Chaturmasya is a sacred four-month period starting from Ashadha Shukla Dashami and ending on Kartika Shukla Paurnima. The months of Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashvina, and Kartika fall within this time. These months are especially pleasing to Bhagavan Vishnu.
Importance of Chaturmasya Vrata:
Compulsory for All: Like Ekadashi and Krishnashtami (Jayanthi) vrata, Chaturmasya Vrata is mandatory for all.
Duration: It spans from Ashada Shukla Ekadashi (Shayana Ekadashi) to Kartika Shukla Dwadashi (Utthana Dwadashi).
Significance: During this period, Mahavishnu is believed to be in a yogic sleep (yoganidra). Sanyasis are required to stay in one place during this time.
Observances:
For All Ashramas and Varnas: Not just sanyasis, but people of all ashramas, varnas, and both men and women are expected to observe certain dietary restrictions.
Dietary Restrictions:
First Month/Paksha:
Avoid: All vegetables (shaka) and dishes made from vegetables, fruits, mustard, red chilies, turmeric, tamarind, methi, coriander, curry leaves, ginger, green chilies, lemon, coconut, channa dal, and channa flour or oil.
Allowed Items:
Panchamrutha Abhisheka: Only milk, homemade curds, ghee, sugar, and ripe mangoes. Honey is not allowed.
Other Consumables: Toor dal (togari bele), moong dal (hesaru bele), urad dal, black pepper (karimenasu), jeera, raw whole moong dal, wheat (godhi), rava, maida, sesame (yellu), oil, ghee, sugar candy, jaggery (bella), milk, curds, butter, ripe or raw mangoes.
Chaturmasya is a period of devotion and discipline, involving specific dietary practices to honor Lord Vishnu.
