Start of the Four-Month Sacred Period of Devotion and Spiritual Discipline
Chaturmas is a four-month period in the Hindu calendar (Ashadha to Kartika) when Lord Vishnu is believed to remain in Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep). Devotees observe various vrats, fasting, and spiritual practices during this period to purify their body, mind, and soul.
The Chaturmas Vrat begins on Devshayani Ekadashi, July 6, 2026, making this day highly auspicious for starting religious observances, charity, and devotion.
📅 Panchang for Chaturmas Vrat Begins – July 6, 2026
| Panchang Element | Timings / Details |
|---|---|
| Tithi | Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 5, 2026 – 08:10 PM Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 6, 2026 – 09:35 PM |
| Nakshatra | Shravana Nakshatra |
| Yoga | Shubha Yoga |
| Karana | Balava → Kaulava |
| Sunrise | 05:39 AM |
| Sunset | 07:01 PM |
| Parana (Breaking Fast) | July 7, 2026 – After sunrise and before 08:20 AM |
Note: Chaturmas is observed until Prabodhini Ekadashi (October/November). Devotees follow strict discipline, spiritual practices, and abstain from certain foods during this period.
🌟 Significance of Chaturmas
- Marks the beginning of the four-month sacred period when Lord Vishnu rests on Shesha Naga.
- Considered highly auspicious for fasting, meditation, spiritual reading, charity, and religious observances.
- Traditionally observed to avoid traveling, maintain discipline, and focus on devotion.
- Fasting and worship during Chaturmas is said to remove sins, purify the mind, and grant spiritual merit.
Legend:
According to the Puranas, Devshayani Ekadashi is when Lord Vishnu enters Yoganidra, and devotees are encouraged to undertake penance, worship, and charity for the next four months to earn divine blessings.
🙏 Chaturmas Vrat Observances & Rituals
1. Commencement on Devshayani Ekadashi
- Wake early, take a holy bath, and wear clean attire.
- Perform Vishnu Puja or Shiva Puja at home or in temples.
2. Fasting
- Devotees may choose full-day fasts, partial fasts, or abstain from grains for the entire Chaturmas period.
- Many avoid meat, alcohol, and tamasic foods.
3. Spiritual Practices
- Daily prayers, meditation, reading scriptures, and chanting mantras are recommended.
- Devotees observe discipline, cleanliness, and devotion throughout Chaturmas.
4. Charity (Daan)
- Food, clothes, and educational materials are donated to the needy.
- Planting trees and feeding animals is highly meritorious.
5. End of Chaturmas
- Chaturmas concludes on Prabodhini Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu wakes from Yogic sleep.
- Devotees break Chaturmas vrats with special rituals and offerings.
🌎 Regional Observances
| Region | Traditions |
|---|---|
| North India | Devotees maintain Chaturmas discipline; visit Vishnu temples for daily puja |
| Maharashtra & Gujarat | Special fasting rituals and charitable acts throughout Chaturmas |
| South India | Temples conduct special homams, recitations, and spiritual discourses |
| All India | Focus on meditation, scripture reading, and devotion during Chaturmas |
💠 Benefits of Observing Chaturmas Vrat
- Purifies mind, body, and soul
- Increases spiritual knowledge and wisdom
- Removes sins and negative karma
- Brings peace, prosperity, and family harmony
- Strengthens discipline, devotion, and focus
Panchang Official