Chaturmas 2024 Dates: Devshayani Ekadashi has special significance in Hinduism. By observing this fast, a person gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu as well as a place in Shivaloka.
The fast of Devshayani Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi 2024) is observed on the Ekadashi date of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month. Chaturmas starts from the day Lord Vishnu goes to sleep.
When the gods sleep, Lord Shiva takes care of the world. Astrologer Dr. Anish Vyas told that this year Chaturmas is starting from Devshayani Ekadashi on 17th July.
The end will be on 12 November on Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024). This year Chaturmas will be of 118 days. Last year it was of 148 days and 5 months. In the year 2023, due to Adhik Masaas, there were two Shravan Masaas (Sawan 2023).
Due to this, Chaturmas was of 148 days. This year, due to Chaturmas being 30 days less, i.e. four months long, all the major festivals are coming 10 to 11 days earlier.
Last year there were two Shravan months. This year, a difference of 10 to 12 days will be seen in the dates of all the festivals after Devshayani Ekadashi.
During Chaturmas, there are big festivals like Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Dussehra and Deepawali. These have an impact on social life as well as the market. Due to the impact of these festivals, there is a shower of money in the market.
Marriages do not take place during Chaturmas
Lord Vishnu is called the savior of the universe. After Shri Hari goes into rest, auspicious works like marriage, tonsure, sacred thread ceremony etc. are not considered auspicious.
It is believed that doing auspicious work during this period does not bring God’s blessings. Gods and goddesses are invoked in auspicious works. Lord Vishnu is in Yog Nidra, so he is unable to attend auspicious works. Due to which auspicious works are prohibited during these months.
God lives in the netherworld
According to the scriptures, King Bali, the ruler of Patala Lok, had asked Lord Vishnu for the boon of living in his palace situated in Patala. Therefore, it is believed that from Devshayani Ekadashi onwards, Lord Vishnu resides in King Bali’s palace in Patala for the next 4 months. Apart from this, according to other beliefs, Lord Shiva resides in his palace in Patala. mahashivaratri And Brahma ji resides in the underworld from Shivratri to Devshayani Ekadashi.
Four Months of Chaturmas
The first month of Chaturmas is Sawan. This month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The second month is Bhadrapada. This month is full of festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi and Krishna Janmashtami are also celebrated in this month. The third month of Chaturmas is Ashwin. Navratri and Dussehra are celebrated in this month.
The fourth and last month of Chaturmas is Kartik. Diwali festival is celebrated in this month. Devotthan Ekadashi is also celebrated in this month. With which auspicious works begin.
Upcoming major festivals
This year Janmashtami will be celebrated 11 days earlier on 26th August. Last year it was on 7th September. Hartalika Teej is 12 days earlier on 6th September. Last year it was on 18th September. Pitru Paksha will start from 18th September, which started on 30th September last year. Navratri will start from 3rd October. Dussehra will be celebrated on 12th October and Deepawali on 1st November.
Religious significance of not eating rice on Ekadashi
According to mythological belief, to escape the wrath of Mother Shakti, Maharishi Medha left his body and his body merged into the earth. Maharishi Medha was born in the form of rice and barley, therefore rice and barley are considered living beings. The day Maharishi Medha’s body merged into the earth was Ekadashi Tithi, therefore considering them as living beings, it is avoided to consume food on Ekadashi, so that the fast of Vishnu Priya Ekadashi can be completed in a satvik way.
Astrological reason for not eating rice
There is not only religious but also astrological reason behind not eating rice on Ekadashi Tithi. According to astrology, rice contains more water element. Moon has more influence on water. In such a situation, eating rice increases the amount of water in the body and this makes the mind distracted and restless. Due to the mind being restless, it becomes difficult to follow the rules of fasting.
Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi fast
According to Padma Purana, the person who keeps the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Also, by observing this fast, the person gets a place in Shivaloka.
Also all the gods salute him. By doing charity on this day, a person attains salvation. One should donate sesame seeds, gold, silver, gopi sandalwood, turmeric etc. on this day.
Doing this is considered to be very fruitful. The person who feeds curd rice to Brahmins and needy people on the day of Ekadashi Vrat Paran i.e. on Dwadashi Tithi, attains heaven.
There is also a belief about Devshayani Ekadashi that on this day all the pilgrimage places come to Braj Dham. Therefore, travelling to Braj during this time is considered auspicious and fruitful.
Devshayani Ekadashi: Mantra for the sleeping time of Lord Vishnu
Jagannath is asleep in the world.
The wealth of the wise is spent in the happiness of the wise.
Maitraghpade Swapiteeha Vishnu: Shruteshcha madhye parivartameti.
Awakening the paushnasya and the vasane do not eat the food, that too the Buddha: Prakuryat.
Devshayani Ekadashi Forgiveness Mantra
Devotees are praised for their devotion: Kirtid: Kirtivardhan:.
Kirtiradipti: forgiveness, devotion and mercy..
Take special care of your diet
At the beginning of Chaturmas, it is rainy season. Due to this, sunlight is not able to reach us because of the clouds. Without sunlight, our digestive power becomes weak.
In such a situation, special care should be taken about food and drink. Include such things in the diet which are easily digestible. Otherwise, stomach related diseases can occur.
Tradition of Chaturmas
It is said that one should follow discipline and discipline during the Chaturmas which runs from Sawan to Kartik. During these days, one wakes up early in the morning and does yoga, meditation and pranayam.
One should not eat non-vegetarian food and should not sleep during the day. During these four months, one should read religious texts like Ramayana, Geeta and Bhagwat Purana. One should perform Abhishekam of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. One should perform Shradh for ancestors and worship Goddess. Serve the needy people.
Worship in Chaturmas
That Lord Shiva-Shakti is worshipped in Sawan. This increases good fortune. Worshipping Ganesha and Shri Krishna in Bhado ends all kinds of defects.
In the month of Ashwin, there is a ritual of worshipping ancestors and goddess. These days, living with discipline during Pitru Paksha and fasting during Navratri helps in keeping good health.
At the same time, there is a tradition of worshiping Lord Vishnu in the month of Kartik (Kartik 2024). This increases happiness and prosperity. Chaturmas is considered very special because of the fasts, festivals and celebrations that come in these four months.
follow the rules
One should eat only one meal a day for four months. One should sleep on the floor or the ground. One should avoid Rajasic and Tamasic food items. One should follow celibacy for four months.
Special care should be taken of physical cleanliness. One should bathe daily. One should wake up early in the morning and meditate after bathing and should go to sleep early in the night.