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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Chaturmas(Four Month)-Chaturmas Vrat-Chaturmas Date2017-About Chaturmas or Chaturmas Vrat-Chaturmas Vrat Katha-Chaturmas Rituls-Pictures

Chaturmas -Vrat Date2017

Chaturmas and Chatur Mas Vrat, is observed for a period of  4 months and it begins from the Dev -Sayani Ekadasi in Ashada month and ends on Utthana Ekadasi in Kartik Month.This year Chaturmas Vrat begins on July 4 Tuesday and ends on October 31 2017 .The Gujarati  four months of Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwina and Kartik are considered as the holiest months in the Hindi calendar.

Importance Chaturmas or Chaturmas Vrat

Chaturmas is a period consisting of four human months and it begins from the Devsayani Ekadasi in Ashada month and ends on Utthana Ekadasi in Kartik Month. The four months of Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwina and Kartik are considered as the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. The four months is of great importance to Lord Vishnu devotees as this period is believed to be the sleeping period (Yoga Nitra) of Vishnu.
As Vishnu goes to bed on the Sukla Ekadasi of Asadha, it is called Sayana ekadasi; As He turns on His side on the Sukla ekadasi of  Bhadrapada, it is called Parivartana ekadasi and when He wakes up on Sukla ekadasi of Kartika, it is called Uttana ekadasi.

Most people decided to read the Mahabharata or Ramayana or Gita or Srimad Bhagwat Puran during the fourth month period. Some people make it a point to visit temples daily and indulge in spiritual activities.

Chaturmas Vrat Katha

Chaturmas Vrat  is observed for a period of four months and it begins from the Devsayani Ekadashi in Ashadh month and ends on Utthana Ekadashi in Kartik Month. The four months of Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwini and Kartik are considered as the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. Different types of vows and Vratas are observed by Hindus during this period.The Supreme Lord and the Demi-gods are at rest. This period is referred to as Chaturmas - four months.

You may wonder how did this Vrat come about and what is the significance of Devashayani (When the God sleeps) and Devprabodhini (When the God wakes)? It is explained in the Bhagavata Purana.

The Asuras and Devas, bitter enemies though they may be, are brothers. Their father is Maharishi Kashyapa and their mothers are his two wives Diti and Aditi respectively, Who are also sisters and the daughters of Tvastr Prajapati. Although Prajapati is properly the name of Brahmaji, his mind-born sons such as Tvastr, Kardama, Daksha etc. are called Prajapati because the actual work of creation was done by them. Thus another name of Brahmaji is Pitamaha or Grandfather as the entire creation is the children of His children. Narada refused to take part. Narada realized that as vast and magnificent as this Brahmanda is, it is insignificant and momentary compared to Bhagavan. Enraged, Brahmaji cursed him to wander forever through the worlds but Narada Muni took it as a blessing, the chance to meet all the various Bhaktas and watch them praise Shri Hari.

Because their mothers are Diti and Aditi respectively, the Asuras are called Daitya and the Devas are called Adityas (Especially Suryadev who is the oldest.) The difference between the two can also be explained by their mothers names. Diti is what is finite and Aditi is infinity. It is explained in the Chandogya upanishad and elsewhere that both the Devaraja Indra and the Asura raja Virochana had an opportunity to study Brahmavidya. But Virochana thought it meant “There is nothing but the self so one can do whatever one likes.” Indradeva on the other hand was able to understand the true meaning, that the self is beyond the limits of the petty whims and desires that make up the mortal body. For this reason, Bhagavan favours the Devas over the Asuras.

But the good guys don’t always stay good and the bad guys don’t always stay bad. Sitting in Amaravati, his palace in Swarga, Indradeva became puffed up with pride and forgot the true source of his power. Meanwhile, Bali the son of Virochana was thinking. Realizing the error his father had made, he resolved to purify himself of all evil and engage in rigorous tapa. Because of this the Daityas were able to overcome the Devas and Indra was dethroned. For all its exaltation and power, to be Indra is just an office. Just as through had work one can hope to be promoted in ones job, through earning much Punya one can hope to be promoted to the post of Agni, Surya, or even Indra. But the converse of that is that through the accumulation of sin, one can lose that position again. In the Vishnu Purana there is a story of how once Bhagavan showed Indradeva a line of ants winding their way at the foot of his throne all of which had once been an Indra in a former life than sunk all the way down to the condition of an insect. Thus a wise man should realize the ultimate futility of karma and seek Vairagya alone.

Accompanied by the Devas, Indra went to Goloka and begged Vishnu Bhagavan to save him. Bhagavan who is ever merciful to his Bhaktas agreed. He took the form of Vaman, 8 year old Brahman boy. Shiva takes a similar form in his Batuk Bhairava rupa. Bhagavan Vaman went to see Bali who received him cordially and offered him a gift. Bhagavan in his Vaman rupa asked him for enough land to cover three steps. Looking at the little legs of the boy in front of him, Bali burst out laughing and urged him to ask for more. But Bhagavan was adamant so Bali granted the strange request. Immediately, Bhagavan grew to collossal size. With one stride he covered the Earth and with a second, the heavens. Laughingly he asked Bali “I have covered everything and still have one step to go. Where shall I put it?” This is why one of His names is Vikram or Trivikrama. “Who takes (three) wide steps.” Bali realized who he was dealing with and immediately offered up his own head for the third step. This is the sign of true nobility. When he was left with nothing Bali gave up his own head rather than break his word. Bhagavan took the third step and crushed Bali back down to Sutala again.
Pleased with this display of devotion, Bhagavan went to visit Bali and offered him a wish. Bali replied “As I provided the third step, I request that you together with your wife Lakshmiji should come and live with me one third of the year. Bhagavan agreed and since then we have observed the Chaturmas Vrat. During this time, Bhagavan is considered to be asleep. Thus the start of Chaturmas is called Devashayani Ekadashi and the day Bhagavan wakes up and Chaturmas ends is called Devprabodhini Ekadashi.

Chaturmas Rituls

Chaturmas Vrat is not very hard and fast but the hardcore devotees observe the vrat very strictly,as mentioned here,

The devotee gets up before sunrise,takes holy bath and worships Lord Vishnu.Chatrumas Vrat fast is observed ie no food items such as milk,jaggery,curd,oil,brinjals ,leafy vegetables, salty,spicy food ,sweet dishes meat and hard liquors are consumed.

Some devotees observe the fast monthwise,
Shravan month - avoid leafy vegetables,
Bhadrapad month - curd is avoided.
Ashwin month - milk is avoided,
Karthik month - udit dal is avoided.
Vishnu Maha puja is performed,by giving a sacred bath to the Idol of Lord Vishnu(Abhishek), by chanting the mantras i.e. Vishnu Sahasranama and stotras etc.Chaturmas is believed to be the night of Lord Vishnu, So,Vishnu devotees listen to his stories,also recite them to others,through stories or hymns(bhajans).

On the final day of Chaturmas Vrata (Utthana Ekadasi or Kartik Shukla Ekadashi), the devotee offers Dakshina (includes food, clothes and other daily commodities) to a Brahmin and gets his blessings.
Many devotees read the epics Mahabharat,Ramayan, Bhagwad Gita and Bhagwad Puran.There are also few devotees who daily attend the religeous activities in the temple.Devotees spend time in helping the poor and maintaining the Vishnu temples.
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Pradosh Vrat-About Pradosh Vrat-Pradosh Vrat Important-How to Objerved Pradosh Vrat


About Pradosh Vrat

 


Pradosha or Pradosh is an important day dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva. Pradosha Vrat falls on the 13th day of every lunar fortnight according to the traditional Hindu calendar followed in India. Lord Shiva devotees fast on Pradosham days from sunrise to sunset and break the fasting after the Pradosha pooja held at Lord Siva Temples.

Som Pradosha, Bhauma Pradosh, and Shani Pradosh are the 3 types of Pradoshas. Pradosh which falls on Mondays is called Soma Pradosha, and that on Tuesday is Bhauma Pradosh, and that on Saturday are known as Shani Pradosh. Pradosh Vrat, which is also known as Pradosham in South India, is observed to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

Pradosh Vrat is observed on both Trayodashi Tithis, i.e. Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, in lunar month.

When Pradosham day falls on Monday it is called Soma Pradosham, on Tuesday it is called Bhauma Pradosham and on Saturday it is called as Shani Pradosham.


Pradosh Vrat Important

 

Pradhosha Vrata, or Pradhosham, is an important fasting day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pradosha occurs twice in a month – on the 13th day (Trayodashi) – during the waxing moon fortnight and the other during the waning moon fortnight. The puja and worship is done in the evening. The Pradosha period can be loosely indicated as 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset.

The Shiva Purana states that one undertakes fasting on Pradhosha will be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. The fasting and worship is specially undertaken by women who long to have children. It is said that those praying to Shiva during the auspicious time of Pradhosha will be freed from sins.


There are numerous legends associated with the Pradhosha Vratam. It is believed that Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison that was churned up from the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan) during Pradosham.

Another myth indicates that Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple, are in a propitious mood during the evening twilight on the Trayodashi day and hence are easily pleased and grants whatever that a sincere devotee asks.

Offering Bael or Bilva leaves during the period to Lord Shiva is considered auspicious.

There are Shiva devotees that observe fast on both Pradosha days in a month. Some only fast during the waning phase of moon.

Staunch devotees opt for water only fasting and will only eat the ‘prasad’ offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked from next day morning.

Another method of fasting is by eating fruits and such devotees eat cooked food on the day after the evening prayers. The strictness of the Pradosha fasting is usually decided by the devotee.

Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples.

Since Monday is dedicated to Shiva, the Pradosha falling on Monday is referred as Soma- Pradosha and is considered highly auspicious. Pradosha falling on Saturday during the waning phase of moon is also auspicious.


How to Objerved Pradosh Vrat

 


Pradosha Vrata is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight and there are two Pradosham in a Hindu month. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped in the evening during twilight on this day. In some regions, the day is dedicated to Nataraja form of Shiva. The fasting on this day is observed for success, peace and fulfillment of desires. It is said that mere darshan of any of the one form of Shiva removes ignorance.

Pradosham is observed when the Trayodashi Tithi is there during the twilight period. This is important.
The importance of Pradosha Vrata and how to observe it is narrated in the Skanda Purana.
There are two methods of fasting on the day. Some people observe a 24-hour fast which includes not sleeping during night. Another method is fasting from sunrise till sunset and after Shiva puja in the evening the fast is broken.

Pradosham is the twilight period just before sunset and after sunset. Pujas and prayers are performed during this period. Many people during this period spend the time in a Shiva temple or listening to the glory of Shiva.
In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha, Kartik and Nandi. After the initial prayers, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Kalasha (sacred pot). The Kalasha filled with water is covered with darbha grass and a lotus is drawn on the pot.
Another form of worship is the puja of Shivling. The shivling is bathed with water and Bilva leaves are offered. Some people use a painting or picture of Shiva for worship. It is said that offering Bilva leaves on Pradosham is highly auspicious.
After this people listen to the Pradosha Vrata Katha or story or read chapters from Shiva Purana. Then the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is recited108 times.
After this the water used in the puja ceremony is given as ‘Prasad’ along with sacred ash. The ash is applied on the forehead.
It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosham period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding. Majority of Shiva devotees have a darshan of Shiva during Pradosham in a nearby temple.



Related Links

Pradosh Vrat-Pradosh Vrat Date Year 2016, Year 2017-Pradosh Vrat Pooja Time

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Pradosh Vrat-Pradosh Vrat Date Year 2016, Year 2017-Pradosh Vrat Pooja Time


The Pradosh vrat is a most famous Hindu Vrat that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Pradosh Vrat or Pradosham is observed twice in the lunar month as per the Hindu calendar.Pradosh means the dusk of the early night or evening tide. This fast is observed in the evening twilight, and so it is called Pradosh Vrat. It is observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight. Here is Pradosh Vrat Date of Year 2016 and Year 2017 and Its important and other Information.


(K) - Krishna Paksha Pradosham
(S) - Shukla Paksha Pradosham

Pradosh Vrat Date Year 2016

 



Date/Month
Day
Vrat
Pooja Time
07  January
Thursday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:35 to 20:20
21  January
Thursday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
17:46 to 20:28
06  February
Saturday
Shani Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:59 to 20:37
20  February
Saturday
Shani Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:10 to 20:44
06  March
Sunday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:20 to 20:49
20  March
Sunday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:28 to 20:52
05  April
Tuesday
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:37 to 20:55
19  April
Tuesday
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:45 to 20:59
04  May
Wednesday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:54 to 21:03
19  May
Thursday
Pradosh Vrat (S)              
19:03 to 21:08
02  June
Thursday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
19:10 to 21:14
17  June
Friday
Pradosh Vrat (S)              
19:16 to 21:19
02 July  
Saturday
Shani Pradosh Vrat (K)
19:18 to 21:21
17  July
Sunday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
19:15 to 21:20
31  July
Sunday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
19:08 to 21:16
15  August
Monday
Soma Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:56 to 21:07
29  August
Monday
Soma Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:41 to 20:57
14  September
Wednesday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:23 to 20:44
28  September
Wednesday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:06 to 20:32
13  October
Thursday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
19:15 to 20:20
27  October
(Thursday)
Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:35 to 20:11
12  November
(Saturday)
Shani Pradosh Vrat (S)
17:24 to 20:05
26  November
(Saturday)
Shani Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:20 to 20:03
11  December
(Sunday)
Pradosh Vrat (S)
17:20 to 20:06
26  December
(Monday)
Soma Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:27 to 20:13




Pradosh Vrat Date Year 2017

  


Date/Month
Day
Vrat
Pooja Time
10  January
Tuesday
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (S)
17:38 to 20:22
25  January
Wednesday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:50 to 20:31
08  February
Wednesday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:02 to 20:39
24  February
Friday
Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:13 to 20:45
10  March
Friday
Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:22 to 20:49
25  March
Saturda
Shani Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:31 to 20:53
08  April
Saturday
Shani Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:39 to 20:56
24  April
Monday
Soma Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:48 to 21:00
08  May
Monday
Soma Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:56 to 21:04
23  May
(Tuesday)
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (K)
19:05 to 21:10
06  June
(Tuesday)
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (S)
19:12 to 21:15
21  June
(Wednesday)
Pradosh Vrat (K)
19:17 to 21:19
06  July
(Thursday)
Pradosh Vrat (S)              
19:18 to 21:21
21  July
(Friday)
Pradosh Vrat (K)
19:14 to 21:19
04  August
(Friday)
Pradosh Vrat (S)
19:05 to 21:14
19  August
(Saturday)
Shani Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:52 to 21:05
03  September
(Sunday)
Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:36 to 20:54
17  September
(Sunday)
Pradosh Vrat (K)
18:19 to 20:42
03  October
(Tuesday)
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:00 to 20:28
17  October
(Tuesday)
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:45 to 20:17
01  November
(Wednesday)
Pradosh Vrat (S)
17:56 to 20:09
15  November
(Wednesday)
Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:23 to 20:04
01  December
(Friday)
Pradosh Vrat (S)
17:19 to 20:04
15 December
(Friday)
Pradosh Vrat (K)
17:22 to 20:07
30 December
(Saturday)
Shani Pradosh Vrat (S)
18:55 to 20:15
  

Note: 24-hour clock with local time of New Delhi & DST adjusted for all Muhurat timing.


Related Links 


Pradosh Vrat-About Pradosh Vrat-Important-How to Objerved Pradosh Vrat

Read More »

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