Chaitra month’s Poornima and Hanuman Jayanti marks the beginning of Vaishakh Month Snan Parv. As per Hindu Panchang, each and every month in the Hindu calendar is important in its own way and has a profound effect. Lord Vishnu’s worship and Snan in the Ganga holds a lot of significance in the Vaishakh month. Vaishakh month Snan begins from the start of the month. People start visiting holy places and rivers once the Vaishakh month commences. Each day of this month is considered very auspicious for Puja Path and Jap Tap.
As per scriptures, summer season starts from the Vaishakh month. The onset of this summer season is celebrated in different parts of India under different names. It is known as Vaishakhi in Punjab, Pehla Vaishakh in Bengal, Biju Vishu in Assam, Paana in Odisha, Sankranti etc are some names by which it is celebrated.
Period of Vaishakh month this year
This year Vaishakh month will begin on the 23 of April and will go on till the 23 of May. This period is considered to be very fruitful. A lot of devotees come together at pilgrim places such as Prayagraj and Haridwar. Several important festivals are also celebrated in this month. Among these, the Vaishakh Maah Snan is a very important festival. The importance of holy Snan increases manifold when performed in this month.
It is believed that this month is related to the Vishaka Naskhatra and hence it is known as Vaishakh Maah. This month presents several opportunities for wealth and happiness. Any form of donation, Bhajan, Kirtan done in this month increases its auspicious effects by several times. Traditionally Lord Vishnu and Devi are worshipped this month. Shri Bake Bihari’s feet are also worshipped in this month only.
Commencement of Vaishakh month and its importance
Auspicious days in Vaishakh month commence from Pratipada i.e. first day of Vaishakh month itself. On this day devotees perform Snan in various holy rivers. If all this is not possible then Gangajal can be poured in bathing water. After taking a bath fresh new clothes should be worn and Lord Vishnu should be worshipped. Tulsi is also planted and it is worshipped the entire month. Along with this, Jagran programs are also held through the night.
Once this month commences devotees and worshippers start lining up at various temples in places of pilgrimage. Once the Vaishakh month sets in, a series of various Pujas begin from early morning itself and go on till late night. Food, fruits as per the season are served to Gods in this month. Donating water in this month is considered extremely beneficial. The importance of the saying “Water is life” can be understood very clearly in this month. Donating water adds immensely to a person’s positive Karma.
It is believed that the donation of water pleases Gods and ancestors and their blessings are received. Traditionally, from this day onwards various delicacies and fruits are served in various temples the entire month.
Importance of Tulsi Puja in this month
It is believed worshipping Tulsi in this month is extremely auspicious. Tulsi plant is watered very regularly this month. Those who do not have Tulsi, plant Tulsi this month and worship the same day and night. Worship involves reciting Tulsi Katha and performing Tulsi Aarti. Lamps are lighted in front of Tulsi. Along with that Shaligram is also worshipped. Tulsi Puja also involves chanting through a Mala. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped in this period.
Deep Daan in Vaishakh Month
Deep Daan in Vaishakh month also has a lot of significance. Deep Daan is done by lighting lamps at various water bodies including holy rives and also in front of trees and plants. Holy rivers like The Ganga and The Yamuna are very popular for Deep Daan. Lamps are lighted at the front doors of houses. Since ancient times lamps are lit at Tulsi, Peepal and Vat trees in this month. Deep Daan is done either at dawn or dusk. It is believed the Deep Daan eliminates all the darkness from one’s life. It brings positivity to life.
Important Dates in Vaishakh month
The importance of Snan will be more on certain dates. Skanpuran talks about the importance of Vaishakh month in detail. As per the Vaishnav Khand in this Puran every auspicious act done in this month will be extremely beneficial and will give very good fruits. Tritiya, Dashmi, Ekadashi, Dwadeshi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, Purnima are considered very pure and auspicious. Snan, Jap Tap, donations in this month absolves a person of all sins. If for some reason a person is not able to perform Snan, Fast, Puja regularly in this month then the person can pick up any three of the earlier mentioned auspicious dates and perform the necessary tasks. On doing this a person obtains all possible results that can be obtained from the Vaishakh month.
- Ganga Snan is done on the Dashmi Shukhla Paksha of Vaishakh month
- Lord Buddha and Lord Parshuman’s birth date in Vaishakh month are considered to be extremely auspicious for Snan.
- Lord Brahma had developed sesame in this month and hence sesame are used in preparing various food items.
- It is believed Snan on Akshya Tritiya in Vaishakh month plays a very important role.
- Similarly, traditionally Snan is performed on the Ekadasi of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha of Vaishakh month.
- Vaishakh Purnima Tithi is also considered very auspicious for Snan.