Determination of Lunar Days

Determination of Lunar Days 4

Ritual Timing
The timing for nighttime rituals is as previously stated.

The Chariot Festival (Rathotsava)

The Chariot Festival original: "Rathotsava," most famously celebrated as the Ratha Yatra in Puri. is held on the second day of the bright half of the month of Ashadha. When the second day of the bright half of Ashadha coincides with the Pushya constellation one of the 27 lunar mansions, one should place the image of Rama and/or Krishna/Jagannath upon the chariot. O King among the twice-born! One should perform this festival journey for the Lord of the World.

The Anniversary of the Ages and Vishnu’s Sleep

The tenth day and the full moon day of the bright half of Ashadha are considered Manvadi the anniversary of the beginning of a Manu's reign, a major cosmic era. This should be observed on the previous day, as mentioned before.

On the eleventh day of the bright half of Ashadha, the Festival of Vishnu’s Sleep original: "Vishnu Shayana Otsava." occurs. As stated in the Hemadri a famous 13th-century legal digest: "On the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in Ashadha, the Lord Hari Vishnu always goes to sleep on the serpent-bed in the waters of the Milk Ocean." Some authorities suggest this occurs on the twelfth day. This should also be performed during an intercalary month original: "Adhikamasa," an extra month added to the lunar calendar to keep it in sync with the solar year..

The Vow of the Four Months (Chaturmasya)

On this very day, the Chaturmasya Vow begins. A person who fasts on the eleventh day of the bright half of Ashadha should undertake the Four-Month Vow with self-restraint.

Rama-4

This vow may be started even if the planet Venus has set usually a time when new ventures are avoided, but a first-time initiation into the vow should not occur then. Even in a state of ritual impurity original: "ashaucha," such as following a birth or death in the family, a secondary commencement is permissible. Whether impure or pure, whether woman or man, the person who performs this vow is liberated from all sins. It is said: "The beginning should not be during the eight-day period of mourning, but if the mourning period occurs in the middle, the vow continues."

Shiva’s Sleep and Seasonal Restrictions

The Festival of Shiva’s Sleep original: "Shiva Shayana Otsava" occurs on the full moon of Ashadha. This should be observed when the full moon prevails during the evening hours original: "pradosha-vyapini.". It is said by the gods that one who is devoted to Shiva and follows the rules of the Sun and the Elephant-Headed Lord Ganesha on this full moon will attain the desired fruit.

Dietary Restrictions during the Four Months:

• Shravana (July–August): Avoid leafy vegetables.
• Bhadrapada (August–September): Avoid yogurt.
• Ashvin (September–October): Avoid milk.
• Kartika (October–November): Avoid pulses original: "dvidalam," split grains/legumes..

According to the Skanda Purana, these items should be avoided by all four social classes. Regarding the avoidance of "vegetables" in Shravana, the ten types of "vegetables" are defined as: roots, leaves, sprouts, stalks, fruits, clusters, bark, flowers, small plants, and seeds.

Defining Impure and Forbidden Foods

The following four are determined to be the most important to avoid. The Archana Chandrika defines "meats" or forbidden substances original: "amishani" widely:
1. Grains that have been powdered.
2. Citron and lime fruits.
3. Anything offered to a low-born person.
4. Lentils original: "masura", meat, and horse-gram.

O Goddess, one should avoid alcohol and intoxicants. The milk of a cow, goat, or buffalo is considered "meat-like" impure under certain ritual conditions. Similarly, gooseberries and lentils are mentioned as forbidden here, as is stale food. All juices that have been tasted by someone else, or food touched by a common person, or water kept in a copper vessel, or food cooked solely for one's own pleasure—these are considered "flesh-like" by the wise. One should also avoid eggplants, gourds, and certain beans. "Fermented" refers to foods preserved with salt and other items.

Sacred Foods (Havishya)

One who eats only Havishya pure, ritual-grade food during these four months does not incur sin. As stated in the Vishnu Rahasya and Hemadri, the following are pure:

• Wild grains, mung beans, barley, sesame.
• Certain wild greens like vastu and kalashaka.
• Radishes (certain types), sea salt, yogurt, and clarified butter (ghee).
• Milk, the essence of ghee, jackfruit, and myrobalan fruit.
• Long pepper, cumin, ginger, and black pepper.
• Plantains, wild berries, and gooseberries.

These foods, when not cooked in oil, are considered the "Sacred Foods of the Sages."

Special Observances

On the twelfth day of the bright half of Ashadha, if the Shravana or Revati constellations are present, it is a significant time for bathing at holy confluences.

Regarding the Full Moon of Ashadha, the Kokila Vrata the "Cuckoo Vow," often observed by women for marital harmony is performed. Since this is a nighttime vow, it should be observed when the full moon prevails in the evening. On this day, the Worship of Vyasa original: "Vyasa Puja," also known as Guru Purnima is also prescribed.