Chaaturmaasya Vratha (Austerities)
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Vratha means a Niyama; a restriction; it plays a significant
role in spiritual development of an individual when they are properly observed.
Any Vratha becomes futile if it is not performed with proper sankalpa;
hence, Sankalpa is a must before commencement of any Vratha to derive its
fruits. Sacred texts prescribe during Chaturmasam, one should make noble resolutions
viz. Sattsangha/Sajjana-Saangathya; Dvijabhakti; Vedapatana, Sathya-Bhaashana; Dharma-Saadhana;
Sattkriya; Go-Bhakti; Tharpana (Guru-Deva- Agni); Dana Bhakti.
Austerities should be performed starting from Aashaada
Sukla Ekadasi and continued up to Kaartheeka Sukla Dwaadasi. Vratha
requires the follower to be engaged in spiritual pursuits such as study of scriptures,
worship & service to God, generosity, avoiding discussion on materialistic
topics etc. Main purpose of all these austerities or vrathas or rituals is
ultimately to please the Lord the benefits of which are bountiful.
Austerities during Chaturmasam
Fasting
Fasting is not
uncommon to the world’s religious fraternity. All religions observe fasting
according to their own religious calendar; primarily in Hinduism it is in
vogue since time immemorial. In general we find fasting being observed by a
devout Hindu on various occasions. It is considered as a stimulant to the mind
and soul in addition to its tangible benefits to the physical body. Ancient
science of Aayurveda had long since recognized the significance and effects
of fasting on human body; while lot of research on it is being made in modern
medical science. Some of the latest findings have claimed that it can even
combat Cancer; boost effectiveness of its treatment and is useful even in
heart ailments.
Fasting acts as anti-oxidant to the body in
arresting the spread of free radicals; helps in increasing the positive
energy very important for spiritual development and in improving the mental
faculties. It acts as a cleansing agent to the body and soul. It helps one in
becoming more saattvik in nature. It gives one a firm resolve, immense
spiritual purity and satisfaction. In general fasting involves giving up food
and water sacrificing the need one cherishes that helps in gaining control
over the senses. It helps in getting detached from the mundane materialistic objects
and also helps in developing the habit of sacrifice.
Religious doctrines
have testified incredible wisdom of spirituality; should one fast earnestly associated
with prayer that immensely pleases the Supreme God. Fasting is a type of
penance that acts as a medium for achieving path to spiritual development and
ultimate salvation. Fasting becomes futile if it is not accompanied by sincere
prayer and meditation. It compliments and supplements prayer to the highest
degree.
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Among austerities to be observed during Chaturmasam
fasting stands in forefront. It is given lot of significance and is highly
meritorious especially during Chaturmasam. Some of the various types of fasting that are in vogue being observed especially during Chaturmasam are
as follows;
Fasting on all the Ekaadasi days (Nirjala Upavaasa)
Fasting continuously for five days starting from
Ekaadasi called Bheeshma Panchaka;
Fasting for five days in a month viz. Ekaadasi days
(2); on the full moon day (Pournami); on the new moon day (Amaavaasya); on the
day of Sravana star put together it is called Vishnu Panchaka;
Dhaarana-Paarana; fasting on one day and eating on the next day for a period of at
least one selected month during Chaturmasam;
Taking only one meal per day (except on Ekaadasi days)
in the afternoon as prescribed called Eka-Bhukta and not eating anything till next
day;
Partaking meals only once on the day of Dasami and
Dwaadasi and fasting completely on Ekaadasi day; called Dinatraya
Fasting during the day and eating in the night (except
on Ekaadasi days) as prescribed called Naktha Vratha;
Chaandraayana Vratha: This is undertaken for a period
of one month either in Aashaada maasam or Kaartheeka Maasam starting from Sukla
Paadyami up to Bahula Amaavaasya. In
this case one will take daily one handful of food (all items mixed together)
increased by one handful per each day in ascending order during Sukla Paksha
(bright fortnight) and reduced by one handful per day in descending order during
Krishna Paksha or dark fortnight.
Paraaka Vratha: Fasting continuously for twelve days to tone down the sins
committed. It is to be observed for
three years totaling to 36 days.
Shashtakaala Vratha: Eating once in six times
precisely once in three days. Kaala is
presumed as one day and one night. This is observed either for four months of
Chaturmasam or preferably during Kaartheeka maasam.
One may choose the type of fasting according to one’s
capability, health condition and will power. Caution: One should not resort to
fasting if age, physical condition and health do not permit. Fasting should not
become a means of just showing off; rather it should be a means of self
upliftment morally and spiritually.
Go-Padma Vratha
This vratha is dedicated to the worship of cows during
the four holy months of Chaturmasam starting from Aashaada Sukla Ekaadasi and
ending on Kartheeka Sukla Ekaadasi. Go-Padma
Vratha includes worshiping of Cows; cleaning of cattle sheds; decorating with
Kolams (rangoli) drawing a picture of
Cow and Calf and filling it up with 33 # Padmas drawn with Rangoli; and
performing 33 # circumambulations (pradakshina) around the picture. Those who
cannot go to the cattle shed perform this in their houses by drawing picture as
said above. In Hinduism, Cow is considered as holy and a symbol of
auspiciousness and worshiping Cow is a Vedic culture. It is strongly believed
that all Deities reside in the body of a sacred Cow and is revered as a divine
mother in animal form – Go Maatha. Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita that
He is Kaamadhenu among the Cows.
Laksha Pradakshina
It involves walking around an icon or idol in a temple
one lakh times. Apparently it looks difficult even for a normal healthy person
to complete the same during four months period. What is important is that, one
should understand the significance of Pradakshina and Lakh is only indicative that
it should be in abundant numbers according to one’s capacity.
Pradakshina means circumambulation around the intended
idol/icon in a temple which is a form of worship that is in vogue in Hindu
religion and culture since time immemorial.
Generally we come across devout Hindus taking Pradakshina around Thulasi
tree; Aswatta Vruksha (Peepal Tree); around sacred fire; apart from the temple
deity; Lord Hanuman; around the Brundavana of Sri Raaghavendra Swamy, Navagraha
temple etc.
Pradakshina is a form of Prayaschitta (expiation). It
should be performed with utmost humility and devotion in a meditative mood with
focus on the concerned deity and not just as a routine. Pradakshina is
performed as a mark of respect, obeisance and total surrender to the
deity. It should be performed slowly and
not in a hurry with our thoughts and actions dwelled on the God with folded
hands. According to its merits Pradakshina will tone down the sins; cause
destruction of Karma; bestows upon what is desired; leading to the path of
salvation.
Pradakshina sloka
Yaanikaani cha paapaani janmaanthara
kruthaani cha
Thaani thaani vinasyanthi pradakshina padae padae
Meaning: let lapses and blemishes made in this current
as well as the previous births and resultant affliction perish with every
pradakshina.
Lakshaavarti
Preparing one lakh cotton wicks and lighting lamps (Deepa)
with it preferably in a Lord Vishnu related temple. Thil oil or Ghee should be
used for lighting the lamps. Here again
one should understand the significance of Deepa. It is called Para Brahma
Swaroopa and also Lakshmi Swaroopam.
Lighting of lamp is very auspicious; it dispels the darkness; eradicates
our inner darkness (ego) and illuminates our knowledge i.e. inner light.
Mauna Vratha
It a vow to keep silent; remain mute; not speaking for
a predetermined period of time say one month either whole day or from Sunrise
to Sunset or for few hours in a day. Mauna
Vratha helps in acquiring purity of speech which is essential for spiritual
development. It helps in growth of positive energy; controlling anger and
speech, an opportunity for introspection of self and enhancement of self confidence
levels. It improves the meditative ability of an individual. During Mauna
Vratha one should observe absolute tranquility, should avoid making gestures,
watching TV, attending mobiles, sending messages, reading news papers and
magazines etc. One can offer silent prayer to God.
Vaachika Vratha: Getting involved in reading or
listening sacred texts like Bhaagavatha, Raamaayana, Maha Bhaaratha,
Bhagavadgita, Venkataachala Mahaatmya/Srinivasa Kalyaana (during Navarathri
days); SuMadhwa Vijaya etc. One can also sponsor for Paaraayana (discourse) of
the sacred texts in any temple/mutt.
Reciting sacred stothras: like Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama
Stothra; Sri Hari-Vaayu Stuthi; Sundara Kaanda, Sri Raaghavendra Stothra etc.
or singing the glory of Lord (keerthana)
Japa/Naama Smarana: Chanting divine names of Lord with a daily target viz. Naaraayana
Ashtaakshari or Dwaadasaakshari; Gaayathri Japa; Sri Raama Naama; Hare
Raama-Hare Krishna manthra; Naama Thraya Japa; Sri Raaghavendra
Ashtaakshari; etc
Rachana Seva: Scripting divine names of Lord with
a daily target like Sri Raama Naama (Raama Koti). Writing Sri Raaghavendra
Ashtaakshari can also be undertaken during Chaturmasam.
Others: Offering voluntary services in any temple/mutt like cleaning,
serving etc. can also be undertaken during Chaturmasam.
Above list of austerities is not exhaustive; one may add/choose
according to their own sampradaya.
Charities during Chaturmasam
Among the several Danas one can perform during this period, Anna
Dana is given lot of significance associated with great merits. Apart from Anna Daana one
can also give as charity the following: Saalagrama; Grantha (sacred text);
Bhoodana; Prathima Daana; Suvarna; Hiranya Daana; Thila; Dhaanya; Saaka Daana
(vegetables & fruits); Dadhi (curd); Ksheera (milk); Dvidala (Pulses);
Deepa Daana; Ghrutha (Ghee); Sayyaa Daana; Lavana (Salt); Amalaki; Umbrella; Paadaraksha etc.
End of the day one must understand the significance of
Chaturmasam and what vow to take up is a choice of an individual. As long as
the vow is to perform a sacred and pious act it would definitely yield positive
results and would bring pleasing rewards. They generate lot of positive energy
that helps one in the struggle of life. Control over the wandering mind and
discipline of life does a lot of good to the physical as well as mental
abilities of an individual.
Food restrictions during Chaturmasam
Any vratha imposes
restrictions on food that can be partaken. This is to reduce our dependence on
the external material world and realize the inner spiritual power. This is a
great way for achieving control over the senses which is a very important
factor for spiritual development. Food
restriction during Chaturmasam is broadly divided into four categories viz.
Saakha Vratha
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From Aashaada
sukla Dwaadasi to Sraavana Sukla Dasami
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Dadhi Vratha
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From Sraavana
Sukla Dwaadasi to Bhaadrapada Sukla Dasami
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Ksheera Vratha
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From Bhaadrapada
Sukla Dwaadasi to Aaswayuja Sukla Dasami
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Dwidala Vratha
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From Aaswayuja
Sukla Dwaadasi to Kaartheeka Sukla Dasami
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Saaka vratha
Saaka Vratha is first among the
four Vrathas of Chaturmasam related to food restriction. As the very name suggests,
Saaka or any kind of vegetable and fruit should not be offered to Lord nor
should be partaken. Examples of prohibited items are; all fruits and vegetables
including all leafy vegetables, curry leaves; coriander, chillies, tamarind,
lemons, spices, cashew, dry grapes, coconut etc. Instead of tamarind dry mango
powder is used and instead of chillies pepper is used.
Dadhi Vratha
During this Vratha, curd (yoghurt) is prohibited from
usage in any form or manner. However, buttermilk a derivative of curd is
allowed.
Ksheera Vratha
During this Vratha milk is prohibited from usage in
any form or manner. This restriction includes milk derivatives like cream of
milk, cheese or other dairy products but, excludes curds or yoghurt.
Dvidala/Bahu Beeja Vratha
During this Vratha usage of Dvidala and Bahu-Beeja
vegetables and fruits is prohibited. Dvidala refers to any seed or vegetable
which when broken or fried splits into two halves. Example: all type of Daals,
ground nuts, green peas, Bahu-Beeja refers to any fruit or vegetable that
contains multiple seeds and is covered by an external skin; example: apple, orange,
grape, pomegranate, cucumber and so on.
Logical reasoning of food restrictions
A healthy body is a healthy mind - One of the important factors
responsible for the well being of the human body and mind is the nature of food
that one consumes daily. It is believed that ultimate salvation is possible
only through human form and unless this human body which covers the soul is
healthy noble thoughts cannot emerge from the mind. In fact purity of mind and
body goes together and compliment each other. Not only
health but also our mind (mentality) depends on the type of food we take. Foods
and vegetables we take can be classified mainly in to three types viz.
Saattvik: one which produces good and
pious qualities;
Raajasik: one which induces passion;
anger etc (hot/ spicy/sour foods);
Thaamasik: one which is stale,
intoxicating, unhygienic like fast/junk foods, hot drinks etc.
Food
discipline during Chaturmasam is to gain control over our senses and thereby purify
our body and mind. According to 'Skandha Purana' fasting on Ekadasi serves as
a preventive medicine. This is most relevant especially during Chaturmasam
the monsoon period. During this time maximum fasting is prescribed as weather
would not be conducive to digestion and the quality of available food also
degenerates as a result of climate.
Generally
monsoon days are not healthy days in our country. Where river water is used
for drinking, it becomes turbid and this new water is likely to get
contaminated causing aberration to the health. Hence, observance of fasting during
this period counteracts the unhealthy conditions and helps people maintain
their health.
During pre-monsoon season leafy vegetables tend to rot. Due to lack of
sunlight vegetables will get infected. Further at times due to heavy rains
vegetables can not be stored properly. During rainy season due to continuous
rains human body is susceptible to cold, fever, viral infections and
digestive disorders. Hence, only vegetables and grains suited to the climate
are recommended. Observance of Chaturmaasya vratha helps in getting rid of
many health problems thereby one can enjoy good health.
One may
wonder how foods can be prepared during Chaturmasam without vegetable, pulse,
chilies etc. In this speedy and mechanical life, traditional way of cooking
and preparation of food is fast waning away. Only those following the
orthodox system are still holding it alive and hats off to those home makers
(Ladies) who are making it possible with their will power.
Even though
the living conditions have changed over a period of time with the advancement
of technology, Vedic disciplines cannot be dispensed with and they are
applicable even today. It is proved beyond doubt that our ancestors followed
these principles strictly and maintained sound health. Moreover in these hard
days of economy when prices of vegetables and food grains are shooting up one
should look for the alternatives. Food restriction during Chaturmasam is an
attempt in this regard and perhaps it is nature’s solution to maintain a
balance in home economy without compromising for health both mental as well
as physical and achieve the same in a spiritual way. For a healthy body and
healthy mind one should adapt to Saattvik food habits and food restrictions
during Chaturmasam is the quintessence of it.
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As long as
one performs a sacred and pious act with full faith and devotion, it would
definitely yield positive results and would bring pleasing rewards. They
generate positive energy, help in acquiring control over wandering mind
and bring discipline in life for self uplift. One must understand the concept, significance, logic and
intricacies of these Vrathas/austerities that will motivate an individual to
follow and observe them with full faith; devotion and percolate it down to future
generations to follow. One should
not make a tall claim of performing austerities, rather should be performed selflessly
with utmost humbleness and try to spread the divinity involved in it.
Purpose of life for every one is attainment of perfection and to
evolve oneself to it one must make use of every little opportunity in one’s
allotted span of life. Perhaps Chaturmasam is an appropriate occasion to streamline
ones life physically, mentally as well as spiritually.
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu
For concept-significance-salient features of Chaturmasam please click on the below given link...
Nicely explained according to current situation
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