Chaturmas

The tradition of Lord Vishnu remaining in a state of cosmic slumber (*Yoga Nidra*) for four months is known as ‘Chaturmas’.

Lord Vishnu enters this state of slumber on the *Ekadashi* of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (known as *Devshayani Ekadashi*) and awakens on the *Ekadashi* of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik (*Devutthana Ekadashi*).

According to the mythological legend associated with this four-month period of *Yoga Nidra*, the demon king Bali (grandson of Prahlad) was an immensely powerful, charitable, and righteous ruler. Through the power of his penance and valor, he had established his dominion over the three worlds—Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. Concerned by Bali’s control over Heaven, the King of Gods, Indra, and other deities sought refuge with Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) to protect the gods. At that time, King Bali was performing a grand *yajna* (ritual sacrifice). Vamana arrived at the sacrificial arena and asked for three paces of land as a gift. Bali’s preceptor, Shukracharya, realized that this was Lord Narayana Himself and tried to dissuade Bali from making the offering; however, bound by his vow, King Bali refused to back down.

As soon as Bali took the vow to make the offering, Lord Vamana expanded His form to an immense size.

First step: He measured the entire Earth and the netherworlds.

Second step: He measured the entire celestial realm and the heavens.

There was no space left to place the third step. Then, King Bali bowed his head before Vamana Dev and said, “O Lord! Please place the third step upon my head.”

Lord Vishnu was immensely pleased with King Bali’s devotion, integrity, and generosity. He placed His third step on Bali’s head, causing him to descend to the netherworld (Patala Loka). The Lord appointed Bali as the king of the netherworld.

Pleased, Lord Vishnu asked Bali to choose a boon. King Bali asked for this boon:
“O Lord! May You always reside with me in Patal Loka. Whenever I open my eyes, may I behold You.”

Bound by the devotion of His devotee, Lord Vishnu agreed to reside in Patal Loka.

When Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntha and went to Patal Loka, Goddess Lakshmi and all the deities became worried. Goddess Lakshmi then assumed the guise of a poor woman, traveled to Patal Loka, and tied a *Rakhi* on King Bali.

Bali accepted her as his sister and asked her to choose any gift she desired. Goddess Lakshmi revealed her true form and asked Bali for the promise that Lord Vishnu would return to Vaikuntha.

King Bali acceded to his sister Lakshmi’s request, yet he was saddened. Lord Vishnu did not wish to disappoint His devotee Bali; therefore, He devised an arrangement.
Lord Vishnu promised that every year, for the four months known as *Chaturmas*—spanning from *Ashadh Ekadashi* to *Kartik Ekadashi*—He would reside in *Patal Loka* (the netherworld) in a state of *Yoga Nidra* (divine slumber), serving as a gatekeeper or guest to King Bali. He would spend the remaining eight months residing in *Vaikuntha*.

When Lord Vishnu enters a state of cosmic slumber (*Yoga Nidra*), Lord Shiva assumes the responsibility of managing the universe. For this reason, Lord Shiva is worshipped with special reverence during *Shravan*, the first month of *Chaturmas*.

Auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, *Mundan* (tonsure) rituals, and housewarming functions are suspended during these four months, as Lord Vishnu—the bestower of the fruits of such auspicious acts—is in *Yoga Nidra*.

From a spiritual perspective, this period is considered ideal for engaging in *Japa* (chanting), *Tapa* (penance), meditation, and fasting, as well as for adopting a *Sattvic* (pure and harmonious) lifestyle.