Vasudeva Dwadashi or Vasu Dev Dwadasi is the Dwadasi day dedicated to Lord Vasudeva (Lord Sri Krishna). Vasudev Dwadasi falls on Ashada Shudda Dwadasi, just a day after Shayana Ekadasi or Deva Sayani Ekadashi. In 2009, the date of Vasudeva Dwadashi Vratam is July 4, Saturday. According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu represents Ekadasi and Goddess Mahalakshmi represents Dwadasi.
On Vasudeva Dwadasi, devotees of Sri Krishna recite Krishna stotras and worship Lord Sri Krishna. Some devotees donate cow to please Lord Krishna. Godaanam (Donating cow) is the most meritorious deed performed on Vasu Deva Dwadasi. Performing puja to cow is the most recommended ritual to do on Vasudev Dwadashi. Vasudeva Dwadasi is also observed as Vamana Dwadashi.
Shiva Shayana Vrata or Shiva Sayanotsav is an auspicious vrata observed to mark the Yoganidra (meditative sleep) of Lord Shiva for four holy months, Chaturmas. Shiva Shayan Vrata begins on Ashada Purnima, the day which is also celebrated as Vyas Purnima or Guru Purnima. Shiva Sayana Vratam is a main festival for Shaiva sect of people. In 2009, the date of Shiva Sayana Vrata is July 7, Tuesday.
Puranas described that as similar to Lord Vishnu who sleeps on Ksheer Sagar for four months, Lord Shiva also goes into sleep for four months. Shiva ties all sins of with his ‘Jhata Jhoot’ (hair) and sleeps on tiger’s skin. Hence, it is called as Shiva Shayanotsavam. During Shiva Shayanotsav, four holy months, Lord Shiva demolishes sins and evil and establishes wellness and prosperity.
The rituals of Shiv Sayanotsav include, Shiva Dolotsavam or Shiv Dolotsav is celebrated. Reciting Shiva Purana is highly meritorious. Lord Shiva’s idol is swung in a cradle during Shiva Dolotsav.
Lord Shiva Rakha Stotram to recite on Shiva Sayani Vrata
Shiva Mangalashtakam – Astakam to Lord Shiva
Chaturmas Vrata is the observance that is performed for four holy months as per Hinduism. Chatur Mas Vratam begins either in Ashada masam on Ekadasi or Dwadashi or on Pournami day when Sun enters into Karka (Cancer) rashi. According to major Panchangas, in 2009, the date of Chaturmasa Vratam Arambh is on july 4, Saturday. Ashada Shudda Dwadashi is also observed as Vasudeva Dwadashi.
In some sects, Chaturmas Vratham is observed from Ashada Pournami or Ashad Purnima. Ashada Pournami is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima or Guru Purnami.
Some more people observe Chatur Mas Vrata from Sayani Ekadasi or Deva Shayana Ekadashi, which falls on July 3, Friday in 2009.
According to Puranas, in these Chaturmas, four holy months – Shravana, Badrapada, Aswayuja, Kartika, Lord Vishnu stays at Paathala with King Maha Bali. During Chatur Mas vrata, people of Shaiva sects observe Shiva Shayanotsavam and Shiva Dolotsavam. They believe that during these four holy months Lord Shiva goes into Yoganidra (meditative sleep) just like Lord Vishnu.
Chaturmas Vrata Niyama – Rules and Code to Follow during Chaturmasa Vratam
Chaturmasa Vrata Phala – Merits of Chatur Mas Vrata
Merits of Chatur Mas Vrata are highly considerable; because of the period of vrata is 120 days i.e 4 months. The devotee who follows the basic rules and principles of Chatur Mas vrata will attain salvation and reaches the God head in his next birth. Puranas described that Chaturmasa Vrata Saadhak would not have any rebirth.
Who takes meal only after seeing nakshatra (nakshatr darshan) during Chatur Mas Vrata will become rich and wealthy.
During Chaturmas Vrata, the one who takes meal only on alternate days will stay forever in Vaikunta (Heaven of Lord Vishnu). It means who keeps fast on alternate days will attain moksha (salvation).
The one who keeps fast for five days and takes meal only on sixth day will obtain the result of Ashwamedha Yaga and Rajasuya Yagna.
Chaturmas Vrata Niyama – Rules and Code to Follow during Chaturmasa Vratam
Even though there is no strict and hard rule and code to observe Chaturmas Vrata. But some devotees observe the vrata by setting certain niyama (rules) themselves. Here is the list of Chatru Mas Vrata niyama that are followed by most of the devotees.
Vrata Saadhak (the performer of the Vrata) gets up from sleep early in the morning before sunrise and worships Lord Vishnu.
Chatrumas Vrata Saadhak maintains the fast from certain food items such as Jaggery, oil, milk, curd, brinjals and leafy vegetables. Saadhak avoids eating salty and spicy food. Sweet recipes are also avoided.
In some regions, devotees avoid eating certain food items in each month during Chaturmas Vrata. In Shravan month, they avoid leafy vegetables. During Bhadrapada masam, curd is avoided. In Ashwin month, milk is avoided and in Karthik maas, pulses or dal are avoided.
The important niyama or rule during Chatur Mas Vrat is avoiding non-vegetarian food. Sleeping on the floor is considered highly meritorious.
Maintaining Mauna Vratam (keeping thyself silent) and spending time in worshipping Lord Vishnu is also meritorious. Keeping away from anger is recommended.
On the final day of Chaturmas Vrata (Utthana Ekadasi or Kartik Shukla Ekadashi), saadhak offers Dakshina (includes food, clothes and other daily commodities) to Brahmin and gets his blessings.
Chaturmas Vrata Phala – Merits and Benefits of Chatur Mas Vrat
