Changes

=== Rain water in Sharada ===

=== 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 (doesnt give any gastric trouble), doesnt 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.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutra 204)</ref>  

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.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutra 204)</ref>  

=== Hamsodaka ===

=== Hamsodaka ===

== Festivals that appear in Sharada Rutu and guide on useful regime ==

== Festivals that appear in Sharada Rutu and guide on useful regime ==

# Navaratri: Marks the beginning of Sharada rutu. Fasting, late night celebrations शरदि स्वादुतिक्तकषायकान्| शरद्वसन्तयो '''रूक्षं''' '''शीतं''' घर्मघनान्तयोः||५६|| अन्नपानं समासेन विपरीतमतोऽन्यदा| <ref>Ashtnaga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 56-57)</ref>

=== Navaratri ===

# Kojagiri : Marks the peak of Sharada rutu. Late night awakening on full moon day and consuming sweetened thickened milk. शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८|| <ref name=":1" /> प्रदोषे कौमुदीभजनं विधत्ते-चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरमुक्तास्रग्वसनोज्ज्वलः||५३|| सौधेषु सौधधवलां चन्दिकां रजनीमुखे| -------------------------------------------|५४| <ref name=":2" />

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.  

* [TBE ===Navratri: Navratri is an auspicious Hindu observance for nine days that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. During this time, devotees worship the nine different forms of Goddess Shakti. Navratri begins on ‘Pratipada’ (1st day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the waxing phase of moon) and continues till the ‘Navami’ (9th day) of the Hindu month of ‘Ashwin’. The celebrations of Navratri are observed with great zeal and dedication in all parts of the country.

'''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 [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] along with kapha dosha are aggravated. Also [[Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)|rakta dhatu]] gets naturally vitiated in this season.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 10)</ref> Considering these changes in doshas, Ayurveda acharyas have suggested use of food stuffs of ruksha (dry) and shita (cold) [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|gunas]] (properties).<ref>Ashtnaga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 56-57)</ref> While suggesting a treatment protocol for Rakta dhatu vitiation, Ayurveda scholars have clearly mentioned the practice of [[Upavasa or Fasting (उपवासः)|Upavasa]] as a treatment modality for curing Rakta dhatu related diseases which might develop in this season.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 18)</ref> 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. <ref name=":2" />

 

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.

 

 

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)

 

* 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.

* 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.

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]