Mantralaya-1048

(Significance of Chaturmasya as per Varaha Purana)

Date : July 27, 2023

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA

Significance of Chaturmasya as per Varaha Purana is described in Mantralaya(1048).

Meaning

During the divine Chaturmasya, a profoundly auspicious period blessed by Lord Narayana Himself, the significance of this sacred time is beautifully described in Varaha Purana. A captivating conversation between Lord Varaha and Goddess Dharani Devi unveils the sanctity of Chaturmasya and its potential to bestow immense blessings upon those living in the materialistic world of Kaliyuga with minimal efforts.

Goddess Dharani Devi expressed her concern about the people of Kaliyuga, entangled in the pursuits of the material world, and questioned how they could attain maximum benefits through minimal endeavors. In response, Lord Varaha, with great serenity and joy, explained that during the four-month span of Chaturmasya, any virtuous deed performed carries the potential for maximum benefit. Chaturmasya stands as an extraordinary opportunity for individuals in Kaliyuga to accumulate abundant merits with minimal effort, paving the way for spiritual elevation and the grace of the divine.

The noble acts to be performed during this sacred period encompass the art of Dana, which embodies selfless giving and sharing without any attachment. Engaging in Vrata, the observance of certain rules and rituals to purify the mind, is another path to harness the blessings of Chaturmasya. The practice of Japa, the art of meditation and mantra recitation, helps seekers attain spiritual growth and inner peace. Lastly, the sacred act of Homa, involving the distribution of knowledge and the performance of fire rituals, further enhances the positive karmic outcomes during this auspicious time.

Chaturmasya commences from Ashada Shukla Dashami and extends until Kartika Shukla Purnima. This sacred period encompasses the months of Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashvina, and Kartika.

Goddess Dharni inquired from the Lord the reason for His great fondness for Chaturmasya. With a gentle smile, the Lord graciously explained that in the realm of the Devas, a single year experienced by humans is equivalent to just one day for them. This divine correlation highlights the unique perception of time between the heavenly and earthly realms.We can also witness a similar phenomenon in our daily lives, where the passage of time varies greatly across different species. For instance, the lifespan of a cow spans around 20 years, while that of a mosquito lasts a mere 7 days. This striking relativity in lifespans further emphasizes the varying experiences of time and the intricate tapestry of existence.Through the divine lens of Chaturmasya, we are reminded of the grand symphony of time, where the heavenly and earthly rhythms harmonize, creating a mesmerizing dance of existence. The enchanting mysteries of time continue to unveil, leaving us in awe of the vastness and intricacies of the cosmos.

In the divine realm of the Devas, their day dawns with the celestial constellation Pushya and gracefully unfolds until the auspicious month of Ashada, known as Uttarayana. Conversely, the enchanting period from Ashada to Pushya marks the night of the Devas, aptly named Dakshinayana.

During this celestial night, the direct vision of the Gods upon us is not openly manifested, and as a result, certain sacred ceremonies like marriages and housewarmings are not conducted.It's essential to understand that when we speak of the Gods' vision not being direct during Dakshinayana, it signifies that while they perpetually safeguard and watch over us, their interaction with our mortal world might not be as direct as during Uttarayana. It's not to be misconstrued that Lord Narayana and the other deities slumber like us during this period. Instead, Lord Narayana's divine consciousness enters a state of Yoga Nidra, a profound meditative repose, maintaining cosmic harmony and balance.Thus, even during Dakshinayana, the benevolent presence of the Gods remains steadfast, guiding our paths and showering their divine blessings upon all creation, for their eternal vigilance knows no bounds.

A thought may arise: why do we revere numerous Gods? Madhwacharyaru, the profound philosopher, provides clarity by explaining that each deity serves as an Abhimani Devata, fulfilling a specific cosmic duty. Moreover, they, too, possess a temporal existence. For instance, Lord Shiva presides over the realm of the mind, acting as the divine caretaker. Madhwacharyaru further illuminates that various divine positions exist, each entrusted to a specific deity for a designated period.Take, for example, the position of Shiva, which is currently graced by Lord Rudra. Similarly, the position of Brahma is currently overseen by Brahma, and the subsequent holder of this divine role will be Vayudevaru. Following this celestial sequence, Sri Vadirajaru will ascend to the position of Vayudevaru in due course.

In this profound understanding, we discern that the pantheon of Gods gracefully orchestrates the cosmic order, each deity fulfilling a unique purpose and reigning over their divine station for a specific span of time. Madhwacharyaru's wisdom offers us a glimpse into the grandeur of the celestial hierarchy, illuminating the intricacies and wisdom embedded within the vast tapestry of divinity.

Once on Mount Meru, during Dakshinayana, Lord Narayana was meditating peacefully. The Gods came one by one, seeking His blessings before returning to their realms. During this time, Ratri Devi, the Goddess of night, expressed her sadness. In Dakshinayana, auspicious deeds seemed to wane, causing her to feel insulted.

With boundless compassion in His divine eyes, Lord Vishnu smiled serenely and granted a boon to Ratri Devi. Lord Vishnu declared that four sacred months, known as Chaturmasya, would be cherished and beloved to Him. During this holy period, any virtuous deed or karmic act performed by devotees would be blessed with exponential multiplicities of divine grace. These four months would become a beacon of sanctity and auspiciousness, radiating blessings upon those who embraced the path of righteousness.

Thus, the divine revelation of Chaturmasya illuminated the celestial realms, ushering in a sacred time when the pious endeavors of devotees would be showered with divine favor, infusing each day with spiritual brilliance and transformative potential. From that moment onward, Chaturmasya became an eternal testament to the boundless benevolence of Lord Vishnu and a cherished period for seekers to bask in the glory of divine grace.

Goddess Dharni rejoiced upon hearing Lord Narayana's benevolent blessing for Ratri Devi. This divine boon not only delighted her but also served as a testament to the compassion of the Lord towards all beings in Kaliyuga. Through the sacred period of Chaturmasya, Lord Narayana paved the way for humanity to attain maximum benefits with minimum effort, bestowing abundant blessings upon those who embraced virtuous deeds and walked the path of righteousness.

Chaturmasya witnesses Swamijis/Yatis opting to stay at one place, dedicating themselves to spiritual practices (sadhana) and sharing the wisdom of sadachara (right conduct). This thoughtful decision is rooted in a profound understanding and compassion for the diverse forms of insects and small creatures that flourish during the rainy season. By choosing to remain in one location, they ensure the preservation of these delicate beings, avoiding any harm that could unintentionally occur during travels.This compassionate aspect of Sanatana Dharma reflects its deep-rooted concern for the well-being of every living being on our planet. It showcases the reverence and respect for all forms of life, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Chaturmasya becomes a time not only for spiritual growth and knowledge-sharing but also a beautiful testament to the profound empathy and harmony embedded in the fabric of our ancient tradition.

In Mantralaya, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu is gracefully observing Chaturmasya, following the time-honored tradition set by Sri RaghavendraTeertharu and Sri Madhwacharyaru. With a radiant smile, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu warmly welcomes devotees to this sacred place. Each day is filled with blissful rituals, commencing with the auspicious Sri Moola Rama Devara Pooja, followed by Sri Rayara Hastodaka, and Mangalaruti to Sri Hanumanta Devaru. The entire community celebrates the divine presence of Manchalema, Rayaru, and all Yatis with boundless joy and reverence.

In a momentous gesture, Swamiji recently laid the foundation for a grand 100 ft. Sri Rama Temple, an embodiment of Sanatana Dharma's timeless values. This majestic temple stands as a symbol of devotion and perpetuates the rich heritage of our ancient traditions. The temple's sanctity will embrace all seekers, offering a haven for spiritual solace and fostering the eternal spirit of oneness and harmony.

The air in Mantralaya resonates with divine fervor as Sri SubhudendraTeertharu upholds the sacred legacy of Chaturmasya, illuminating hearts and minds with the brilliance of eternal wisdom and devotion.

In the upcoming series, we will explore the exemplary life of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, who embodies the essence of Chaturmasya through his teachings and actions. His profound devotion and unwavering commitment to righteousness will serve as a guiding light, demonstrating the true essence of this sacred period. We shall witness the transformative power of Chaturmasya and the blessings it bestows upon those who follow the path of dharma and selfless service. Join us on this inspiring journey as we learn from the life of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, a living embodiment of the divine grace that Chaturmasya brings forth.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach to Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"!

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||