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Observing Caturmasya

Today is the beginning of Caturmasya. When I was in Hong Kong I asked Srila Gurudeva the benefits of fasting during these 4 months.
(Ald): What is the benefit of observing caturmasya, Srila Gurudeva?
(Srila Gurudeva) O the benefits are endless. Limitless. Our entire guru-parampara followed it. The 4 Kumaras also observed caturmasya. My Guru Maharaja also.
You cannot imagine the benefits. All in our lineage followed it.
(Sripad BV Madhava Maharaja & Sripad Brajanath Prabhu in unison): And our Srila Gurudeva is also following it.
Below are the foods restricted for the entire 4 months and particular foods during each of the 4 months:
Eggplants, tomatoes, loki, parmal, urad dahl and honey
Particular foods that are restricted during the first month:
No leafy vegetables, such as spinach, salads of all types, cabbages of all types, kale, leafy herbs like coriander, mint, parsley, curry and powdered leafy herbs and teas.
2nd month:
No yoghurt
3rd month:
no milk
4th month:
No mustard seeds, mustard oil, sesame seeds, sesame oil.
Also today there is a a penumbral lunar eclipse, which is an inauspicious moment.
16:32:16 start of the eclipse
18:44:57 end of the eclipse
During this time, avoid sleeping, eating, drinking and using the bathroom. Constantly chant Harinama.
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Comments

shalagram said…
How did Mahaprabhu followed Caturmasya precisely! Egg plants,tomatoes,potatoes and other veggies were not to be found in India at that time! Is curd what is considered Yogurt? Is diluted yogurt is considered Yogurt? Why shaving at all?Vaishnavas not from gaudia do not shave!In the line of Nityananda,one keeps his beard trughout life.How i wish i could get educated honest answers!The only months that a healthy person feels it is time for yogurt is July August. Who wants to eat yogurt in the winter? So no yogurt on Caturmasya is no NO YOGURT YEAR ROUND...for me. something here do not make sense,austerity wize,health wize,logic wize... I believe that it is NO CURD! Yogurt less the water...this makes sense,cause curd causes the blood to be acidic,and four months curd fast in the summer makes sense...thanks
September 15, 2016 at 2:48 PM
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