelines for Spiritual Purity During these four months, it is advisable to follow a sattvic diet, avoiding onion, garlic, meat, fish, and alcohol. Consuming light, pure, vegetarian food helps maintain physical and mental purity, keeping the mind calm and sattvic (spiritually inclined). Personal Vows and Spiritual Discipline Many people take a personal vow (niyam) during Chaturmas such as avoiding certain foods, speaking less, or not sleeping on a bed—to cultivate self-control and spiritual awareness. These vows serve as tapas (austerity), building inner strength. The Spiritual Significance: Inner Transformation The four months of Chaturmas are an opportunity to detox life—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. By simplifying our lifestyle, reducing sensory overload, and cultivating devotion, we align ourselves with higher consciousness. Spiritually, Devshayani Ekadashi symbolizes a turning point in the year—a time to withdraw from outer actions and focus on inner purification. Just as Lord Vishnu rests, cosmic energy becomes inward facing, supporting practices like prayer, meditation, self-discipline, and self-study. A Sacred Window for Growth Chaturmas represents more than just a religious observance; it is a holistic approach to spiritual development that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This four-month period offers devotees a structured framework for deepening their spiritual practice while maintaining harmony with natural cycles and cosmic rhythms. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Ekadashi vrat today; know the auspicious parana time, shubh muhurat, puja rituals and more
Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: The auspicious festival of Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is known as Devshayani Ekadashi. Hindu devotees believe that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is observed just after the Jagannath Rath Yatra in the month of June or July. Chaturmas, a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar, starts from this day. Let's learn about the auspicious timings and vrat parana time today: Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Devshayani Ekadashi is considered a very pious day in Hinduism. (Pinterest) Also Read | Muharram 2025: Ashura to be observed on July 6 or 7 in India? know date, significance, history of the Islamic New Year Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Date and auspicious time According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious festival of Devshayani Ekadashi falls on Sunday, July 6. Here are all the important timings you need to know about today: Vrat Parana Time: July 7, 5:29 AM to 8:16 AM On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 11:10 PM Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 6:58 PM on July 5 Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 9:14 PM on July 6 Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Chaughadiya Muhurat Udvega (Bad) - 5:29 AM to 7:13 AM Labh (Gain) - 8:57 AM to 10:42 AM Amrita (Best) - 10:42 AM to 12:26 PM Shubha (Good) - 2:10 PM to 3:54 PM Shubha (Good) - 4:14 AM to 5:29 AM, July 7 Amrit (Best) - 8:39 PM to 09:54 PM Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Significance and rituals Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Padma Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. The festival is considered extremely pious, and it is believed that fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day frees one from all sins. Charity and religious acts are also considered to have special importance on Devshayani Ekadashi. From this day, Lord Vishnu goes into Yog Nidra for about four months and hands over the responsibility and management of the earth to Lord Shiva. On this day, wake up early to take a bath, install Lord Vishnu's idol in the place of worship, dress him in white or yellow clothes, and light a ghee lamp in front of the Lord. Then offer Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers to Lord Vishnu. After this, read the Ekadashi fast story and offer bhog or prasad after Aarti.
