Chaturmas Sanatan is a very sacred and important period in Hinduism. It starts from Ashada Shukla Devshayani Ekadashi and runs till Kartik Shukla Devothan Ekadashi, which is a period of about four months. In this particular period, Lord Vishnu gets absorbed in Yoganidra and Lord Shiva takes the responsibility of conducting the creation. This period holds special spiritual significance in Sanatan Dharma.ALSO READ: How long will Chaturmas be, 15 things should not be eaten in these 4 months
The universe is conducted by Tridev – Brahmesh (Creator), Hrishikesh (Jagatpalak), and Mahesh (Jagat Niyanta/destroyer). When Jagatpalak Srihari Vishnu enters Yoganidra by handing over the charge of Srishti to Shri every Shiva, then the question arises as to why this happens and why does Lord Vishnu rest in these four months?
The description of Yoganidra of Lord Vishnu is found in various Puranas like Vishnu Purana, Vamana Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Srimad Bhagwat Purana and Brahmin texts.
According to a belief, when Lord Vishnu took the Vamana incarnation, he tested the charity and integrity of King Bali. Even after the refusal of Guru Shukracharya, King Bali remained firm on his word. In Vamana form, Vishnu asked King Bali to ask for three steps. King Bali could not understand the greatness of Vamana and three steps agreed to donate the earth. Then Vamana measured the entire earth in the first step, the gross universe in the second. When the turn of the third step came, King Bali put his head forward in commitment.
Pleased with the devotion of King Bali, Shri Hari asked him to ask for a bride. King Bali immediately invited Srihari to stay with him in Hades. Following his promise, Shri Hari started living in Yoganidra on the bed of Sheshnag in Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk) in Chaturmas. Kshirsagar is spiritually considered a symbol of cosmic consciousness – a supernatural and divine place where Jagatpalak Srihari is absorbed in deep meditation.
There is another belief in the same Brahmavaivarta Purana that Lord Vishnu became extremely adorned after the war with the demon Shankhchud. Therefore, he handed over the charge of the universe to Lord Shiva and went to the deep Yoganidra himself. Since then, in these four months, Mahadev Shiva got the responsibility of conducting the creation.
The real meaning of Srihari’s Yoganidra in Chaturmas is different from the sleep of ordinary humans. This is an indicative state, in which they separate themselves from the activities of the world and become stable within themselves. During this period they are not in full sleep, but their consciousness remains awake. His consciousness is also awake in Mahadev, as described: ‘Brahma, Vishnu, Sadashiv Janat Aviveka, among the Pranavakshaskars, these three are united.’
At this time Mahadev plays the role of keeping Vishnu’s consciousness awake in himself. They listen to the prayers and requests of the devotees. They allow events to occur according to Dharmachakra and Karchakra. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva, whom we generally consider destroyers, play the role of the foster and patron of the creation. This is a unique feature of Chaturmas, which exposes the multidimensional form of Lord Shiva. He is not only the deity of destruction, but also a patron, provider and supreme yogi.Also Read: Chaturmas will start from July 6, know what should not be done in these 4 months
The month of Sawan, which comes under these four months, is very dear to Lord Shiva. In this whole month, devotees worship water, milk, belpatra, dhatura etc. on the Shivling and worship them. It is believed that during this time Shivji travels on the earth and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.
This is the reason that Shiva palanquin is extracted from temples across the country, and the royal ride of Mahadev Mahakal in Ujjain, one of Saptapuri, is world famous. This spinach form of Mahadev assures the devotees that even if the highest power of the foster is resting, his safety and welfare will always be taken care of by Shiva.
Manglik works like marriage, shaving, home entry are prohibited in Chaturmas. But this period is very important from the spiritual point of view, in which many holy fasting festivals come. देवशयनी एकादशी पर हरिहर मिलन, गुरु पूर्णिमा, सावन सोमवार और कांवड़ यात्रा, नागपंचमी, रक्षाबंधन, हरतालिका तीज, श्री गणेश चतुर्थी, श्री कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी, ढोल ग्यारस, अनंत चतुर्दशी, पितृ पक्ष, शारदीय नवरात्रि, दशहरा, करवा चौथ, अहोई अष्टमी, धनतेरस, दीपावली, गोवर्धन पूजा, भाई दूज, देवउठनी एकादशी ये सभी पर्व Humans give an opportunity to peep within themselves and get spiritual peace.
In this period, we can focus on spiritual progress by staying away from external pranks. This time inspires us to adopt sattvic lifestyle, fasting, fasting, renunciation of tamasic food, meditation, penance, restraint, practice, self -study, dedication and introspection, which improves the speed of both Ihlok and the hereafter.
Detailed description of Chaturmas is found in religious texts Dharmasindhu and Decision Sindhu. It is also associated with the cycle of season change and nature. During this time a wonderful pleasant and seductive change is seen in nature. All this is a symbol of revival of creative energy of the Jagatpalak Vishnu and Jagat -controlled Shiva.
The Yoganidra of Lord Vishnu also teaches us that introspection and relaxation is necessary in life. Just as they rest for a period despite being spinach for the cosmic system, similarly humans also require sleep and self -consciousness for their physical and mental health.
It is also the time of balance of creation and restructuring of energy. During this period, Lord Shiva takes charge of the operation of the universe, which shows beautiful harmony between Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. This time is considered to be special fruitful for worship, meditation and chanting according to religious texts.
It is the period of penance and self -consciousness, which shows that even the highest power takes a break to renew itself and accumulate cosmic energy. Similarly, for humans this period is very good for autobiography, spiritual progress and self -purification. This inspires us to control our senses and grow on devotion.
Chaturmas concludes on the eleventh day after Deepawali on Devotthan Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoganidra and re -handles the work of creation. From this day, all auspicious works like marriage, home entry start again, and a new energy and enthusiasm is communicated in the atmosphere.
In short, Chaturmas reflects the harmony of divine powers, which maintain the balance of the universe. In the same way, it also inspires us to self-improvement and spiritual development, making us more successful, meaningful and beautiful.
(The idea/analysis expressed in this article is personal to the author. ‘Webdunia’ does not take any responsibility for this.)Also Read: If you want to achieve siddhis, do these 3 tasks in Chaturmas
