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Hindu calendar months of Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashvaija and Kartika are the most auspicious months of the year with many important festivals like Nagapanchami, Srikrishna Janmastami, Ganeshpuja, Pitrupaksha (fortnight dedicated to our departed souls-parents, forefathers-mothers, and relatives), Navaratri-Dasara and Deepavali celebrated.
There is one lesser known but an important ritualistic observance during this period called “Chaturmasa Vrata” beginning on the Ashada Shukla Ekadashi (known as Prathama Ekadashi) up to Kartika Shukla Ekadashi, spanning four months, where in a devout follower observes renunciation of specified food ingredients as a pursuit of self-purification and self-control (Nigraha) over tempting tastes buds.
On the Prathama Ekadashi devout follower gets Mudra-dharane (process of getting hot imprints on one’s shoulders with hot copper seals bearing Shankha-Chakra signs) as an initiation to the yearly four-months long tough observance, by Swamiji (Pontiff) of one’s affiliated Mutt.
Prathama Ekadashi this year is falling on 6th July ushering in the start of Chaturmasa Vrata.
The first month is called as Shakhavrata, where in all vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, stems, leaves, roots and all plant-based produces are forbidden(Nishedha).
On the Prathama Ekadashi day Sankalp (Vow) is taken– “Shaakavratam mayaadeva gruhitam puratatsava/ Nirvignam siddhimayaatu prasadaat tava Keshava//” meaning ‘am going to observe Shaakavrata, seek Keshava’s blessings for obstacle-free completion’.
At the end of the month long Shakavrata, a Samarpana(submission) Sankalp is done and the next month’s Sankalp taken. Second month (Dhadivrata) curds and its preparations, third month (Kshreeravrata) milk and its products/preparations are Nishedha.
The last month is called as Dwidhala (pulses)& Bahubeeja (multi-seed) vrata where in all pulses, whole-grams, all plant-based items multi-seed vegetables/fruits are Nishedha.
First and last month’s vrata is a big challenge as the tiny Chilli is also not to be used rendering 95% of our usual preparations Nishedha.
Only during vrata one can realize the importance every item in our recipes. Nishedha is a pious method to lead us to Nigraha.
Bhagwatgeeta exhorts Nigraha (renouncing) of worldly attachments in pursuit of salvation (Paramatma).