Chaturmasa is a holy period of four months (July to
October), beginning on Shayani Ekadashi—the eleventh day of the bright half,
Shukla paksha, of Ashada (fourth month of the Hindu lunar calendar)—until
Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright half of Kartika (eighth
month of the Hindu lunar calendar) in Hinduism.
Chaturmasa is reserved for
penance, austerities, fasting, bathing in holy rivers and religious observances
for all. Devotees resolve to observe some form of vow, be it of silence or
abstaining from a favourite food item, or having only a single meal in a day.
Etymology
Chaturmasa literally means
"four months", derived from the Sanskrit.
Zodiac Interpretation
The sun enters the zodiacal sign
of Kataka (Cancer) and begins to move southwards in the month of Ashada.
Hinduism
The eleventh day of Ashada is
called Devashayani Ekadashi, because in Hinduism, Devas are believed to begin
to sleep on this day. They are believed to wake up on the eleventh of Kartik,
hence called Prabodhini Ekadashi. The period corresponds with the rainy season
in India.
It is believed that Devas are at
rest during this period and should not be disturbed, so no auspicious
ceremonies, such as weddings and thread ceremonies, are held during the four
months' period.
Significance for householders
Chaturmasa, inauspicious for weddings
and other celebrations is a suitable time for householders to have an annual
renewal of faith by listening to discourses on dharma, and by meditation and
vrata (self-control). Penance, austerities, religious observances, recital of
mantras, bathing in holy rivers, performing sacrifices, and charity are
prescribed. Fasts and purity during this period help maintain health, for which
there is likely a scientific rationale, disease spreading more readily with the
onset of monsoon.
A number of Hindus, particularly
those following the Vaishnava tradition, refrain from eating onions and garlic
during this period.
A Sansyasi performing Vyasa puja
as a part of Chaturmasa rituals.
The Sanyasis or ascetics observe Chaturmasa for four fortnights, beginning on full moon day of the month of Ashada, also known as Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima, and ending on full moon day of the month of Bhadrapada. Sanyasis are supposed to halt during this period at one selected place (Rains Retreat), and give discourses to the public.