Orthodhaval at 12:27, 20 March 2026

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{{Short description|Hindu observance}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name = Chaturmasya
| type = hindu
| longtype =
| image = Shesh shaiya_Vishnu.jpg
| caption = Vishnu sleeps on his serpent, Shesha.
| official_name =
| nickname =
| observedby =
| begins = [[Shayani Ekadashi]]
| ends = [[Prabodhini Ekadashi]]
| date2016 = 15 July – 10 November
| date2018 = 26 July - 19 November
| duration = 4 months
| frequency = Annual
| celebrations =
| observances =
| relatedto =
| date =
}}

'''Chaturmasya''' ({{langx|sa|चातुर्मास्य|lit=Cāturmāsya}}; [[Pali]]: ''Catumāsa''),<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-02-09 |title=Caturmasya, Cāturmāsya: 18 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/caturmasya |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> also rendered '''Chāturmāsa''', is a holy period of four months, beginning on [[Shayani Ekadashi]] (June-July) and ending on [[Prabodhini Ekadashi]] (October-November) in [[Hinduism]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Lochtefeld |first=James G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5YnQSAAACAAJ |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism |date=2002 |publisher=Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-8239-2287-1 |pages=145 |language=en}}</ref> This period also coincides with the [[Monsoon of South Asia|monsoon]] season in India.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Melton |first=J. Gordon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&dq=chaturmas+hinduism&pg=PA172 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |date=2011-09-13 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-205-0 |pages=172 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Rinehart |first=Robin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMPYnfS_R90C&dq=chaturmas+hinduism&pg=PA142 |title=Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice |date=2004 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-57607-905-8 |pages=142 |language=en}}</ref>

Chaturmasya is reserved for penance, austerities, fasting, bathing in holy rivers and religious observances for all. Devotees resolve to observe some form of vow, be it of silence or abstaining from a favourite food item, or having only a single meal a day.

==Etymology==
Chaturmasya literally means "four months", derived from the [[Sanskrit]] ''chatur'' (चतुर्), "four",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&tinput=four&country_ID=&trans=Translate&direction=AU |title=Spken Sanskrit |access-date=2009-07-06}}</ref> and ''māsa'' (मासः), "month".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&tinput=month&country_ID=&trans=Translate&direction=AU |title=Spoken Sanskrit |access-date=2009-07-06}}</ref>

==Hinduism==

=== Literature ===
Chaturmasya begins on the eleventh day of the Hindu lunar month of [[Ashadha]] or [[Shayani Ekadashi|Devashayani Ekadashi]]. This is celebrated as the day that the deity [[Vishnu]] enters a yogic sleep (''[[yoga nidra]]'')<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=557–558 |language=en}}</ref> on his serpent, [[Shesha]], for a period of four months and wakes up on [[Prabodhini Ekadashi]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> This is associated with the story of King [[King Bali|Bali]] and Vishnu's incarnation as [[Vamana]]. Bali, the king of demons, had seized power from the [[Indra]] (the king of the gods) and was ruling over the entire universe. The gods sought shelter from Vishnu to regain their power. Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf, and asked Bali for three steps of land. As soon as Bali obliged, Vamana assumed a gigantic form. With his first step, he covered the entire earth, and with his second step he covered the mid-world. Since there was no place for his third step, Bali suggested that Vamana place it on his head. Vamana was pleased with him and granted him a boon, and with his third step, sent Bali to ''[[Patala]]'' (netherworld).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vamana {{!}} Hindu mythology {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vamana |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> According to the boon, Bali requested Vamana or Vishnu to live with him in Patala. Vishnu obliged which worried all of the deities, including the goddess [[Lakshmi]] (Vishnu's consort). Lakshmi then devised a plan which only allowed Vishnu to live with Bali for a certain duration.<ref>{{Cite book |last=PRAKASH |first=S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_-hEEAAAQBAJ&dq=chaturmas+king+bali&pg=PT156 |title=Unlock Luck and Wealth with the Keys of Dharma: Pending Karma of Atonement of Your Sins and Activation of Lakshmi |date=2021-09-27 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-68538-332-9 |language=en}}</ref> This duration is also known as Chaturmasya or the period that Vishnu "sleeps" while visiting King Bali. <ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-07-12 |title=Ashadhi Ekadashi 2019: Know the date, auspicious muhurta, worship method, and significance |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/devshayani-ekadashi-2019-know-the-date-auspicious-muhurta-worship-method-and-significance/articleshow/70172777.cms |access-date=2023-03-10 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Followers of the [[Shaivism]] sect recall the story of the churning of the ocean of milk. The story is recalls how [[Shiva]] saved creation by drinking poison called "halahala" which emerged from the ocean while it was being churned by the ''asuras'' (demons) and ''devas'' (demigods). The poison was held at his throat to prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body, thus turning it blue.<ref name="Melton2011" />

=== Observances ===

Performing lifecycle rites such as weddings is considered inauspicious during chaturmasya.<ref name="Zelliot">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7PDr-QF4YmYC&pg=PA207 |title=The Experience of Hinduism |date=January 1988 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-88706-662-7 |editor=Eleanor Zelliot, Maxine Berntsen |page=335}}</ref> Instead it is seen as a suitable time for householders to have an annual renewal of faith by listening to discourses on [[dharma]], and by meditation and [[vrata]] (self-control). Penance, austerities, religious observances, recital of [[mantra]]s, bathing in holy rivers, performing sacrifices, and charity are prescribed. Fasts and purity during this period help maintain health, for which there is likely a scientific rationale, disease spreading more readily with the onset of monsoon.<ref name="Melton2011" /> A number of Hindus, particularly those following the Vaishnava tradition, refrain from eating meals that are oily, salty, sweet or that contain onion or garlic, and eggplant during this period.<ref name="Melton2011">{{cite book |author=J. Gordon Melton |title=Religious Celebrations: L-Z |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&pg=PP2 |year=2011 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-205-0 |pages=172–173}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bhat |first1=Ramesh V. |last2=S. |first2=Vasanthi |date=2008 |title=Antiquity of the cultivation and use of brinjal in India |url=http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Asian%20agri%20history%202008---.pdf |journal=Asian Agri-History |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=169–178 |via=Google Scholar}}</ref>[[File:chaturmas.jpg|thumb|A Sansyasi performing Vyasa puja as a part of Chaturmasya rituals]]
The [[sanyasi]]s or ascetics observe Chaturmasya for four fortnights, beginning on full moon day of the month of Ashadha, also known as [[Guru Purnima]] or Vyas Purnima, and ending on full moon day of the month of [[Bhadrapada]].<ref>''Sampurna Chaturmas'' in Marathi</ref> Sanyasis are supposed to halt at one place during this period.<ref name=":0" />

===Celebrations===
Major celebrations within this period include:
* [[Guru Purnima]]
* [[Krishna Janmashtami]]
* [[Onam]]
* [[Raksha Bandhan]]
* [[Ganesh Chaturthi]]
* [[Navaratri]] (Dasahra – [[Durga Puja]] – [[Vijayadashami]])
* [[Diwali]]
* Champa Shashthi ([[Margashirsha]] bright 6th ) - Per custom in [[Maharashtra]], Chaturmasya ends on this day.

==Jainism==
In Jainism this practice is collectively known as ''Varshayog'' and is prescribed for [[Jain monasticism]].<ref>{{citation |last=Sangave |first=Vilas Adinath |title=Facets of Jainology: selected research papers on Jain society, religion, and culture |year=2001 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2FGSGmP4jNcC&pg=PA139 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |isbn=81-7154-839-3 |page=139}}</ref> Wandering monks such as [[mendicant]]s and [[ascetics]] in [[Jainism]], believe that during the rainy season, countless bugs, insects and tiny creatures that cannot be seen in the naked eye take birth massively. Therefore, these monks reduce the amount of harm they do to other creatures so they opt to stay in a single place for the four months to incur minimal harm to other lives.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Constance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |last2=Ryan |first2=James D. |date=2006 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=978-0-8160-7564-5 |pages=208 |language=en}}</ref> These monks, who generally do not stay in one place for long(59 nights for females, 29 nights for males), observe their annual 'Rains Retreat' during this period, by living in one place during the entire period amidst lay people, observing a [[vow of silence]] ([[Mauna (silence)|mauna]]), meditation, fasting and other austerities, and also giving religious discourses to the local public.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

During the four-month rainy-season period, when the mendicants must stay in one place, the chief ''sadhu'' of every group gives a daily sermon (''pravacana'', ''vyakhyana''), attended mostly by women and older, retired men, but on special days by most of the lay congregation. During their eight months of travel, the ''sadhus'' give sermons whenever requested, most often when they come to a new village or town in their travels.{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=104}}

One of the most important Jain festivals, [[Paryushana]], falls during the beginning of this period, which concludes with Forgiveness Day, ''[[Kshamavani]] Diwas'', wherein lay people and disciples say ''[[Micchami Dukkadam]]'' and ask forgiveness from each other.<ref>{{cite book |last=Roy |first=Christian |title=Traditional festivals: a multicultural encyclopedia, Volume 1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA356 |year=2005 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=1-57607-089-1 |page=356}}</ref> Amongst [[Jain]] merchants, there is a tradition of inviting monks to their respective cities during Chaturmasya to give religious instruction.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mehta |first=Makrand |title=Indian merchants and entrepreneurs in historical perspective: with special reference to shroffs of Gujarat, 17th to 19th centuries |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9lz3gNDMbWEC&pg=PA98 |year=1991 |publisher=Academic Foundation |isbn=81-7188-017-7 |page=98}}</ref>

In Jainism, the third part of the classical [[Jain text]] ''[[Kalpasutra (Jainism)|Kalpa Sutra]]'', written by [[Bhadrabahu]] I in the 4th century BCE, deals with rules for ascetics and laws during the four months (chaturmas) of the rainy season, when ascetics temporarily abandon their wandering life and settle down amidst the laity. This is the time when the festival of Paryushan is celebrated and the [[Kalpasutra (Jain)|Kalpasutra]] is traditionally recited.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

==Buddhism==
{{See also|Vassa}}

[[Gautama Buddha]] stayed at the royal garden of King [[Bimbisara]] of [[Rajgir]], whom he had recently converted, for the period of Chaturmasya and gave sermons: this practice is followed by monks to this day. Another reason for ascetics to stay in one place during the rainy season is that the tropical climate produces a large number of insects, which would be trampled by travelling monks.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

[[Vassa]] is varsha-vas i.e. three-month annual stay observed by Theravada monks. It begins with [[Asalha Puja]]. At the end of Bassa, during [[Kathina]], new robes are donated by the laity to the monks. [[Kathina]] is a Buddhist festival which comes at the end of [[Vassa]], the three-month rainy season retreat for [[Theravada|Theravada Buddhists]] in [[Buddhism in Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] (known as Kaṭhina Cībar Dān), [[Buddhism in Myanmar|Myanmar]], [[Buddhism in Thailand|Thailand]], [[Buddhism in India|India]], [[Buddhism in Sri Lanka|Sri Lanka]], [[Buddhism in Vietnam|Vietnam]], [[Buddhism in Cambodia|Cambodia]], [[Buddhism in Laos|Laos]], [[Buddhism in Malaysia|Malaysia]], and [[Buddhism in Singapore|Singapore]].<ref name="bbc">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/holydays/kathina.shtml Kathina] at [[BBC]]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Kathina Festival – VietNam Breaking News |url=https://www.vietnambreakingnews.com/2016/12/the-kathina-festival/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=www.vietnambreakingnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412082905/https://www.vietnambreakingnews.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The season during which a monastery may hold Kathina is one month long, beginning after the full moon of the eleventh month in the [[Lunar calendar]] (usually October).

==Notes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
* {{citation |last=Cort |first=John E. |author-link=John E. Cort |title=Jains in the World : Religious Values and Ideology in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PZk-4HOMzsoC |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |date=2001 |isbn=0-19-513234-3}}
* {{citation |last=Sangave |first=Vilas Adinath |author-link=Vilas Adinath Sangave |title=Jain Community: A Social Survey |url={{Google books|FWdWrRGV_t8C|plainurl=yes}} |date=1980 |publisher=[[Popular Prakashan]] |location=Bombay |edition=2nd |isbn=978-0-317-12346-3 }}

==External links==
* [https://www.indiatoday.in/india/photo/jain-chaturmas-begins-363971-2010-07-19 Jain Chaturmasya begins]

{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Hindu calendar}}
{{Jainism topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Vrata]]
[[Category:Jain practices]]
[[Category:Hindi words and phrases]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]

[[Category:July observances]]
[[Category:August observances]]
[[Category:September observances]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]

Chaturmasya - Revision history

Orthodhaval at 12:27, 20 March 2026