Anantapur: Chaturmasya vrata, confined to few sections — mostly pontiffs — is now reaching other sections who are starting to follow curbs for a period of four months as part of health consciousness. Chaturmasya Vrata mostly concentrates on seasonal changes and the zero consumption of prohibited food.
Food and seasonal routines are considered as important as social well being and spiritual factors in maintaining good health. “A person, who does good deeds, eats only the amount required and in accordance with the season, is healthy,” seers said.
Traditions throughout the world have incorporated some form of fasting into their doctrines. Fasting is also used to keep demands of the body under check, and brings upliftment of the soul.
According to Hindu mythology, vrata assists the practitioner to achieve and fulfill goals as they bring divine grace and blessings that entails many restrictions, usually on food, drink or speech.
Chaturmasya vrata is the four-month auspicious period starting from Ashada shukla Dashmi to Karthik Shukla paurnima (mid November). However, in some societies, it is followed for two months. This falls during the rainy season in India.
The followers of this vrata acquire inexhaustible spiritual and health benefits.
During the four-month period certain food items are prohibited. And food discipline during Chaturmasya is aimed at getting control over the senses and thereby purifying body and soul.
K. Raghunath, associate professor at a private engineering college here has been strictly observing the vrata for many years. “The practice of restricting unfavourable seasonal foods will benefit all organs of the body,” he said.
Lecturer from JNTU Engineering College R.J.V, Anilkumar, said though the restriction of food is very tough, it helps to maintain good health. “We have to understand the concept of Vata, Pitta and Kapha from Ayurveda. In terms of modern medicine, Vata represents movement, Pitta metabolism and Kapha, the structure and water,” H.K. Pushpa, ayurvedic analyst said.
She added that vrata says one should not take green leafy vegetables in the month of Shravan, curd during the month of Bhadrapad, milk in the month of Ashweeja and buttermilk, pulses and oil in the month of Kartika. Mantralayam Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt of all its branches strictly will follow restrictions from July 16.
