Extra Niyams for Devotees During Chaturmas
 
18 July to 12 November 2005

In the Shikshapatri, Bhagwan Swaminarayan highlights the four holy months of Chaturmas as a special time for pleasing God by offering extra devotion and performing austerities.
This year, Chaturmas is from 18 July 2005 (Ashadh sud 11) to 12 November 2005 (Kartak sud 11). To please Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, all devotees should undertake the following observances during this period:

1. One month of dharna-parna, chandrayan, or other forms of fasting. Or observe ek-tana (one meal a day) during month of Shravan (6 August to 3 September).
2. Extra malas, dandvats, and pradakshinas as per one's faith.
3. Read one extra Vachanamrut and five Swamini Vato daily.
4. Read the biography of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, parts 3 and 4.
5. Inspire five people to give up addictions, become satsangis, attend the Sunday satsang asssembly and hold a daily family assembly (ghar sabha).
6. As per the wishes of senior sadhus, listen to audio blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 'Pramukh Swami Maharajni Amrutvani - Samput-9'.

Note: During Chaturmas, devotees should not eat brinjals, white & red radish, sugarcane or mogri.