Chaturmas (चतुर्मास): Why God Goes to Sleep

Hindus observe the period of four months from Ashadha to Kartika as ‘Chaturmas’. This is normally monsoon time — from the 11th day of Ekadashi of Ashadha to the 11th day of Kartika, usually coinciding with the English months of July to October. This year, due to Adhik (extra) month, which is an adjustment of leap year, it was extended to November.

Hindus believe that from Ashadha-Ekadashi to Kartika Ekadashi, God takes rest, i.e., He sleeps! Therefore, these four months are normally treated as not very auspicious. Very few weddings take place during this period. Since God goes to sleep on Ashadha-Ekadashi, it is called ‘Devashayani. ‘Shayanani’ means sleep. As against this, Kartika Ekadashi is called Prabodhini Ekadashi.(God wakes up). During this period, there are many religious activities performed, like Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shraddha (rites of forefathers, etc.) — so that people do more religious things to safeguard against the ill effects of the inauspicious period. Similarly, there are many fasts during this period. Actually, fasting is meant for good health.

Against this background, there was once a discussion about why God goes on such a long sleep. The question was put to a common man who replied,