Changes

{{ToBeEdited}}

{{ToBeEdited}}

Vasanta Rutu/ Rtu (शरद ऋतुः) is one of the 6 seasons of the Hindu calendar year. Chaitra and Vaishakha masas (मासाः months) comprise of this season. It is the period of the year that can be called as Spring. It is the period of the year when the winter season in Bharata ends and the summer sets in. Hence this is the transition period from cold of winters to heat of summers. Therefore the diet, lifestyle regime, do's and dont's for this season are peculiar and are described under Vasanta rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या).

Vasanta Rutu/ Rtu (शरद ऋतुः) is one of the 6 seasons of the Hindu calendar year. Chaitra (चैत्रः) and Vaishakha (वैशाखः) masas (मासाः months) comprise of this season. It is the period of the year that can be called as Spring. It is the period of the year when the winter season in Bharata (भारतः) ends and the summer sets in. Hence this is the transition period from cold of winters to heat of summers. Therefore the diet, lifestyle regime, do's and dont's for this season are peculiar and are described under Vasanta rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या).

== Months of Hindu calendar for Vasanta rtu ==

== वसन्तमासाः॥ Months of Hindu calendar for Vasanta rtu ==

As per Hindu calendar in Bharata, for every 2 months there is one season. Therefore for 12 months there are 6 seasons. However the seasons are listed with little variation in the names in 2 different cases. The list of season and months in Hindu calendar is given below,

As per Hindu calendar in Bharata, for every 2 months there is one season. Therefore for 12 months there are 6 seasons. However the seasons are listed with little variation in the names in 2 different cases. The list of season and months in Hindu calendar is given below,

|Winter or late autumn

|Winter or late autumn

|}

|}

The month of Chaitra, Vaishakha make up the Vasanta rtu.  

The month of Chaitra, Vaishakha make up the Vasanta rtu.  <blockquote>

फाल्गुनचैत्रौ वसन्तः (Sush. Samh 6.10) तत्र माघादयो द्वादश मासाः, द्विमासिकमृतुं कृत्वा षडृतवो भवन्ति; ...........मधुमाधवौ वसन्तः,

* तत्र माघादयो द्वादश मासाः, द्विमासिकमृतुं कृत्वा षडृतवो भवन्ति; ...........मधुमाधवौ वसन्तः, (Sush . Samh. 6.6)

मधुः चैत्रः, माधवः वैशाखः| (Dalhana commentary on Sush . Samh. 6.6)

* मधुः चैत्रः, माधवः वैशाखः| (Dalhana commentary on Sush . Samh. 6.6)

 

</blockquote>Thus, Chaitra and Vaishakha are the 2 months in the lunar calendar which fall under Vasanta rtu. While, as per Gregorian calendar Hemanta is grossly a a period from Mid March to Mid May.  

Thus, Chaitra and Vaishakha are the 2 months in the lunar calendar which fall under Vasanta rtu. While, as per Gregorian calendar Hemanta is grossly a a period from Mid March to Mid May.  

#Chaitra or Madhu (मधु) - Mid March -Mid April

#Chaitra or Madhu - Mid March -Mid April

#Vaishakha or Madhava (माधवः)- Mid April to Mid May

#Vaishakha or Madhava- Mid April to Mid May

== अव्यापन्नवसन्तप्रावृडृतुलक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of Vasanta Rtu ==

== अव्यापन्नप्रावृडृतुलक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of Vasanta Rtu ==

Vasanta rtu is called as the king of the 6 rtus. The reason behind it being the pleasant and cheerful weather in this season. Vasanta appears after the chilling cold of the winters and before the extremely hot weather of Greeshma. The temperature level reaches an optimum level and flowers begin to blossom. It is the season when the dormant buds, trees start blooming on getting sufficient sunlight and warmth to grow. The darkness of night starts reducing and the daytime light span starts increasing gradually. The life on the earth is not in a dormant stage but starts surfacing, growing and blooming once again after dormant period of winters. Branches of the trees start bearing new tender leaves. The blooming flowers on the mountains like Malaya spread their fragrance everywhere through the blowing winds causing happiness and energy in the atmosphere. The weather is clear (unlike smoky and foggy air of winters). Forests are adorned with the blossoming trees like Kinshuka (''Forest flame''). Birds like cuckoo and bees sing and represent happy cheerful life on the earth. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 25-28)</ref> The nature of spring or vasanta affects humans in such a way that one can feel the energy, affection and love in the air growing.   

Vasanta rtu is called as the king of the 6 rtus. The reason behind it being the pleasant and cheerful weather in this season. Vasanta appears after the chilling cold of the winters and before the extremely hot weather of Greeshma. The temperature level reaches an optimum level and flowers begin to blossom. It is the season when the dormant buds, trees start blooming on getting sufficient sunlight and warmth to grow. The darkness of night starts reducing and the daytime light span starts increasing gradually. The life on the earth is not in a dormant stage but starts surfacing, growing and blooming once again after dormant period of winters. Branches of the trees start bearing new tender leaves. The blooming flowers on the mountains like Malaya spread their fragrance everywhere through the blowing winds causing happiness and energy in the atmosphere. The weather is clear (unlike smoky and foggy air of winters). Forests are adorned with the blossoming trees like Kinshuka (''Forest flame''). Birds like cuckoo and bees sing and represent happy cheerful life on the earth. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 25-28)</ref> The nature of spring or vasanta affects humans in such a way that one can feel the energy, affection and love in the air growing.   

The advent of Vasant Ritu marks the end of cold winter season.  In the northern parts of the country, Vasant Ritu heralds the beginning of outdoor activities like Kite flying and colourful Holi festival. The mid-point of Vasant Ritu is characterised by Vernal Equinox, which is also known as Vasant Sampat or Vasant Vishuva in the Vedic astrology. Equinoxes refers to tilt in the Earth’s axis in a manner that the inclination is neither towards nor away from the Sun. Equinoxes occur twice every year, during the spring and autumn season. Vernal Equinox is observed on the 20th or 21st of March and is characterised by equivalent number of hours during days and nights.

The advent of Vasant Ritu marks the end of cold winter season.  In the northern parts of the country, Vasant Ritu heralds the beginning of outdoor activities like Kite flying and colourful Holi festival. The mid-point of Vasant Ritu is characterised by Vernal Equinox, which is also known as Vasant Sampat or Vasant Vishuva in the Vedic astrology. Equinoxes refers to tilt in the Earth’s axis in a manner that the inclination is neither towards nor away from the Sun. Equinoxes occur twice every year, during the spring and autumn season. Vernal Equinox is observed on the 20th or 21st of March and is characterised by equivalent number of hours during days and nights.

== अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Vasanta ==

== वसन्ते अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Vasanta ==

The change of weather conditions affect the bio energies of human body. Atmosphere or weather of every season leads to some changes in the levels of Dosha, Dhatu, mala and agni in human body. There is either aggravation, vitiation or pacification of a particular element. Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhata have clearly explained the effect of Vasanta rtu on these body elements. <blockquote>

The change of weather conditions affect the bio energies of human body. Atmosphere or weather of every season leads to some changes in the levels of Dosha, Dhatu, mala and agni in human body. There is either aggravation, vitiation or pacification of a particular element. Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhata have clearly explained the effect of Vasanta rtu on these body elements. <blockquote>

Imbalance in the levels of functional elements or bio-energies of body caused due to the vasanta rtu can be controlled and illnesses due to these can be prevented by following a certain regime. This is called as Vasanta rtucharua vidhana and is discussed in brief below.  

Imbalance in the levels of functional elements or bio-energies of body caused due to the vasanta rtu can be controlled and illnesses due to these can be prevented by following a certain regime. This is called as Vasanta rtucharua vidhana and is discussed in brief below.  

== What should be strictly avoided in Vasanta rtu? ==

=== वसन्ते अपथ्यानि ॥ What should be strictly avoided in Vasanta rtu? ===

There are certain diet and lifestyle related things that should be strictly avoided in order to create balance and prevent illnesses in Vasanta rtu. The factors are listed below.<ref name=":2">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 19-25)</ref> <ref name=":3">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 24-26)</ref>

There are certain diet and lifestyle related things that should be strictly avoided in order to create balance and prevent illnesses in Vasanta rtu. The factors are listed below.<ref name=":2">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 19-25)</ref> <ref name=":3">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 24-26)</ref>

* One must avoid eating food that is heavy to digest, unctuous or fatty (high calorie) and cold. This means especially the fried food should be avoided in this season.

* One must avoid eating food that is heavy to digest, unctuous or fatty (high calorie) and cold. This means especially the fried food should be avoided in this season.

* Food that are sweet and sour in taste should be avoided. Hence desserts, ice-creams, sweets are best to be avoided.  

* Food that are sweet and sour in taste should be avoided. Hence desserts, ice-creams, sweets are best to be avoided.  

* Day time sleep is strictly prohibited in this season. Day time sleep is known as Diwaswapan in Ayurveda. It is said to aggravating Kapha dosha perdominantly. In this season the Kapha is aggravated already due to the seasonal changes  

* Day time sleep is strictly prohibited in this season. Day time sleep is known as Diwaswapan (दिवास्वपनम्) in Ayurveda. It is said to aggravating Kapha dosha predominantly. In this season the Kapha is aggravated already due to the seasonal changes

* Cold air, water, food should be avoided.  

* Cold air, water, food should be avoided.  

== What should be followed in Vasanta rtu? ==

=== वसन्ते पथ्यानि ॥ What should be followed in Vasanta rtu? ===

 

There are lot of foods, activities and remedies that can keep one healthy and energetic despite disequilibrium of bodily elements.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

* One must take food that is light to digest and is less fatty (low calorie).   

* One must take food that is light to digest and is less fatty (low calorie).   

* Old grains like Barley, wheat should be consumed.  

* Old grains like Barley, wheat should be consumed.  

* The food that is predominantly bitter/pungent in taste, Ushna [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|veerya]] (hot in potency), drying in nature is best suited in this season. However there should be a balance in making food choices and overindulgence in any type of food is not recommended.  

* The food that is predominantly bitter/pungent in taste, Ushna [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|veerya]] (hot in potency), drying in nature is best suited in this season. However there should be a balance in making food choices and overindulgence in any type of food is not recommended.  

Lifestyle and activities

==== Lifestyle and activities ====

* Vyayama: Exercise is must in this season. One can keep check of kapha levels with right amount of exercise and enjoy the healthy life.

Vasanta is the Shodhana Rtu which means specific panchakarma must be done in this season in order to bring about balance of doshas in body and achieve good health for entire year. Since Kapha dosha is aggravated in this season it is advised to be removed out of body through the procedure of Vamana (Therapeutic emesis). <blockquote>हरेद्वसन्ते श्लेष्माणं पित्तं शरदि निर्हरेत् | वर्षासु शमयेद्वायुं प्राग्विकारसमुच्छ्रयात् ||३८|| Sus. Su. 6.38<br />

* Udwartana: It means scrubbing body with dry fragrant powders of herbs. The very act of rubbing the powders or scrubbing is said to reduce the kapha dosha. Hence this activity which is also included in dinacharya (Daily routine) if intentionally practiced in this season can provide lot of health benefits.

* Aghata: Aghata means injury but in this context it refers to body massage by foot or the kneading type of body massage or deep tissue massage. It is beneficial to practice or get this massage done in Vasanta rutu. These activities Vyayama, Udwartana and aghata are said to lower the aggravated kapha from body.

* Perfuming : After all above procedure one is advised to take a bath with warm water and then apply fragrances of saffron, aguru and sandalwood as a part of Vasanta rutu regime.

* One should use warm water for all the cleaning purposes.  

* Kawala: Refers to gargling. Gargling with medicated water, decoctions or medicated oils is referred to as Kawala. It is a therapeutic procedure for many oral diseases in Ayurveda. However one is advised to practice it as a daily regime in Vasanta rtu to control Kapha.

* Dhumapana: Refers to medicated smoking. Although a therapeutic procedure for various oral diseases in Ayurveda, it is advised to be included in regime of Vasanta rutu due to its kapha controlling activity. Smoking medicated vartis (cigars) in an appropriate way (to be learned from a vaidya) helps control kapha and vata as well.

* Anjana : Refers to medicated collyrium. It also helps to keep check of Kapha especially in eyes and head region.  

* One should enjoy the youthfulness of women and of gardens in the afternoon period. A pleasant company of desirable woman in the place like garden where blooms and blossoms of flowers along with their fragrance create romantic weather is said to be helpful.  

Vasanta is the Shodhana Rtu which means specific panchakarma must be done in this season in order to bring about balance of doshas in body and achieve good health for entire year. Since Kapha dosha is aggravated in this season it is advised to be removed out of body through the procedure of Vamana (Therapeutic emesis). <blockquote>हरेद्वसन्ते श्लेष्माणं पित्तं शरदि निर्हरेत् | वर्षासु शमयेद्वायुं प्राग्विकारसमुच्छ्रयात् ||३८|| Sus. Su. 6.38<br />तीक्ष्णैर्वमननस्याद्यै....र्जित्वा श्लेष्माणमुल्बणम्||१९| Asht. Hrud. 3.19</blockquote>The specific Panchakarmas advised in Vasanta are,

तीक्ष्णैर्वमननस्याद्यै....र्जित्वा श्लेष्माणमुल्बणम्||१९| Asht. Hrud. 3.19</blockquote>The specific Panchakarmas advised in Vasanta are,

* [[Vamana (वमनम्)|Vamana]]: Therapeutic emesis

* [[Vamana (वमनम्)]]: Therapeutic emesis

* [[Nasya (नस्यम्)|Nasya]]: Nasal instillation of medicated oil/decoctions/juices/powders.  

* [[Nasya (नस्यम्)]]: Nasal instillation of medicated oil/decoctions/juices/powders.

Other procedures under panchakarma advised in regime are,

Other procedures under panchakarma advised in regime are,

* Dhumapana - Medicated smoking

* Dhumapana (धूमपानम्) - Medicated smoking

* Kawala - Medicated gargling  

* Kawala (कवलम्) - Medicated gargling

* Anjana - Collyrium  

* Anjana (अञ्जनम्) - Collyrium

== Specifications related to Vasanta rtu described in Samhitas (in any) ==

== Specifications related to Vasanta rtu described in Samhitas (in any) ==

Ruturaj - Vasant Rtu or Spring Season is ideally termed as ‘Rturaj’ or ‘King of all the Seasons’. During this time, there is neither cold nor hot and the climatic conditions are very pleasant. There is blossom and blooming of Flowers.   

Ruturaj - Vasant Rtu or Spring Season is ideally termed as ‘Rturaj’ or ‘King of all the Seasons’. During this time, there is neither cold nor hot and the climatic conditions are very pleasant. There is blossom and blooming of Flowers.