Another interesting observation on Chaturmaas is that the movement of Sun (Solar system) over the Indian Sub Continent moves in two axis i.e. one from Second week of January to second week of July Called as UTHRAYANA (Moving towards north and towards the earth axis) and from July to January as DAKSHINAYANA (moving towards south and away from earth axis) This causes climatic changes and in accordance with nature. All this is controlled by THE LORD. When this period is compared to the divine year of the Lord the four month period relates to the night period of the divine year. So to get the benefit and move in tune with the nature this observation of self control is prescribed.
There are some rules and regulations to be observed during this Chaturmaas Vrata. Whether one carries out this Vrata for Monsoon Reasons or as a ritual to please the Lord, the end result is good experience and in my opinion a much needed one.
We are all waiting for the day when we will enjoy a peaceful mind and fully fit body. Due to work pressures many of us might be falling short in both. The food habits are also a main factor for this, some might say. In fact purity of mind and body go together. Great ideas and solutions come from a undisturbed and pure mind. All critical factor for the well being of the body and the mind is the nature of food that we consume daily.
This Vrata helps you cleans the body and the mind. The food ingredients that are permissible during these four months are systematic and gets rid of many diseases (as claimed by many) and provides a robust health. I have experience the second part thoroughly when I adhered to this Vrata last year.
As per the Upanishads the food taken is assimilated in 3 ways
- The useful portion is partly used for the nourishment of the flesh and the bones.
- The essence of the food goes for the growth of the mind
- The useless portion gets discharged.
It is very important to control our sense organs which are vital for the functioning of the body. The prepared foods, persons preparing the food, environmental conditions all have an impact on the food. The Chaturmaas Vrata imposes restrictions on certain food ingredients during these 4 months.
Foods can be classified into 3 types namely
- One which produces good, pious qualities (freshly prepared foods, foods that were sanctified etc)
- One which induced passion anger etc (foods prepared with hot/ spicy/sour etc)
- One which is stale/intoxicating/unhygienic conditions/persons etc (fast/junk foods, hot drinks etc)
Vegetables like Onion, garlic, drumstick, eggplants, radish, and bottle gourd are some of them which induce passion and make one sober.
Accordingly one has to observe this to control the senses for longevity. Among the five sense organs the tongue is most vulnerable and susceptible for the temptation and it is very difficult to control. This is the last sense organ ceases its operation before the death.
The human body is compared to horse driven chariot. The five sense organs (Eye, ear, nose, mouth/tongue, and skin) are the horses pulling the chariot. Mind is the string connected to the horse and Intellect is the stick. So to control this, skill is required and one gains control by practicing it. The habit of eating in Indian way has been codified in such a way that it ensures longevity, control of mind, anger etc.
The Chaturmaas Vrata or the four Vratas one after the other are as follows:
Sakha Vrata – Prohibition on use of Vegetables and Fruits
Dahi Vrata – Prohibition on use of Curd/Yogurts and preparations made from it
Ksheera Vrata – Prohibition on use of Milk and preparations made from it
Dwidala Vrata – Prohibition on certain green vegetables and pulses and grains
One may wonder how the foods can be prepared without including either vegetable, pulse, mustard, chilies etc. The glamour for the fast foods and the busy schedules are not permitting us to spend enough time in the kitchen to prepare foods the traditional way. I am not immune to this syndrome.
I found some easy and traditional tasty cuisines posted by some well-wishers in the net and I will post the same for all of you. On the whole, Chaturmaas Vrata is a thorough test for your will power to control over your senses. Actually these food cuisines does not take time to prepare and it really suits me well.
Try your will power and enjoy.
There are some rules and regulations to be observed during this Chaturmaas Vrata. Whether one carries out this Vrata for Monsoon Reasons or as a ritual to please the Lord, the end result is good experience and in my opinion a much needed one.
We are all waiting for the day when we will enjoy a peaceful mind and fully fit body. Due to work pressures many of us might be falling short in both. The food habits are also a main factor for this, some might say. In fact purity of mind and body go together. Great ideas and solutions come from a undisturbed and pure mind. All critical factor for the well being of the body and the mind is the nature of food that we consume daily.
This Vrata helps you cleans the body and the mind. The food ingredients that are permissible during these four months are systematic and gets rid of many diseases (as claimed by many) and provides a robust health. I have experience the second part thoroughly when I adhered to this Vrata last year.
As per the Upanishads the food taken is assimilated in 3 ways
- The useful portion is partly used for the nourishment of the flesh and the bones.
- The essence of the food goes for the growth of the mind
- The useless portion gets discharged.
It is very important to control our sense organs which are vital for the functioning of the body. The prepared foods, persons preparing the food, environmental conditions all have an impact on the food. The Chaturmaas Vrata imposes restrictions on certain food ingredients during these 4 months.
Foods can be classified into 3 types namely
- One which produces good, pious qualities (freshly prepared foods, foods that were sanctified etc)
- One which induced passion anger etc (foods prepared with hot/ spicy/sour etc)
- One which is stale/intoxicating/unhygienic conditions/persons etc (fast/junk foods, hot drinks etc)
Vegetables like Onion, garlic, drumstick, eggplants, radish, and bottle gourd are some of them which induce passion and make one sober.
Accordingly one has to observe this to control the senses for longevity. Among the five sense organs the tongue is most vulnerable and susceptible for the temptation and it is very difficult to control. This is the last sense organ ceases its operation before the death.
The human body is compared to horse driven chariot. The five sense organs (Eye, ear, nose, mouth/tongue, and skin) are the horses pulling the chariot. Mind is the string connected to the horse and Intellect is the stick. So to control this, skill is required and one gains control by practicing it. The habit of eating in Indian way has been codified in such a way that it ensures longevity, control of mind, anger etc.
The Chaturmaas Vrata or the four Vratas one after the other are as follows:
Sakha Vrata – Prohibition on use of Vegetables and Fruits
Dahi Vrata – Prohibition on use of Curd/Yogurts and preparations made from it
Ksheera Vrata – Prohibition on use of Milk and preparations made from it
Dwidala Vrata – Prohibition on certain green vegetables and pulses and grains
One may wonder how the foods can be prepared without including either vegetable, pulse, mustard, chilies etc. The glamour for the fast foods and the busy schedules are not permitting us to spend enough time in the kitchen to prepare foods the traditional way. I am not immune to this syndrome.
I found some easy and traditional tasty cuisines posted by some well-wishers in the net and I will post the same for all of you. On the whole, Chaturmaas Vrata is a thorough test for your will power to control over your senses. Actually these food cuisines does not take time to prepare and it really suits me well.
Try your will power and enjoy.
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Good Post. Thanks for the info. Any sankalpams to be done?
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