Vaishakh Month 2024
In the Hindu religion, each month holds its special significance, and after Chaitra, comes the Vaishakh Month 2024. This marks the second month of the Hindi calendar and is associated with the Vishakha Nakshatra, one of the 27 constellations.
Worship of Lord Vishnu is particularly significant during this month. It is believed that by worshipping Lord Vishnu in Vaishakh, one can greatly please him and alleviate all sorrows from their lives.
According to the Skanda Purana, Vaishakh is considered the best month among all. Taking a holy bath and worshipping before sunrise during this month is said to remove financial difficulties from one’s life.
Let’s explore when the month of Vaishakh begins and which fasts and festivals are observed during this auspicious time.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: Date, History Significance
When will Vaishakh Month 2024 Start?
The Skanda Purana praises Vaishakh as the vital month, stating that no other month compares to it. Following Chaitra, Vaishakh begins immediately after Chaitra Purnima, which falls on the last day of Chaitra. As per the Panchang, 23rd of April marks Chaitra Purnima, and thus, the final day of Chaitra. Vaishakh will commence on the 24th of April 2024 and will conclude on the 23rd of May with Vaishakh Purnima.
List of fasts and festivals of Vaishakh Month 2024
Here is the detailed list of festivals during the Vaishakh month and fasts to be followed during Vaishakh Month 2024
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 24 April 2024 | Wednesday | Vaishakh month begins |
| 27 April 2024 | Saturday | Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi |
| 1 May 2024 | Wednesday | Kalashtami fast |
| 2 May 2024 | Thursday | Panchak starts |
| 4 May 2024 | Saturday | Varuthini Ekadashi |
| 5 May 2024 | Sunday | Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) |
| 6 May 2024 | Monday | Monthly Shivratri |
| 8 May 2024 | Wednesday | Vaishakh Amavasya, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti |
| 10 May 2024 | Wednesday | Akshay Tritiya, Parshuram Jayanti |
| 11 May 2024 | Thursday | Vinayak Chaturthi |
| 12 May 2024 | Friday | Shankaracharya Jayanti, Ramanuja Jayanti |
| 14 May 2024 | Tuesday | Vrishabha Sankranti, Ganga Saptami |
| 15 May 2024 | Wednesday | Monthly Durgashtami |
| 16 May 2024 | Thursday | Sitana Navami |
| 19 May 2024 | Sunday | Mohini Ekadashi, Parshuram Dwadashi |
| 20 May 2024 | Monday | Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) |
| 21 May 2024 | Tuesday | Narasimha Jayanti |
| 23 May 2024 | Thursday | Vaishakh Purnima fast, Buddha Purnima |
Importance of fasting in Vaishakh Month 2024
Fasting holds immense significance in Hinduism, especially during auspicious months like Vaishakh. Here are some reasons why fasting is considered important during Vaishakh Month 2024:
- Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting is believed to cleanse the body and mind, helping devotees focus on spiritual practices and connect with the divine.
- Self-Discipline: Fasting teaches self-discipline and self-control, which are important virtues in spiritual growth and daily life.
- Detoxification: Fasting gives the digestive system a rest, allowing the body to detoxify and rejuvenate.
- Austerity: Fasting is considered an act of austerity, which is believed to please the deities and attract their blessings.
- Merit Accumulation: Fasting is believed to earn merit (punya), which can help in spiritual progress and in achieving one’s desires.
- Prayer and Devotion: Fasting is often accompanied by increased prayer, meditation, and devotion, which are important aspects of spiritual life.
- Observing Traditions: Fasting during Vaishakh Month is a way to observe and uphold traditional practices, connecting with the cultural and spiritual heritage.
Overall, fasting during Vaishakh Month is seen as a way to purify the body and mind, cultivate spiritual virtues, and seek the blessings of the divine.
Dos and Donts During Vaishakh Month 2024
Here is a brief list of things to do and avoid during the Vaishakh Month 2024
Things to Do During Vaishakh Month 2024
- Taking a Holy Bath: Bathing in holy rivers during Vaishakh is considered highly auspicious, offering relief from life’s troubles. If visiting a holy river is not feasible, using Ganga water for bathing at home is recommended.
- Donations: Due to the heat in Vaishakh, donating slippers, chairs, clothes, and fans is believed to attract blessings from the Gods and Goddesses.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu: Following the prescribed rituals for worshipping Lord Vishnu is important in Vaishakh. Additionally, offering Arghya to the Sun daily is recommended.
- Maintaining Purity: It is advised to maintain purity and practice celibacy as much as possible during Vaishakh.
Things to Avoid During Vaishakh Month 2024
- Avoid Tamasic Food: Refrain from consuming tamasic food during Vaishakh. Also, avoid meat, alcohol, and all forms of intoxicants.
- Avoid Oil Massages: Oil massages should be avoided during Vaishakh.
- Avoid Eating After Sunset: It is advisable to avoid eating food after sunset during Vaishakh.
Temples to Visit in Vaishakh Month 2024
During the auspicious month of Vaishakh, several temples across India become even more significant for devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace. Here are some famous temples that are revered and visited during Vaishakh Month:
- Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, this temple is one of the most visited and revered temples in India. Devotees believe that visiting this temple during Vaishakh brings immense blessings.
- Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha: This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees flock to this temple during the Vaishakh month, especially during the famous Rath Yatra festival.
- Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand: Situated in the picturesque Himalayan range, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the Char Dham temples and holds immense significance for devotees, especially during Vaishakh.
- Somnath Temple, Gujarat: This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that visiting Somnath Temple during Vaishakh can wash away sins and bestow divine blessings.
- Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: Situated in the Trikuta Mountains, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. It is believed that visiting the temple during Vaishakh fulfills wishes and brings spiritual fulfillment.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple during Vaishakh can lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Rameswaram Temple, Tamil Nadu: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Char Dham temples. It is believed that taking a dip in the waters of Rameswaram during Vaishakh can cleanse one of sins.
These temples attract devotees from far and wide during Vaishakh Month 2024, offering them an opportunity to seek divine blessings and spiritual upliftment.
In conclusion, the Vaishakh Month 2024 is not just a period marked by the transition to warmer weather but also a time of deep spiritual significance and cultural celebrations. With a plethora of festivals and fasts dedicated to various deities, this month offers devotees a chance to immerse themselves in prayer, austerity, and devotion. From the auspicious beginnings of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi to the sacred observances of Akshaya Tritiya and Vaishakh Purnima, Vaishakh Month is a time for renewal, reflection, and reverence. As devotees partake in these rituals and celebrations, they seek not only divine blessings but also spiritual growth and fulfillment.
