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 Sharada

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 Sharada 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 certainly beneficial to preserve health. However, the period recommended is that of Pradosha and not of midnight.

Sharada purnima / Kojaagiri pournimi

Sharat /Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Ashwin masa of Sharada Rtu. This event is celebrated as the harvest festival and signifies the end of Monsoon Season. It is also known as 'Kaumudi purnima', ‘Kumara Purnima’ or ‘Kojaagari Purnima’ and is celebrated with immense zeal and cheerfulness all across India. According to the ancient Bharatiya shastras, moon rays on the night of Sharad Purnima possess several healing or curative properties. Its a full moon day and being the ruler of mind and emotions, the full moon’s brightness is believed to bring joy, pleasure, and calmness on this day. There are certain traditions and there are also set of theories and logics from shastras that support these particular methods of celebrations which will be discussed henceforth.

Customs and traditions

• People observe fast throughout the day.
• People gather on to the open spaces at night where moonlight will be abundant and direct.
• Preparing rice kheer or thick sweetened milk mixed with nuts and leaving it in the moonlight for the entire night is the most important ritual of Sharad Purnima. 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.

Ancient theories behind rituals

It is believed that moon has 16 phases known as kalas in ancient Indian shastras. According to the lexicon, the term kalaa connotes a small part of any single part or portion of the whole. It also signifies a 16th part or 16th digit of the moon’s diameter and thus turns to be a symbol of part of the whole. While, the term 16 kalaas or digits connote “the sense of fullness , completeness, as the moon with 16 kalaas is representative of full completion and at the same time its 16 digits ranging from the no form to the form of fullness represent the totality in fullness of the circumference which bears similarity with the cosmos”. Sharad Purnima is the only day in the year when the moon is full of its 16 kalas (phases). Therefore it is the only day in the year which actually is a full moon day (with all 16 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. The moon’s rays on that night contain healing properties that are beneficial for the body and soul.

Hinduism believes that kala is a part of the human personality. More number of kalas in a human indicates that the person will have more qualities. If a person has 16 kalas, that creates a perfect person. Only Lord Krishna — the Hindu God — is considered to have all the 16 kalas. Therefore Krishna, this incarnation of lord Vishnu having all 16 kalas denotes that “being nearer to the completeness in every aspect of human periphery, he represents the avatara of superlative degree, a complete avatara of the almighty possessing 16 kalaas in the form of absolute spirit endowed with which he could manifest varied forms of his virtuous excellences”. While the concept of Kalaavatara in its basic concept represents the degree of power he possesses and which in turn symbolises the powers of the moon who too is held as super power incarnate.

Sharada or the entire dakshinayana actually is the time of feminine marked by the growth of crops, blossoming of flowers indicating recreation or regeneration (thus also known as harvest season or festival), the power of feminine or devi. As per a legend, 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’. And to receive the grace of Devi or Devine goddess people stay awake.

Ayurveda's wisdom

The moonlight of Sharada purnima

Ayurveda acharyas have praised the the properties of moonrays in the Sharada rtu. They state that, staying in the moonlight at night or specifically during pradosha period is beneficial for preserving and promoting health in this season.

शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८|| (Char. Sam. 6.41-48) प्रदोषे कौमुदीभजनं विधत्ते-चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरमुक्तास्रग्वसनोज्ज्वलः||५३|| सौधेषु सौधधवलां चन्दिकां रजनीमुखे| -------------------------------------------|५४| (Asht. Hrud. 3.49-55)

Thus one should get deliberately exposed to these healing moonrays on the night of Sharada purnima.

The prasadam : Kheer or sweetened milk

Rice kheer (a sweet dish made of milk, rice, and sugar/jaggery) is prepared at homes and temples.

Jagaranam - effects- ruksha, vat, pitta

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.
• The tenth day of Navarathri in Sharad Ritu, Vijaya- Dashami is one among the three most auspicious days in our calendar. It is the most sought-after day for launching ones hopes and ventures. Vijaya-Dashami signifies rescue of Dharma from the creeping shadows of the unjust, instating the virtuous to their rightful position and the victory of good over evil. On this day, the Pandavas ended long years of their humiliating exile and incognito; the friendless brothers found an ally in Virata and celebrated it with the bonding of young Abhimanyu and Uttara.  On this day, Sri Rama with his consort was enthroned in Ayodhya on return from years of exile and vanquishing the demon king Ravana. It was on this day the Goddess Durga mata destroyed horde of evil forces, restored light and hope in the hearts of the virtuous. It is a day of victory and rejoices.

Significance of Sharada rtu for its inclusion in wishes and blessings for long life

Our seers visualized a life worth- living as spans of Sharad Ritu; not merely, because it is the most enjoyable season but also because it suggests an interpretation and a sense of balance that life should have. That perhaps was the reason our ancients measured meaningful life spans as representations of Sharad Ritu. A young person on threshold of life greets his beloved at the time of wedding “Oh! The auspicious one, the cause of my life, may we live to see a hundred Sharad seasons (subhage, tvamjeeva sharadahshhatam)”.

The Vedic aspirations of living a long, rich and purposeful life are expressed as enjoyment of life as in Sharad Ritu.

Paśyema śaradaḥ śataṁ| jīvema śaradaḥ śataṁ| budhyema śaradaḥ śataṁ| rohema śaradaḥ śataṁ | pūṣema śaradaḥ śataṁ| bhavema śaradaḥ śatam | bhūsema śaradaḥ śataṁ| bhūyasīḥ śaradaḥ śatam | (AVŚ_19,67.1-8)

May we see a hundred Sharad Ritus. May we live a hundred Sharad Ritus. May we be wakeful in a hundred Sharad Ritus. May we ascend through a hundred Sharad Ritus. May we enjoy prosperous hundred Sharad Ritus. May we adorn a hundred Sharad Ritus .May we live more than a hundred invincible Sharad Ritus.