This is known as Vishnu Masa/Chaithra masa/Madhu Maasa and is equivalent to March-April month in the English calendar.
The all pervading Supreme Lord is the Kala Purusha and He is Lord Vishnu and is also the Masa Niyamaka or the presiding lord of this month – Chaithra Masa. This month is also known as Vishnu masa. Vishnu is an expansion of the Supreme Personality as described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam and is an extraordinarily beautiful male with a dark bluish complexion. He is decorated with dazzling, spiritual gems, and has four hands—where each hand holds the club, conchshell, chakra (disc), and the lotus flower.
When the Supreme Lord Krishna wished to create this cosmic Universe or the material world, He expanded Himself into three Vishnu forms to execute this task. Firstly He expaneded as Maha-Vishnu, and He creates innumerable universes. Then He expanded as Garbhodakashayi Vishnu and entered into each universe where He created all the planetary systems and He finally expanded as Kshirodakashayi Vishnu and entered the heart of all the beings, as well as each atom of the universe. Thus Vishnu dwells in everything and everything dwells in Vishnu in this Universe.
Vedic scriptures mention ‘Eko Vishnu Mahadbhuutah’ that means there is only one gigantic presence in the world and that is none other than Lord Vishnu, who is present everywhere. We find a reference to this quote in the phala Sruthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothra sloka # 20.
It is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita that the ultimate goal of the yogi is to fix their mind on the form of Vishnu residing in the heart. By such a practice the yogi can then transfer himself to the spiritual world from this material world. Each planet has a unique Vishnu form as the presiding lord worshipped by countless devotees.
Although Lord Vishnu the primordial supreme who is matchless and unparalleled is present in various objects of the universe and resides within the beings in all the three worlds, He protects and enjoys all these beings yet He is not affected by the faults of these beings. Vishnu is in charge of the primary creation, as well as maintenance and is the mode of goodness. Lord Vishnu is free from all imperfections and is the possessor of auspiciousness, best and unlimited attributes.
Om vishvam vishhnur-vashhatkaaro bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh
Bhootakrut bhoota-bhrud bhaavo bhootaatma bhoota-bhaavanah
Lord Sri Vishnu is referred to as Bhoota-Bhavya-Bhavat-Prabhuh and is also described as Vashatkarah meaning the one who possesses divine and auspicious qualities such as comprehensive control over everything (sovereignty/lordship), has all capabilities to do, undo anything and everything, all accomplishments (Yashas); bountiful riches and prosperity; all knowledge in full form; total dispassionateness (non attachment). Lord Vishnu is the one who is always joyous and the one who gives happiness or Ananda to this universe. He is the origin of happiness, the ultimate abode of delight and is perennially blissful. He is the remover of all unhappiness.
yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ
viṣṇur mahān sa iha yasya kalā-viśeṣo govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi
Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the original Personality of Godhead, Govinda, whose plenary portion is the Mahā-Viṣṇu. All the Brahmās, the heads of the universes, live only for the period of His exhaling, after the universes are generated from the pores of His transcendental body. (Brhma Samhita 5.48)
Lord Vishnu is referred to in the Dhyana Shlokas of Vishnu Sahasranama – Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham – He is described as the personification of peace who is reclining on the great bed of Adishesha. From His navel appeared the lotus that gave birth to Brahma – the engineer who is entrusted with creation in this Universe and is the first Jivatma. This Lord Vishnu is all pervading and He has a colour that resembles a dark cloudy sky, and He is all beautiful. He is the lord of Goddess Lakshmi Devi. He is lotus eyed, resting in the hearts of true and pure devotees and is the destroyer of fear.
Vishnu is the original source of creation and is also in charge of maintenance and represents the mode of goodness.
Brahma is empowered to be the secondary creator and represents the mode of passion.
Shiva is in empowered to be in charge of destruction and represents the mode of ignorance
Lord Vishnu is often shown as reclining on the huge serpant- Adisesha. Adisesha’s ten thousand heads are all turned inwards, and this represents a tranquil mind and these heads look towards the Absolute Truth – Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is shown to be in Yoga-nidra, the cosmic sleep, which shows the Lord is focused on the infinite reality.
Sometimes the Lord is also seen standing on a whorl of a lotus flower with four hands. These four hands represent the four directions and indicate the Lord’s absolute power in the four corners of the universe. There is a different item held in each hand like disc, lotus, conch, and mace. The conchshell represents the five universal elements. When the conchshell is blown, it produces the sound “OM” which represents the Divine sound vibration of the universe. This sound also signifies that the Lord is calling out to everyone to turn to Him rather than remain in the darkness or ignorance in this material world. The reverberation of this Divine Syllable and sound helps stir up the consciousness of all living beings and guide them towards the Absolute Truth. This conchshell is also used to cut the ego of a person by Lord, especially of those who do not heed to His calling. This was seen clearly during the war between Pandavas and Kauravas at Kurukshetra war. The Conchshell is known as Panchajanya.
The disc or the chakra in the Lord’s hand represents the universal mind or awareness. This chakra also known as Sudarshan Chakra removes all darkness everywhere and shows the path of higher awareness. This chakra is all powerful and has the power to destroy all forms of ignorance.
The mace or gada known as Kaumodaki represents the cosmic intellect or knowledge. Kaumodaki means that which captivates the mind. The mace is also associated with time. Time, which destroys all and it is also related to Kali, the power of time. The mace is viewed as a female with two hands, positioned in respect.
The lotus is being twirled in the Lord’s hand and this depicts the changing nature of the Universe.
The Vaijayanti garland is also known as the garland of victory. The garland has five rows of flowers that adorn the Lord and also represent the five senses. This Universe is created by the mixing of the five elements, Universal mind and intellect.
The Goddess of Fortune is seen on the Lord as the Srivatsa mark in His chest. This mark represents the product of the material creation, or the object of enjoyment which all living beings seek.The Kaustubha gem is known as the Treasure of the Ocean and it depicts the Lord as the enjoyer of all these products. Thus, this world of the enjoyer and the enjoyed is but a piece of decoration for the Lord, a spark of His energy.
At times the Lord is seen with other items such as a bow known as Sharange, a representation of our false ego, which has us thinking we are this body and not connected with the Lord. The arrows represent the activities which can cut this false ego when used in the right way. The Lord’s earrings are fish shaped and this represents knowledge. These four symbols when held differently indicate a different form of the Lord.
If the Lord holds the conch in His lower right hand, the disc in His upper right, the mace in His upper left, and lotus in the lower left, then He is known as Keshava, who is the Lord with long hair, according to the Padma Purana (Book Four, Chapter 79). When Lord holds each of the items in different hands then He gets different names like Narayana (the universal shelter), Govinda (saver of the Earth and protector of cows), Madhava (Lord of knowledge), Madhusudana (the destroyer of the demon Madhu), Trivikrama (the one who conquered the three planetary systems), Vamana (the dwarf incarnation), Shridhara (the possessor of fortune), Hrishikesha (Lord of the senses), Padmanabha (whose navel produced the universal lotus), Damodara (who is self-restrained), Sankarshana (who reabsorbs), Vasudeva (one who dwells within), Pradyumna (who has the most wealth), Aniruddha (who no one can oppose), Purushottama (best of all men), Adhoksaja (the expanse of the universe), Nrisimha (the half-man and half-lion form), Achyuta (the inconceivable), Krishna (the dark and all-attractive one), Hari (He who removes obstacles or sorrow), Janardana (He who gives rewards), and Upendra (the brother of Indra). Many other names of Lord Vishnu are found in the Vishnu-sahasranama, the Thousand Names of Vishnu, found in the Anushasan Parva (149.14-120) of the Mahabharata. The dark complexion of the Lord, gets Him the name Nilameghashyama. He is the all pervading power.
Chaithra’ means sanctuary in Sanskrit and also it signifies the beginning of Spring season (Mar – Apr). This is also the name of one of the 27 nakshatras. Vedic scriptures say that the first day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Chaitra month is when Lord Brahma began his creation of the universe. This day is observed as New Year all over the country and is known by various names. What better season to start the New Year, when Krishna himself has said in the Srimad Bhagwadgita (10.35): “Among the seasons, I am Vasant (spring)…”
In the Tamil calendar, Chitterai begins with the Sun’s entry into Aries in mid-April, and is the first month of the year. The full moon day of chaitra is known as “chithira pournami” in Tamil which is an auspicious day for Amman or Devi.
“Chaitramasi jagadbrahma sasarju prathamehaani
Shukla paksha samagranthu thadaa suryodaye sathi
Pravarthayaamaasa thatha kaalasya gananaamapi
Grahantaaraan ruthoonmaasaan wathsaraanwathsaraadhipaan”.
According to the Sloka from Chaturvarga Chintamani, the god Bramha created the universe on the first day of Shukla paksha (first fortnight / first half of the month) in the month of Chaitra. He also gradually included planets, stars, ruthu (seasons), years and lords of years.
In this month, the fifteen days in Shukla paksha are dedicated to fifteen different forms of the Lord. Chaithra maasa is the sacred month in which Maryaada Purushottama Lord Sri Rama was born on the 9th day of the bright fortnight and that is celebrated as Sri Rama Navami. It is the sacred month in which Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsyaavathara (Giant Fish) the very first avatara among the Dasaavatharas in which the Lord saved various species during the time of Pralaya Kaal, and that day is celebrated as Matsya Jayanthi on Chaithra Shukla Tritheeya. It is said as per scriptures that it was the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaithra Masa that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryana took place that is marked as the beginning of Kaliyuga.
It is the sacred month when Sun God transits into the first house of the zodiac i.e. Aries (Mesha Raasi) where Sun gets exalted. This particular day is known as Mesha Sankramana and is celebrated as Vishu festival in some parts of South India. Chaithra maasa is the sacred month in which the mighty Lord Hanuman was born and this is celebrated as Hanuma Jayanthi on the full Moon day. It is the sacred month in which the sixty year cycle of Hindu Calendar Samvatsara begins starting from Prabhava and ends with Akshaya.
Full Moon day during Chaithra masa known as Chittraa Poornima or Maha Chaithri is the day Moon will be at or nearer to the constellation of Chitta and hence the name Chaithra masa. Chaithra Shukla Tritheeya and Pournami are Manvaadi days the days Manvanthara began, Chaithra shukla Panchami is known as Kalpaadi the day Kalpa had commenced. A nine day festival known as Vasantha Navarathri is celebrated during Chaithra masa starting from Ugadi day during Uttarayana. During this nine day period Goddess Durga is worshiped in some parts of the country while in some other parts, it is known as Sri Rama Navarathri worshiping Lord Sri Rama. During this period sacred texts like Ramayana, Sundarakanda, and Devi Bhagavatham are read. It is also a sacred month for commencement for Vedic learning. That’s why it is one of the auspicious and sacred months for performing Upanayana that marks the formal eligibility to commence the study of Vedas and Upanishads.
The Sun god, traverses this first month with his associates by entering the first zodiac sign – Mesha or Aries and is known as;
Dhata as the sun-god, Krtasthali as the Apsara, Heti as the Raksasa, Vasuki as the Naga, Rathakrt as the Yaksa, Pulastya as the sage and Tumburu as the Gandharva rule the month of Madhu. (12.11.33)
Festivals in this month
Chaitra (or Chithirai) is the sacred month during which Sun transits into the first zodiac sign Mesha or Aries and gets exalted, marking the first day of the Hindu solar calendar. Following are the festivals observed in the month of Chaitra:
Rama Navami – Lord Rama was born on the Shukla Paksha Navami (9th Waxing Moon) in the month of Chaitra and is celebrated as Rama Navami.
Matsya Jayanthi – Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya or a giant fish (first incarnation) called Matsya avatar on Shukla Paksha Tritiya (3rd Waxing Moon) to restore the lost Vedas.Hanuman Jayanthi – Lord Hanuman was born on the full Moon day in the month of Chaitra and is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanthi.
Vasant Navaratri – A nine day festival starting from the day of Ugadi of the Uttrayana period, during which Goddess Durga is worshipped in some parts of India, whereas Lord Rama is revered in certain regions as Rama Navaratri. During this period, sacred texts like Ramayana, Sundarakanda, and Devi Bhagavatham are read.
Gangaur – An important festival of Rajasthan, which celebrates the harvest season and marital fidelity. ‘Gana’ denotes Lord Shiva and ‘Gaur’ denotes Goddess Parvati and celebrating them symbolizes Saubaghya or marital bliss.
Yamuna Chhath – It marks the descending of Goddess Yamuna into the earth plane on Shukla Paksha Shashti (6th Waxing Moon) in the month of Chaitra. This day is also known as Yamuna Jayanthi and falls during Chaitra Navatri. Since Goddess Yamuna is the wife of Lord Krishna, this day is celebrated mainly in Mathura and Brindavan.
Kamada Ekadasi – Lord Vishnu is worshipped with an early bath and strict fasting on the day of Kamada Ekadasi.
As per Solar calendar New Year all over is known by various names:
Varusha Pirappu – By Tamil speaking people
Ugadi – By Telugu and Kannada speaking people
Gudi Padva – By Marathi speaking people
Cheti Chand – By Sindhi speaking people
Maha Vishuba Sankranti – By Oriya speaking people
Rongali Bihu – By Assamese speaking people
Vishu – By Malayalam speaking people
Bisu – By Tulu speaking people
Baisakhi – By Punjabi speaking people
Vaishaka – By Bihari speaking people
Nababorsho – By Bengali speaking people
Owing to all these glorious festivals, Chaitra becomes a very auspicious month for the commencement of Vedic learning and Upanayana or sacred thread ceremony – formal initiation of education or spiritual knowledge.
Important festivals at some of the Holy Dhams
At Puri Jagannath
Ramanabami: Birthday of Lord Ramachandra is celebrated on Chaitra Sukla Navami Tithi i.e. the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra (March-April). It continues for some days during which Ramalila is performed. Different episodes of the Ramayana are dramatized at the Jagannath Ballabha Matha. Sahijatra / Sahijata (demonstration of military skills) is held on these days.
Damanaka Chori (Dayana lagi): It is celebrated on Chaitra Sukla Trayodasi and Chaturdasi Tithis i.e. the 13th and 14th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra (March-April). As per the tradition, Jagannath Mahaprabhu had forcibly collected Dayana leaves from the Nandana garden of Lord Indra and had worn them in his hands. This festival is observed in memory of the said incident. The representative deities like Lord Rama and Lord Krushna are taken in a procession to the celebrated garden of the Jagannath Ballabha Matha, where the deities pick up their dear Dayana leaves unnoticed by anybody and on the 14th day the leaves are offered to the deities. This is also known as Damanaka Chaturdasi. However, these are some of the important festivals as observed in the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri.
Baruni Snana is held in different places, on Chaitra Krusna pakshya Tryaodashi Tithi.
Pitrushradha and Debapujan is also allowed on that day of Chaitra Amavashya tithi.
Chitra Gundicha is celebrated in Shri Jagannath Temple on Chaitra Shukla Sasthi, on that Chariot of Sun Lord is circulated in temple premises, as bedha parimkrama.
At Dwarka
Dwarka, is also one of the Main – pilgrim centers. The 4 pilgrim places are identified as Dham like – Dwarka, Badrinath, Jagannath Puri and Rameshwar. It is also considered one of the seven Moksha Puris. Dwarka is considered to be more important from Religious point of view particularly because it has dual importance as a Dham and also as a ‘Moksha Puri.’ Lord Dwarkadhish is worshipped at Dwarka throughout the year. Many minor festivals are celebrated during the year. However, certain important festivals are celebrated at Dwarkadhish Temple with more pomp and gait. The 9th day of this month is celebrated as Ram Navami. It is the birth festival of Lord Shri Ram. In the afternoon, a special Aarti is performed to mark the celebrations of Ram Navami.
At Bardinath
The daily pujas and festivals at the Badrinarayan Temple at Badrinath are all held during the period when the temple is open from the month of April/May to October. The dates of the opening and closing of the temple change from year to year according to the lunar calendar. The dates for that specific year are announced after Basant Panchami in February by the chief priest of the temple, the Rawal.
At Tirupati
The Annual Vasanthotsavam is performed in Tirumala on the auspicious days of Trayodasi, Chaturdasi and Pournami in the month of Chaitra (March/April) every year. According to the temple Legend, the Vasanthotsavam Festival was started during the period of King Achyutaraya in 1460’s. This annual fete was believed to have introduced by the King to mark the arrival of Spring Season. Lord and his Consorts are given aromatic bath on these three days which is believed to give a soothing relief to the deities from the scorching Sun.
In ISKCON
Chaitra Poornima – Holi – Gaur Poornima – Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appearance day
Chaitra Padyami – Jagannath Mishra Appearance day