Chaturmas 2020: A Divine Rest For Four Months!

The Chaturmas 2020 are the four holy months of Hinduism which are appropriated for penance, performing austerities, fasting, bathing in holy rivers, and other such religious observances for all. This duration, which begins on Devshayani Ekadashi and ends on Devuthani Ekadashi is the time period when Lord Vishnu sleeps in the Ksheersagar, and goes into deep meditation. His sleep is given the name of Yoga Nidra, where Nidra means sleep. The Chaturmas 2020 begins with Devshayani Ekadashi, on 1 July 2020. Devshayani is an amalgamation of two words, ‘Deva’ which means God and signifies Lord Vishnu, while ‘Shayani’ or ‘Shayan’ means to sleep. Therefore, this is the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep for four months, the Chaturmas 2020.

This duration will come to an end on Devutthana Ekadashi, on 25 November 2020. Similar to Devshayani, Devutthana is also made of two words, ‘Deva’ and ‘Utthana’ which means to wake up. Thus, this is the day when the Chaturmas 2020 comes to an end and Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoga Nidra. During the Chaturmas 2020, Lord Vishnu sleeps on the Sheshnag underneath the Ksheersagar. The Yoga Nidra is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, during which, Lord Vishnu would withdraw his senses within himself becomes one with the universe, and is in the absolute state of realization. Let us learn more about Chaturmas 2020 that begins on Wednesday, 1 July to Wednesday, 25 November 2020.

Chaturmas 2020: What One Means By Chaturmas?

Chaturmas literally means the period of four months. However, this tenure of four months has a strong connection with divinity and people find this a favorable time to attain the blessings of Almighty. However, what exactly the Chaturmas 2020 entails, we will explain below:

Chaturmas 2020 begins on the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Asadha (also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi). This will occur on 1 July 2020 this year. Chaturmas 2020 continues till the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the Shukla Paksha of Karthik month, which is popularly known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devutthan Ekadashi. This will fall on 25 November 2020. Lord Vishnu is worshiped during Chaturmas 2020 as he lies on Sheshanag in Yoga Nidra. The period of Chaturmas 2020 is observed by various sects, namely Buddhists, Hindus, and Jainists.

No auspicious functions are performed during the Chaturmas 2020, especially marriage. It is believed that weddings conducted during Chaturmas 2020 will not offer auspicious results, i.e., will not be a happy and prosperous marriage. But, how does it affect the nuptial relationship between two people? Let’s take a look:

1. If a marriage takes place during Chaturmas, there are higher chances of divorce.
2. A wedding organized in the period between Devshayani Ekadashi and Dev Uthani Ekadashi, may also lead to possibilities of infertility.
3. It brings in numerous trifling arguments between husband and wife.

Before knowing more about Chaturmas 2020, let’s first know the dates when Chaturmas will be celebrated in 2020.

Chaturmas 2020 Dates

These are the dates of Chaturmas 2020, during which one must perform tenacities and fast and observe other such religious commemorations to please Lord Vishnu and attain his blessings.

Let us take a look at the cluster of Hindu festivals that are celebrated during Chaturmas. They are:

• Guru Purnima
• Hariyali Teej
• Nag Panchami
• Krishna Janmashtami
• Kajari Teej
• Raksha Bandhan
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Navratri
• Durga Puja
• Karwa Chauth
• Dhanteras
• Narak Chaturdashi
• Diwali
• Govardhan Puja
• Bhai Dooj
• Chhath Puja

For further reference, you can take a look at: Hindu Calendar 2020

Before moving forward, let us understand how this period of four months, Chaturmas 2020, different from other months? Below is the legend and significance associated with Chaturmas 2020.

Chaturmas 2020: What Is Chaturmas 2020?

The period of Chaturmas 2020 signifies extreme spirituality. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on Devshayani Ekadashi and wakes up on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Since, he sleeps for a period of four months, the same is termed as Chaturmas. Vishnu’s sleep is considered to be the epitome of the best meditating practice, hence, the term, Yoga Nidra.

To know the concept of Chaturmas 2020 better, take a look at the following:

• Devshayani Ekadashi 2020: A Guidance To Desired Life
• Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2020: The Wait Ends For Vishnu’s Awakening!

Now, let us move on to know the significance of Chaturmas 2020 in the various aspects of society.

Chaturmas 2020: Significance Of Chaturmas

Let us take a look at the different significance of Chaturmas 2020:

Significance Of Chaturmas 2020: Importance For Householders

Chaturmas 2020 is a time when the gods and goddesses are not meant to be disturbed by the followers. Hence, any auspicious task like yagna and anushthaan is not performed in the period starting from Devshayani Ekadashi and ends on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. The Chaturmas 2020 period is considered to be inauspicious for weddings and other such ceremonies. However, it is a suitable time to perform fasts and tenacities. Devotees also spend their time in recital of Mantras, bathing in holy rivers. Charity during the Chaturmas 2020 is also believed to be auspicious. Fasts and other austerities help a person maintain good health and guards him/her from certain diseases that are caused due to onset of monsoon.

Significance Of Chaturmas 2020: Importance For Sanyasis

Sanyasis observe the period of Chaturmas 2020 with full devotion. They perform Vyasa rituals during the Chaturmas 2020, as well as halt at particular places and provide discourses to the public.

Significance Of Chaturmas 2020: Importance For Jains

Jain monks believe that numerous bugs are produced during the rainy season that corresponds with the period of Chaturmas 2020. Moreover, there are insects that cannot be seen with naked eye and there is a possibility that humans may kill them, unknowingly. Hence, to incur minimal harm to other creatures, the monks prefer to stay in a village during the entire Chaturmas 2020 period. There, they perform several austerities that include Maun Vrat (abstaining from speaking).

Significance Of Chaturmas 2020: Importance For Buddhists

Buddhists monks consider the Chaturmas 2020 period with an almost similar approach as that of the Jains. The period of Chaturmas 2020 is also believed to be the time when Gautam Buddha stayed at the garden of King Bimbisara of Rajgir and delivered sermons to the ordinary public.

Let us now learn about the rituals and customs that should be observed during Chaturmas 2020.

Chaturmas 2020: How Should Chaturmas Be Observed In 2020?

Following are some of the traditions and customs that should be followed during the Chaturmas 2020 period:

1. One should get up early in the morning and take a holy bath. This deed will purify your soul during Chaturmas 2020.
2. Chaturmas 2020 fasts are observed by the devotees, where one abstains himself/herself from consuming food.
3. During the Chaturmas 2020 period, jaggery, milk, salty food, sweet dishes, brinjals, curd, alcohol etc. are avoided.
4. Vishnu Maha Puja is performed during the Chaturmas 2020 and the idols of Lord Vishnu are given a sacred bath.
5. Mantras like Vishnu Sahasranama are chanted during Devshayani Ekadashi and Devutthana Ekadashi.
6. On the last day of Chaturmas 2020 i.e., Devutthana Ekadashi, one should do charity by giving Dakshina to a Brahmin. Donations may include anything from clothes to essential food items.

One need not always perform strict tenacities to appease Lord Vishnu. Praying to the Lord with a devout heart is often enough. We hope that this article was informative with its details on Chaturmas 2020 and you are successful in pleasing the Lord and attaining his blessings.