Chaturmasya: Embracing the physical and spiritual benefits of ancient tradition

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Chaturmasya/ Chaturmasa is an ancient tradition practiced in Hinduism , Buddhism and Jainism . Monsoon retreat is practiced where the ascetics and saints stay at one place. Chaturmasa is derived from the Sanskrit words "Chatur," meaning four, and "Masya," meaning months. Chaturmasa / Chaturmasya practices are observed for four holy months, beginning with Deva Sayani Ekadashi in the Ashada month (June–July) and concluding on Uthana or Prabodhini Ekadashi in the Kartik month (October–November).According to a legend, these are the four months when Lord Vishnu undergoes yoga nidra , a deep meditative sleep on his serpent , shesha or Ananta shesha in the kshirsagar , the milky ocean.
The story goes that , Mahabali , the demon King performed Vishwajeet yagna under the supervision of his guru, Shukracharya and emerged powerful. Thereafter, King Bali or Mahabali took control of the entire world after defeating Indra dev.
Lord Indra was threatened by his loss of position and he along with all the Gods pleaded lord Vishnu to help. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana with the purpose of ending the rule of King Bali and restoring the supremacy of Indra, the King of Gods.
Vamana ( short height or dwarf ) Brahman appeared at King Bali's yagna (sacrificial ritual) and requested the generous Mahabali for three steps of land. After Bali granted this seemingly modest request, Vamana expanded to a colossal size, covering the entire earth in two steps. Realizing that Vamana was indeed Lord Vishnu, King Bali offered his own head for the third step. Pleased by Bali’s devotion, Vishnu granted him a boon: Bali requested that Vishnu stay with him in Patal Lok. Though Vishnu agreed, Goddess Lakshmi later secured a promise that Vishnu would visit Bali only for a certain period each year. Thus, it is believed that during Chaturmasya, while Vishnu is in yoga nidra on his Shesha or Ananta shesha, he also visits King Bali in the patal Lok or netherworld.
Chaturmasa is considered a yajna, or sacrificial ritual, in Sanatan Dharma and is categorized as a type of Nitya karma. In the Teeratha Yatra parva of Mahabharata, Pandavas practiced the Chaturmasa yajna during their pilgrimage. They observed the strict practices of Chaturmasya at the sacred peak of Brahmasara according to the rights and ordinances of the great sacrifice called Rishi yagna.
During Chaturmasa, it is suggested that practitioners step back from worldly affairs, both physically and mentally, to renew their spiritual and divine energies. This renewal can be achieved through practicing a controlled life and embracing solitude. Munis and Rishis, who adhere to strict vows, subsist on a sattvic diet of fruits and water during this period. This simple diet gives rest to the body's five elements (pancha bhutas) and the mind's five senses (pancha indriyas), serving as a form of internal cleansing.
In our fast-paced world of instant gratification, the practice of Chaturmasa helps minimize sensory indulgence. It is a time to enhance our spiritual and emotional intelligence by embarking on an inner journey by curbing excessive stimulus to sense organs. In the current age of Kali Yuga, focusing on abstinence, charity, fasting and spiritual practices during Chaturmasa is more relevant than ever