According to the Hindu Panchang, the month of Ashadh holds special religious significance. It is the fourth month of the year and begins after Jyeshtha Purnima. This month is considered extremely auspicious for the devotion, spiritual practice, and spiritual progress of Lord Vishnu. The beginning of Ashadh also marks the start of Devshayan, a period during which auspicious events like weddings and housewarmings are avoided.
When will Ashadh Mas 2025 begin?
According to the Hindu Panchang, Ashadh Mas in 2025 will begin on Saturday, June 21, 2025, and conclude on Monday, July 21, 2025. This month begins the day after Jyeshtha Purnima and lasts until the Amavasya of Shravan.
Religious Significance of Ashadh Mas
Ashadh Mas holds significant religious importance because it marks the beginning of Devshayan. It is believed that during this month, Lord Vishnu enters yogic sleep in the Kshir Sagar (Ocean of Milk). This is why auspicious ceremonies like weddings, housewarmings, and mundan (tonsure) are not performed for four months following this month. This period is known as Chaturmas.
The major religious festivals and celebrations during this month are:
- Devshayani Ekadashi – The day Lord Vishnu enters yogic sleep.
- Jagannath Rath Yatra – The grand procession of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
- Guru Purnima – A festival dedicated to honoring and worshipping gurus.
Major Festivals and Vrats in Ashadh Month
Several religious festivals and vrats (fasts) fall in this month, considered highly sacred in Hinduism:
- Devshayani Ekadashi (June 21, 2025): On this day, Lord Vishnu enters yogic sleep, marking the beginning of Chaturmas.
- Jagannath Rath Yatra (June 29, 2025): The grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra in Puri (Odisha).
- Guru Purnima (July 10, 2025): A day to express gratitude for the knowledge and guidance of one's guru. Spiritual gurus and teachers are worshipped on this day.
What to do in Ashadh Mas?
This month is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, penance, and devotion. Some important things to do during this month:
1. Worship Lord Vishnu
This month is dedicated to the special worship of Lord Vishnu. Recite the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" daily.
2. Serve and Honor your Guru
Guru Purnima is the most important festival of this month. Seek blessings from your spiritual or academic guru on this day and offer them gifts and donations as per your capacity.
3. Observe Vrats and Fasts
Especially observe Ekadashi vrat. This fast purifies the body and mind and provides auspicious results.
4. Perform Charitable Deeds
Donating food, clothes, water vessels, umbrellas, shoes, and fans is highly rewarding during this month.
5. Adopt a Sattvic Diet and Yoga
Adopt a sattvic lifestyle to enhance mental and spiritual strength during Ashadh. Practice meditation, yoga, and mantra chanting daily.
What not to do in Ashadh Mas?
Certain activities are prohibited during this sacred month, as it is considered a time for spiritual practice and self-restraint. Some things to avoid during this month:
1. Avoid Auspicious Events like Weddings and Housewarmings
Due to Devshayan, any auspicious event such as weddings, engagements, and housewarmings are prohibited for four months. This period is called Chaturmas.
2. Avoid Impure Food and Tamasic Diet
Avoid meat, alcohol, and excessive fried food. Eat a sattvic and light diet.
3. Do not Disrespect your Guru
Pay special attention on Guru Purnima to avoid disrespecting or disregarding your guru, as the guru holds an extremely revered position during this month.
4. Maintain Distance from Negative Thoughts and Negativity
It is advised to keep the mind, speech, and actions pure during this month. Avoid anger, jealousy, hatred, and lying.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Travel
As far as possible, avoid long or unnecessary journeys this month and focus on spiritual growth.
What is Chaturmas?
The four-month period from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi is known as Chaturmas. During this time, Lord Vishnu remains in yogic sleep, and all activities related to dharma and culture are postponed. This is why events like weddings are not considered auspicious during this period. It is also a time for sadhus and saints to stay in one place for penance, meditation, and discourses.
Ashadh Mas is a month of spiritual practice, devotion, and self-restraint. Worshipping Lord Vishnu during this month brings special merit. This time is considered suitable for inner improvement and spiritual growth rather than outward appearances. Therefore, live a disciplined life during this sacred month, obtain God's grace, and make the coming days auspicious and prosperous.
