Sharada Rutucharya (शरद ऋतुचर्या)

Sharada Rutu/ Rtu is one of the 6 seasons of the Hindu calendar year. Ashvina and Karthika masas/months comprise of this season. It is the period of the year that coincides with october heat period. Therefore the diet, lifestyle regime, do's and dont's for this season are peculiar and are described under Sharada rutucharya.

शरदमासाः॥ Months of Hindu calendar for Sharada 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,

No.	Rtu list 1	Hindu calendar months	Rtu list 2	Hindu calendar months	Corresponding season
1	Shishira (शिशिरः)	Magha, Phalguna	---	---	Winter
2	Vasanta (वसंतः)	Chaitra, Vaishakha	Vasanta (वसंतः)	Falguna (फाल्गुन), Chaitra (चैत्रः)	Spring
3	Grishma (ग्रीष्मः)	Jyeshtha, Ashadha	Grishma (ग्रीष्मः)	Vaishakha (वैशाखः), Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठः)	Summer
4	---	---	Pravrt / Pravrush (प्रावृट्/प्रावृष्)	Ashadha (आषाढः), Shravana (श्रावणः)	Early Monsoon
5	Varsha (वर्षा)	Shravana, Bhadrapada	Varsha (वर्षा)	Bhadrapada (भाद्रपदः), Ashvin (अश्विन्)	Monsoon
6	Sharad (शरदः)	Ashvin, Kartika	Sharad (शरदः)	Kartika (कार्तिक), Margashirsha (मार्गशीर्ष)	Autumn
7	Hemanta (हेमंतः)	Margashirsha, Pausha	Hemanta (हेमंतः)	Pausha (पौष), Magha (माघ)	Winter or late autumn

The month of Ashvina, Karthika and also Margashirsha (as per some scholars) make up the Sharada rutu.

कार्तिकमार्गशीर्षौ शरत् (Sush. Samh 6.10) शरदूर्जसहौ पुनः | ऊर्जसहौ कार्तिकमार्गशीर्षौ| (Char. Samh. 6.5)

अव्यापन्नशरदऋतुलक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of Sharada Rtu

Varsha/Pravrt , Sharada and Hemanta Rutu are the seasons of Dakshinayana i.e. Southern solstice. It is the period when the sun is away from the earth and thus the sun rays reaching the earth are mild. The heat is low. Moon's cooling effect is dominant resulting in colder climate. The sky is cloudy, climate is windy and rain showers are frequent. Rainwater diminishes the heating effect prevalent in nature. Owing to this dryness reduced, dampness and moisture increases in not just climate but also in all the beings living in the nature including plants, animals and humans bodies. The rasa that become predominant in the nature due to such weather conditions are Madhura (Sweet- Prthvi + Jala), Amla (Sour-Teja + Prithvi) and Lavana (salty- jala+Teja). All these 3 rasas are said to be nourishing and strengthening. Therefore, this period is called Visarga kala or nourishing period.

वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तेषु तु दक्षिणाभिमुखेऽर्के कालमार्गमेघवातवर्षाभिहतप्रतापे, शशिनि चाव्याहतबले, माहेन्द्रसलिलप्रशान्तसन्तापे जगति, अरूक्षा रसाः प्रवर्धन्तेऽम्ललवणमधुरा यथाक्रमं तत्र बलमुपचीयते नृणामिति||७|| (Char. Samh. Su. 6.7)

Among the 3 seasons of Visarga kala or Dakshinayana, Sharada is second in the sequence which comes after Pravrt or Varsha rutu or Rainy season. The specific events in nature in this season and their effects on body have been deeply studied by Ayurveda scholars and described as,

वर्षाशीतोचिताङ्गानां सहसैवार्करश्मिभिः| ....||४१|| (Char. Samh. 6.41)

Meaning: The human body which has become used to the cold climate of rainy season suddenly receives sharp sun rays in Sharada rutu..

Thus, the sharp sun rays and resultant increased heat in the environment is expected in the Sharda rutu. This season is popularly known as October heat.

शरदि अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Pravrt

These climatic changes in Sharada rutu affect the elemental balance in Human body or Sharira. These directly affect the levels of 3 doshas which are the 3 controlling forces in body. The changes in dosaha leevls in Sharada rutu have been discussed by Ayurveda scholars as below,

वर्षाशीतोचिताङ्गानां सहसैवार्करश्मिभिः| तप्तानामाचितं पित्तं प्रायः शरदि कुप्यति||४१|| (Char. Samh. 6.41)

Meaning: The pitta accumulated in body in varsha rutu get vitiated due to the sharp sun rays of Sharada and causes Pitta aggravation.

Along with the pitta, kapha dosha also vitiates to some extent but lesser than pitta. Therefore Pitta and Kapha doshas get aggravated or vitiated in Sharada rutu and lead to multiple health problems arising from these 2 if the Sharada rutucharya is not followed properly. The agni is neither weak nor strong. Strength is also moderate in this period.

In short the status of body elements is as follows as per Ayurveda,

The status of body elements in Sharada Rtu

	Body element	Status in Pravrt
1	Doshas	Pitta along with kapha aggravated/vitiated
2	Agni	moderate
3	Dhatus	moderate strength. The rakta dhatu is vitiated naturally in this season.

शरद ऋतुचर्याविधानम्॥ Rtucharya for Sharada

Pitta aggravated in Sharada should be controlled by following a specific diet and lifestyle regime which is known as Sharada Rutucharya. The do's and dont's under this regimen are as follows,

What should be strictly avoided in Sharada rtu?

1. In order to keep a check on naturally aggravating Pitta dosha, it is advised to avoid hot and spicy food.
2. Few food stuffs which are to be avoided - fat, oils, meat of aquatic animals (sea food), curds, etc.
3. Its best to avoid overeating.
4. Avoiding the direct heat and sun exposure is recommended in this season.
5. Kshara in food which could be correlated with Highly alkaline diet should be avoided in this season. The ksharas in food are identified as those ingredients which have excess spice and salt. Such substances when consumed in excess can lead to pitta aggravation.
6. Curd is best avoided.
7. One should not sleep during the daytime
8. Cold air in the early morning (specifically coming form the east) is best to be avoided.
9. Strong alcoholic beverages.

What should be followed in Sharada rtu?

1. Foods that are sweet or bitter in taste, cooling in nature and light on digestion should be consumed to remain fit. Also these should be consumed in moderate quantity. These foods can then pacify vitiated Pitta.
2. Wheat, green gram, sugar candy, honey, in nonvegetarian food- flesh of animals having habitat in dry land (Jangala Mamsa) can be consumed.
3. It is recommended to observe the natural urge for food and eat only after having the natural desire for food.
4. It is also recommended to take water purified by the rays of sun in day time and rays of moon at night time for drinking, bathing, etc.
5. Use of fresh, cooling flowers in surrounding, use of cooling fragrances like Sandalwood can be made as scents and also for local application on body.
6. It is said that moon rays in night are conducive for health. Thus one can deliberately take a walk in the night to immerse oneself into these cool rays of moon. On this ground various rituals wherein staying awake late nights is expected are followed like Kojagiri pournima.
7. Increasing the amount of ghee in your food is recommended which helps to keep check on further pitta aggravation.

शरदि पंचकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas done in Pravrt Rtu

Sharada is the season of Pitta dosha vitiation and aggravation. Therefore it is said to be the season for pitta cleansing or pitta detox in the year. Specific Panchakarma procedures are advised in this season to remove the excess pitta from channels and get good health.

तिक्तस्य सर्पिषः पानं विरेको रक्तमोक्षणम्| (Char. Samh. Su. 6.44)

Consuming ghee medicated with herbs that are bitter in taste, Virechana and raktamokshana are the panchakarma treatments of choice in sharada season.

Consuming medicated ghee can help in pacifying Pitta. Thus this should be tried first. If this doesn't work the next steps should be conducting Virechana and is that also fails one should go for Raktamoshana. The rakta dhatu which normally acts as a seat for Pitta dosha naturally gets vitiated due to aggravated pitta residing in it. Therefore sometimes it also becomes necessary to remove the vitiated rakta (blood) from the system as a detox measure which is facilitated by Raktamokshana procedure.

Specifications related to Sharada rtu described in Samhitas

Rain water in Sharada

The rain water from the rains in sharada rutu has different properties than that from Pravrt rutu. The rain water in sharada rutu is easily digestible (doesn't give any gastric trouble), doesn't increase kleda (diseases causing water element in body). Therefore it is potable and can be used for drinking and food preparation of even those with weaker immune system.

Hamsodaka

Hamsodaka is the unique concept related to water in Sharada rutu. This water is said to have such properties owing to which it is called as elixir.

दिवा सूर्यांशुसन्तप्तं निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतलम्| कालेन पक्वं निर्दोषमगस्त्येनाविषीकृतम्||४६|| हंसोदकमिति ख्यातं शारदं विमलं शुचि| स्नानपानावगाहेषु हितमम्बु यथाऽमृतम् ||४७|| (Char. Samh. Su. 6.46-47)

In rainy season, water flowing from river and in many reservoirs become very polluted and inappropriate to drink. Thus it is best avoided. In the Sharada rutu, nature changes, sunlight becomes abundant during day time and at night the moon light is also plenty. In such conditions when Agastya constellation appears in the sky it is believed to impart such an effect on water that it it becomes clear, free from pollution and toxins. The water naturally processed through these environmental events becomes clear, potable and safe to drink. Such water is called as Hamsodaka. Hamsodaka is said to be fit for consumption and use for bathing, cleaning purposes.

Festivals that appear in Sharada Rutu and guide on useful regime

There are many festivals that are celebrated during the Sharada rtu. Although the festivals have religious foundations, the customs and traditions that are followed while celebrating these festivals certainly have a connection with the health and wellbeing of a person following it and also a message to stay connected or in tune with the seasonal changes occurring at that time of the year.

Navaratri

Marks the beginning of Sharada rtu. The 9 days are celebrated with exuberance starting from Ashvin Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) pratipada (first day of Ashvin masa) to navami (9th day). During this time, devotees worship the nine different forms of Goddess Shakti. Throughout the period of 9 days, Devi is worshipped with utmost devotion and exuberance. Most of the devotees observe fasting either complete abstinence from food or by eating once in a day or by following a specific diet. The customs like playing dandiya or garba which is a very popular and widely practiced cultural event. These forms of dance are usually practiced in the night or after the sunset. Some cultures perform the puja or worship the devi throughout the night which is known as Jagarata or Jagaranam. All such customs have some roots in the Health science of ancient India.

Fasting: Fasting is an integral part of worship of Devi in navaratri of Sharada Rtu. While describing the changes in nature during Sharad rtu Ayurveda Acharyas describe that, in this period pitta dosha along with kapha dosha are aggravated. Also rakta dhatu gets naturally vitiated in this season. Considering these changes in doshas, Ayurveda acharyas have suggested use of food stuffs of ruksha (dry) and shita (cold) gunas (properties). While suggesting a treatment protocol for Rakta dhatu vitiation, Ayurveda scholars have clearly mentioned the practice of Upavasa as a treatment modality for curing Rakta dhatu related diseases which might develop in this season. Thus, fasting is not just a religious custom but a practice which is beneficial to preserve and promote good health in this season.

Since the heat of the sunrays is extreme in the day and it is better to avoid it to prevent further aggravation of pitta dosha, celebration on open spaces under moon light is certianly beenficial to preserve health. However, the period recommended is that of Pradosha and not of midnight.

Sharat purnima /Kojagiri pournimi

Sharad Purnima: Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) of the lunar month of Ashwin. This event is celebrated as the harvest festival and signifies the end of Monsoon Season. Sharad Purnima is also known as ‘Kumar Purnima’ or ‘Kojaagari Purnima’ and is celebrated with immense fervour and gaiety all across India. According to the Hindu beliefs, moon rays on the night of Sharad Purnima possess several curative properties. It is believed that the full mооn’s brightness brings joy, pleasure, and calmness on this day.

Kojagiri : Marks the peak of Sharada rtu. Late night awakening on full moon day and consuming sweetened thickened milk. शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८|| प्रदोषे कौमुदीभजनं विधत्ते-चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरमुक्तास्रग्वसनोज्ज्वलः||५३|| सौधेषु सौधधवलां चन्दिकां रजनीमुखे| -------------------------------------------|५४|

Preparing rice kheer and leaving it in the moonlight for the entire night is the most important ritual of Sharad Purnima.

In ancient times, sages believed that when the moon is full of its 16 kalas, the moon’s rays on that night drip nectar and contain healing properties that are beneficial for the body and soul. Sharad Purnima is the only day in the year when the moon is full of its 16 kalas (phases). So on this night, the moon is believed to throw its beams showering elixir (amrit) on Earth, giving health, love and prosperity to people.

Rice kheer (a sweet dish made of milk, rice, and sugar/jaggery) is prepared at homes and temples. After making an offering to God, the kheer is left preferably in a silver vessel under the moonlight for the entire night. The next day morning it is consumed and distributed as Prasad.

It is believed that on this full moon night, Goddess Lakshmi descends on Earth to watch the actions of human beings. She is believed to move around the orbit in the night sky asking Ko jaagarti? (Who is awake?), and to those who are awake, she gifts wealth and prosperity. That is why this night is also called ‘Kojagiri Purnima’. (Bhavan’s Journal, 31 October 2021 issue.,Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Festivals/About-Sharad-PURNIMA-1.aspx)

Dashera

• Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami is also popularly known as ‘Dussera’ and is one of the prime Hindu festivals. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon King. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the ‘Dashami’ (10th day) of the ‘Ashwin’ lunar month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This day also culminates the grand Navratri celebrations in some parts of the country.