Chaturmasya Vidiya or Chatumas Dwitiya is observed on Kartik Krishna Vidiya as per Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat Calendars. Chaturmas Dwitiya 2009 date is November 4. On Chaturmas Vidiya, Ashoonya Shayana vratam is concluded. Ashoonya Sayan vrat is started on Shravan Krishna Vidiya and continued for four holy months.
Though, Chaturmasya Vidiya is a least known festival but Vishnu Puja on this day is recommended for great merits. Some devotees continue their Chaturmas vrata (observance of four holy months) until Chaturmas Vidiya.
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
