Ashada Masam
In Hinduism, the lunar month of Ashada (also known as Ashadha or Aadi) holds great religious and spiritual significance. It is considered an auspicious month among the list of months in our ‘Sanatana’ calendar and is celebrated with reverence and devotion by millions of people across the country. Ashada Masam falls during June and July and is believed to be a time of spiritual growth, purification and divine blessings.
Ashadha or Aashaadha or Adi is a month in the Hindu calendar that corresponds to June/July in the Gregorian calendar. In Hindu astrology, Ashadha begins with the Sun’s entry into Gemini. It is the first of the two months that comprise the monsoon season.
Significantly, it heralds the beginning of the rainy season, which metaphorically signifies life and new beginnings. Let us delve deep into the significance of this Ashadha month and how it impacts our lives.
Energy and zest are heightened during this time, making it suitable for self-reflection and moving ahead in one’s spiritual journey. Some noteworthy historical and cultural aspects of this holy month are a true illustration of the adage i.e., ‘Unity in Diversity.’
Every state and region of our great country celebrates Ashadha / Ashada. The ritualistic undertones are varied. The faith and the religious fervour are exemplary and consistent.
Ashadha Masam has a rich historical and cultural background and its origins can be traced back to ancient times. The Ashada month derives its name from the Ashadha Nakshatra, a star that prevails during this period of the year.
Balibandhana
Several mythological stories and legends are associated with Ashadha Masam. One such popular legend revolves around Lord Vishnu’s fifth incarnation as Lord Vamana, also known as Balibandhana.
The Lord visited the demon king Bali during this month to break his ego and pride. This story symbolizes the triumph of goodness over evil and further strengthens the spiritual importance of Ashadha Masam. It is the month when various cultural traditions and customs are followed with great reverence.
These traditions have been passed down through generations and have helped create a strong sense of unique cultural identity and unity in society. The customs range from fasting and offering prayers to participating in community rituals.
Major Customs and Festivals in Ashada Month
Sree Jagannath Rathyatra
Jagannath Rathyatra is a huge Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in Orissa. In this festival which is also known as the Chariot Festival, Lord Jagannath and His Siblings, Balarama and Subhadra are taken around in a grand procession. The unique feature of this Ancient Chariot is that it is drawn by the devotees amidst the chanting of prayers.
Vyasa Puja
The Full Moon Day during Ashadha month is known as Vyasa Puja Day. Traditionally, this day is revered as ‘Guru Puja’ .The sage Veda Vyasa is remembered and revered as the composer of the Vedas. Hence, he is the personification of the Enlightened Teacher or Guru.
Bonalu Festival
Bonalu is a unique folk festival celebrated during this month in Telangana state. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and involves the worship of village deities and offering prayers for the well-being of the community. Women carry clay pots filled with offerings and perform traditional dances as a form of devotional expression.
Ashadha Ekadashi
Dev Shayani Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha). This Thidhi holds great significance in our ‘sanatana’ culture. Ashadha Ekadashi is considered particularly auspicious and devotees observe fasting and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu on this day.
It is believed that observing this fast with devotion can purify the mind and bring blessings and spiritual progress. There are several extrapolations of Ekadashi in Ashadha. The spiritual implications of each are truly soul-enriching.
Devshayani Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi is one of the twenty-four Ekadashi ‘vrats’ which are observed to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
The initiation of the Gauri Vrat
Gauri Vrat is a significant fasting period dedicated to Goddess Parvati. This Gauri Vrat is mainly observed in Gujarat.
Jaya Parvati Vrat
It begins in Ashada. This ‘vrat’ is a significant fasting period dedicated to Goddess Jaya, a form of Goddess Parvati. Jaya Parvati Vrat is mainly observed in Gujarat.
Kokila Vrat
Interestingly, it also occurs in Ashada. This Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. The name Kokila refers to the Indian bird ‘Kokila’ and is associated with Goddess Sati.
Yogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashi vrats. Aadi Amavasai is an important festival in Tamil Nadu and auspicious for Amman. It celebrates the joy and respect of womanhood through Goddess Lakshmi and Her various Avatars.
In many parts of Gujarat, Dashamaa Vart dedicated to Dashamaa or Momai maa is observed on the Amavasya of Ashadha every year. The student of Hindu philosophy would be fascinated to note the benefits of Ashadha Amavasya.
During the ritualistic worship of the peepal tree, if a person takes seven ‘Pradakshinas’ around the tree, then the souls of deceased ancestors are said to achieve eternal peace and salvation.
In many parts of Nepal, the arrival of monsoon marks a special time for cultivating rice. This occasion starts with farmers, men and women, planting rice while singing plantation songs. The farmers then participate in the mud festival, throwing mud at each other and welcoming the monsoon season. The festival ends with people sharing “dahi chiura (literally “beaten rice with curd”) with each other.
It is noteworthy that the Ashadha month is the beginning of Dakshinayana and during this is the time when devotees should worship Saptamatruka Shakti Goddesses, Lord Bhairava and Lord Narasimha. Some more beliefs are emphasised in Ashadh month.
During this month, girls wear ‘mehandi’ on their hands and feet. The reason behind this belief is that due to seasonal changes, there will be some chances of skin diseases. At that time, ‘mehandi’ will help to avoid these skin problems.
Chaturmas ‘Vrat’
Chaturmas ‘Vrat’ begins in Ashada month. Ashada Masam (Aadi in Tamil) is entirely dedicated to prayer and worship. This is the beginning of Dakshinayan. We normally do not plan weddings in this month due to heavy rain and the harvest season.
Ashada Masam is characterised by pooja (rituals) and paridaan (apparel). No Indian festival or auspicious period is complete without extravagant celebrations, ancient traditions, and colourful attires. This auspicious month denotes the region’s best practices that display brilliant attires woven in traditional materials.
During this period, women of the region drape themselves in beautiful silk sarees in vibrant colours. Depending on the ritual and puja, the attire choices keep changing. For Ekadashi vrat, it is considered better to wear sattvik clothing to help purify the body and the soul.
Final Word
In summation, let us express our gratitude to Lord Venkateswara who has enlightened us with so many meaningful reasons to express our devotion in this Ashadha Masam.
The practices carried out during this time bring people closer to their faith, instil values of compassion and charity and serve as a source of inspiration and sanctity regarding the mind, body and soul.
