On this day Lord Vishnu will go to Yoga Nidra for four months. This time is called Chaturmas. This period is dedicated to devotion, penance and self-thinking. It is believed that during this time Lord Vishnu rests on the bed of Sheshnag in the Ksheer Sagar. The religious significance of yoga sleep and Chaturmas is very deep.
What is the religious significance of Chaturmas?
The time of Chaturmas is considered very sacred and spiritual in Hinduism. During this time, Lord Vishnu goes to Yoga Nidra and assigns the responsibility of operating the creation to Lord Shiva. Yoga sleep is not a common sleep, but a deep spiritual state, in which God gives his creation a chance to be balanced. Chaturmas, Ashada Shukla starts from Ekadashi and runs till Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devprabodhini Ekadashi). This time is a special occasion for the devotees of penance, practice and devotion. It is believed that religious work done during this period, such as fast, charity and devotion to God, are many times fruitful. At this time the rainy season remains.
Mythology is prevalent behind yoga sleep
There are many mythological stories of Lord Vishnu going into the yoga sleep, which shows its importance.
Story of King Bali and Lord Vishnu
According to the Padma Purana and Bhagwat Purana, Lord Vishnu had asked for three steps of land from the demon king sacrifice in his Vamana avatar. Bali dedicated everything to God in his devotion and generosity. Pleased, Lord Vishnu gave a boon to Bali that he would become his gatekeepers but the absence of Lord Vishnu affected the system in Vaikuntha. Mother Lakshmi prayed to Bali to free God. Bali requested Lord Vishnu that he should stay with him four months (Chaturmas) in a year and the rest of the time should be in Vaikuntha. Lord Vishnu accepted it and during the Chaturmas, he spends time with sacrifices in the Hades and in the Hades.
Story of balance of creation
According to another legend, Lord Vishnu goes to yoga sleep to maintain balance in the operation of the universe. The creation is produced by Brahma, Vishnu and destruction Lord Shiva. During Chaturmas, when the rainfall occurs, there is new greenery and life communication in the universe. At this time Lord Vishnu takes rest and gives the creation an opportunity to be balanced himself. This sleep of his is a symbol of reconciliation of creation and harmony with nature.
Story of Sheshnag and Ksheer Sagar
It is also described in the Puranas that Lord Vishnu rests in yoga sleep on the bed of Sheshnag in Ksheer Sagar. Sheshnag is a symbol of the basis and infinity of the universe, providing his bed to Lord Vishnu.
Disclaimer: The information given here is based on religious scripture and is being given only for information. News24 does not confirm this.