What is Chaturmas and When Does It Occur?

Chaturmas, a sacred period in Hinduism, begins on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashada month and ends on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devprabodhini Ekadashi). This year, in 2025, it falls from 6 July to 30 October.

Lord Vishnu’s Yoga Nidra and Its Religious Significance

During Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra, a deep spiritual state, for four months. This time is known as Chaturmas. Here’s what makes this period special:

• Lord Vishnu assigns the responsibility of operating the creation to Lord Shiva.
• It’s a time for devotees to practice penance, devotion, and introspection.
• Religious works done during Chaturmas, like fasting and charity, are believed to yield manifold results.
• The rainy season coincides with this period.

Mythological Stories Surrounding Lord Vishnu’s Yoga Sleep

Story of King Bali and Lord Vishnu

According to the Padma Purana and Bhagwat Purana, Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, asked King Bali for three steps of land. Pleased, King Bali offered his kingdom. Lord Vishnu then promised to stay with him for four months in a year, leading to the concept of Chaturmas.

“Lord Vishnu accepted it and during the Chaturmas, he spends time with sacrifices in the Hades and in the Hades.”

Story of the Balance of Creation

Another legend suggests that Lord Vishnu’s Yoga Nidra helps balance the creation, with his sleep symbolizing harmony with nature. During this time, new life blooms due to rain.

Lord Vishnu’s Resting Place: Sheshnag and Ksheer Sagar

It’s described in the Puranas that Lord Vishnu rests on the bed of Sheshnag in the Ksheer Sagar during his Yoga Nidra. Sheshnag symbolizes the foundation and infinity of the universe.

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