On July 25, 2026, Saturday, the sacred Devashayani Ekadashi is observed in the Ashadha month. From this day, the period of Chaturmas, which lasts for four months, begins. According to religious beliefs, on this day, the Lord of all worlds, Shri Hari Vishnu, enters a state of yoga-nidra on the bed of the world ocean.
Significance of the Chaturmas Period
After God sleeps, all types of auspicious rituals, such as weddings, circumcisions, housewarmings, and others, are suspended. These four months (Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, and Kartik) are considered the best time for spiritual practices, fasting, and worship. During this time, there is an opportunity to receive blessings from both Lord Vishnu and Bollanath.
Rules of Conduct During Chaturmas
However, to avoid negative energy and maintain peace and tranquility in life during these four months, it is considered mandatory to follow certain rules. Below are five actions that should be completely avoided during Chaturmas, as well as methods that can remove life obstacles.
Five Prohibited Actions
Firstly, any auspicious and ritualistic events, including marriages, engagements, Upanayana sanskaras, circumcisions, or buying or moving into a new house, are strictly prohibited. Since the deities are in a state of sleep during this period, no major ritual or festival is conducted.
Secondly, a special dietary regimen must be followed, which is recommended both by Ayurveda and religion. Due to the monsoon season and weather changes, the digestive system weakens. Therefore, one should avoid consuming green leafy vegetables, eggplant, turnip, and tamasic foods (onion, garlic, meat, alcohol). Furthermore, special rules are observed for consuming milk, yogurt, and honey to maintain health and purity.
Thirdly, there is a tradition of sleeping on the ground. Many people renounce luxury and comfort, sleeping on mats or mattresses laid directly on the ground. It is believed that this helps eliminate ego in the soul and increases self-control.
Fourthly, one must stay away from anger and lies. During these four months, a person must completely control their thoughts, speech, and actions. Any form of lying, criticizing others, gossiping, or unjustified anger towards anyone should be avoided. The focus during this period is on meditation on God and leading a sattvic life.
Fifthly, travel and extravagance should be limited. Ancient tradition states that ascetics and saints spend Chaturmas staying in one place for asceticism. Ordinary people are also advised to avoid long and unnecessary journeys. This period is also considered a time for accumulating wealth and refraining from excessive spending.
Special Practices of Chaturmas
To gain the grace of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi, as well as to get rid of negative energy and overcome life difficulties, the following proven measures are recommended.
Regular Recitation of Vishnu Sarasanam: During these four months, one should regularly chant the mantra of Lord Vishnu, 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,' and read the Vishnu Sarasanam daily or on Thursdays. This helps maintain peace and tranquility in the home.
Worship of Tulsi and Lamp: In the evening, one should perform a circumambulation of the Tulsi plant, lighting a ghee lamp before it. It is believed that worshipping Tulsi during Chaturmas makes Mother Lakshmi very pleased, and there will never be a shortage of food and wealth in the house.
Donation of Yellow Items: On Thursday, one should offer yellow flowers, yellow clothes, besan laddus, or lentils to Lord Vishnu. It is also considered very auspicious to donate yellow items, turmeric, yellow clothes, or lentils to those in need.
Fasting and Ekadashi Rituals: It is necessary to observe a fast on all Ekadashi days that fall within the Chaturmas period (e.g., Devashayani). On Ekadashi day, one should perform the ritual of bathing Lord Vishnu with Gangotra water. Food should also be fed and donated to the poor or Brahmins.
Sattvic Life and Cow Care: During these four months, one should regularly feed the cow the first portion of bread. One should also give peas and sugar to ants. It is believed that this leads to the destruction of all sins and brings the blessings of ancestors.
