Chaturmas
– Photo: Amar Ujala
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Chaturmas means the period when Lord Vishnu goes into Yog Nidra for four months. Chaturmas will start from July 17. During this time, all auspicious works like marriage, wedding, tonsure and housewarming are prohibited and worship and charity have special importance. According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturmas begins on July 17, the day of Devshayani Ekadashi and from this day Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in Kshir Sagar for four months. After that, on November 12, from the day of Devuthani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu and all the gods wake up and take up their respective tasks. During this period, Lord Shiva takes charge of the creation. Therefore, there is special importance of worshiping Lord Shiva in the month of Sawan.
Importance of doing charity in Chaturmas
Acharya Praveen Sharma explains that the special importance of donating to the needy during Chaturmas has been mentioned in Padma Purana. During these four months, one should donate slippers, umbrellas, clothes, food grains and puja material. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi is pleased with those who donate during this period and does not let there be any shortage of money in your house.
Don’t do these things during Chaturmas
During Chaturmas, auspicious functions including marriage ceremony, engagement, mundan, child naming, housewarming etc. are prohibited.
practising disciplined living
Honey, radish, parwal, brinjal and greens should not be consumed.
