HH Srimad Rayapuram Andavan, Sri Raghuveera Mahadesikan is observing His Second Chaturmasya Vratam at Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan ashramam, Srirangam from today July 22nd, 2013 (Monday) until September 20th, 2013 (Friday). Earlier in the morning today, Srimad Rayapuram Andavan performed Chathurmasya Sankalpam, photos of which can be seen below.
Photos Courtesy: Sri Uruppattur Rajagopalachariar and Sri Veeravalli Raghunathan
About Chaathurmaasya: Chaathurmaasya vratham is very important for sanyasis of every kind. From Sanyasis ranging from Kootika (one who resides in a hut) to sanyasis on sancharam observe this sanyasa dharma anushtanam without fail. It is very pleasing for the Lord to see the sanyasis observe this annual vratham. The power of this vratham increases every day from the first to the last day of the observance. This vratham lasts from 2 to 4 months.
During the four months starting from Avani and ending up with Karthikai, it is rainy season in India. Many insects and worms are created in the soil during this time. Since sancharam by the sanyasis might cause accidental death to these living entities, the sanyasis take a vow not to travel during those four months and stay put at one place.
A sanyasi is required to move around often by his dharma. That results in the sanyasi not having enough time during these sancharams to perform japam, homam, aaradhanam, upadesams and reflections on the sasthras. To make up for lost time and to facilitate such karmas and studies, a sanyasi is required to slow down and stay at one place for four months. sasthras point out that any good deed done during the Chaathurmaasya kaalam yield infinitely greater fruits than those done during the rest of the 8 months of the year.
