According to the Hindu calendar, Ashadh is considered the fourth month of the year. This year the month of Ashadh will start from 30th June and end with Guru Purnima on 29th July. After this the month of Sawan will start. From religious point of view, the month of Ashadh is considered very auspicious. This time is considered especially fruitful for the worship of Lord Vishnu, meditation, penance, chanting and spiritual contemplation. From Devshayani Ekadashi falling in this month, Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra in Kshirsagar for four months. With this, Chaturmas begins.
In Sanatan tradition, Chaturmas is considered a time of spiritual practice and restraint. Marriage, housewarming, mundan and other auspicious functions are not performed during this period. Sages and saints also stay at one place for these four months and do penance, self-study and satsang. Many important religious festivals like Devshayani Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Gupt Navratri and Guru Purnima come in the month of Ashadha.
Religious significance of Ashadh month
According to religious texts, the month of Ashadha is considered a symbol of devotion and introspection. At this time, the rainy season also arrives, which brings new energy and greenery to nature. It is believed that from Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra for four months and awakens again on the day of Kartik Shukla Ekadashi i.e. Devuthani Ekadashi. Auspicious auspicious activities come to a halt during Chaturmas. At the same time, the importance of fasting, chanting, charity, story-listening, satsang, service and worship of God increases manifold. This time is considered the best for self-purification and spiritual progress.
Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Ekadashi of Ashadha Shukla Paksha is called Devshayani or Harishayani Ekadashi. This year this fast will be observed on 25th July. There is a religious belief that on this day Lord Vishnu enters Yoganidra for four months on the bed of Sheshnag in Kshirsagar. After this, God awakens again on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi i.e. Devuthani Ekadashi (21 November). On the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, one attains special virtue by worshiping Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi as per the rituals, keeping fast and chanting the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay’. It is believed that this fast brings happiness, prosperity and blessings of Lord Vishnu in life.
Importance of Guru Purnima
The festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadh month. This year this festival will be celebrated on 29th July. It is also called Vyas Purnima, because Maharishi Vedvyas appeared on this day. Maharishi Vedvyas edited the Vedas and composed many great texts including Mahabharata, Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran. On this day, it is considered very auspicious to respect Guru, Acharya and teachers and take their blessings.
What to do in the month of Ashadh?
- Worship Lord Vishnu, Mother Lakshmi and Lord Shiva with devotion.
- Chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya’ daily.
- Light a lamp and worship in front of the Tulsi plant in the morning and evening.
- Recite Shrimadbhagwadgeeta, Vishnu Sahasranama, Shrimadbhagwat and Ramcharitmanas regularly.
- Donate food, clothes, water, umbrella, fruits and other essential items as per your capacity.
- Serve the needy and participate in charitable works like cow service, tree plantation and water conservation.
- Eat satvik food, stay away from anger and negative thoughts and try to adopt a balanced life.
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