Chaturmas Vrat Katha in English
Chaturmas Vrat is a special period dedicated to the devotion and worship of Lord Vishnu, spanning four months from Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi to Kartika Shukla Ekadashi. During this time, devotees observe fasts, consume a sattvic diet, and perform special worship rituals for Lord Vishnu.
Chaturmas Vrat Katha (Story of the Fast):
In ancient times, there was a great king named Harishchandra, renowned for his truthfulness and devotion to dharma. His kingdom was prosperous and his subjects were content. One day, Lord Vishnu decided to test him. Disguised as a sage, he approached the king and asked for some wealth. The king happily gave the sage the wealth he asked for.
The sage returned three times, each time asking for more wealth, and the king willingly gave it each time. Finally, the sage instructed the king to observe the Chaturmas Vrat. King Harishchandra obediently followed the sage's instructions and began observing the Chaturmas Vrat. For four months, he lived a disciplined life, consuming only a sattvic diet, and devotedly worshipped Lord Vishnu.
As a result of his devotion and strict adherence to the vrat, King Harishchandra was blessed with immense power and wealth. Lord Vishnu appeared before him and blessed him, stating that any devotee who observes the Chaturmas Vrat with devotion and sincerity would receive immense wealth, happiness, and ultimately, salvation.
Mythological Story Related to Chaturmas
The mythological story associated with Chaturmas involves Lord Vishnu's yogic sleep and the establishment of dharma on earth.
In ancient times, sin and unrighteousness were on the rise on earth. Observing this, Lord Vishnu decided to enter a state of yogic sleep for four months to allow this time to be used for the re-establishment of dharma on earth. He decided to sleep from Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi to Kartika Shukla Ekadashi.
When Lord Vishnu entered his yogic sleep, Goddess Lakshmi asked who would take care of the earth during this period. Lord Vishnu replied that his devotees, who follow dharma, truth, and non-violence, would take care of the earth. Thus, Lord Vishnu entrusted the maintenance of the earth to his devotees and went into his yogic sleep.
This period came to be known as Chaturmas. During this time, devotees perform special worship and observe the fast.
Another Story of Chaturmas:
Another mythological story tells of Lord Vishnu's promise to King Bali. King Bali had promised to give his kingdom to Lord Vishnu. To fulfill this promise, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and asked King Bali for three paces of land. King Bali agreed, and Lord Vishnu measured the entire earth, sky, and netherworld in three strides.
In doing so, Lord Vishnu took over King Bali's kingdom and sent him to the netherworld. Lord Vishnu then promised King Bali that he would enter a state of yogic sleep for four months each year, during which time King Bali could look after his kingdom. Thus, the period of Chaturmas symbolizes Lord Vishnu's yogic sleep and King Bali's devotion.
Significance of Chaturmas Vrat
The Chaturmas Vrat holds great significance as it is a time dedicated to the devotion and worship of Lord Vishnu. Observing this vrat involves living a disciplined life, consuming a sattvic diet, and performing regular worship. Following the vrat helps devotees adhere to dharma, truth, and non-violence, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress into their lives.
In ancient times, when unrighteousness was on the rise, Lord Vishnu decided to go into a state of yogic sleep for four months. During this period, Goddess Lakshmi took on the responsibility of maintaining the world. The period of Chaturmas is thus considered the time of Lord Vishnu's yogic sleep, and special worship is conducted during this time. Observing this vrat brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and leads to a life of peace and prosperity.
Rules of Chaturmas Fast
1. Sattvic Diet: Devotees should consume a sattvic diet for the duration of the four months.
2. Avoidance of Tamasic Substances: Devotees should avoid garlic, onions, meat, alcohol, and other tamasic substances.
3. Observance of Brahmacharya: Devotees should observe celibacy during Chaturmas.
4. Daily Worship of Lord Vishnu: Devotees should perform daily worship and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
5. Adherence to Truth and Non-Violence: Devotees should follow the principles of truth, non-violence, and dharma.
Observing the Chaturmas Vrat with dedication brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and leads to a life filled with peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
