Vaishakha Masam 2026 – Sacred Month of Lord Vishnu, Festivals, Rituals, and Auspicious Practices

 

Vaishakha Masam is the second month of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling between April and May in the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from the "Visaakha" star (nakshatra), which is prominent during the full moon of this month.

Spiritual Significance

Sacred Month of Lord Vishnu: Vaishakha is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is referred to as Maadhava Masam in his honor. It is believed to be one of the holiest months for attaining spiritual growth and divine blessings.

Prominence in Scriptures:

Skandha Purana and other texts praise Vaishakha as the best of months for performing good deeds.

Lord Vishnu's three divine incarnations—Parashurama, Narasimha, and Kurma—occurred during this month, amplifying its sanctity.

Treta Yuga is said to have begun on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day of this month.

Attaining Punya (Spiritual Merit): Regular rituals, holy baths, and acts of charity performed during this month are believed to cleanse sins and help achieve moksha (liberation).

Cultural Importance

Charity and Benevolence: Donating water (Udaka Kumbha Daana), food, clothes, and other essentials is encouraged, reflecting the spirit of compassion. The month aligns with the summer season in India, making water-related charities significant.

Astrology and Auspicious Ceremonies:

Vaishakha Masam is considered an ideal time for sacred events like weddings, upanayanams (sacred thread ceremonies), and housewarming ceremonies.

It is also associated with the Sun's transit into Vrishabha Rasi (Taurus), called Vrushabha Sankramana.

Daily Practices

Early Morning Bathing: Devotees take Praathah Snaana (early morning baths), especially in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari, to purify body and soul.

Tulasi and Chandan Worship: Offering Krishna Tulasi (holy basil leaves) and applying Chandana (sandalwood paste) to Lord Vishnu's idols are considered highly meritorious.

Tree Worship and Cow Service:

Watering Aswatta Vruksha (the Banyan tree) and performing circumambulations around it are part of Vaishakha's customs.

Go-Seva (serving cows) and feeding animals are encouraged during this month.

Charity Practices: Donating items such as water, rice, wheat, umbrellas, clothes and footwear are believed to multiply spiritual rewards.

Major Festivals

Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya):

Known for its association with unending prosperity (Akshaya means "never diminishing").

Marks the start of Treta Yuga and the birth of Lord Parashurama.

A favored day for charitable activities and new beginnings like starting ventures or buying gold.

Narasimha Jayanti (Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi):

Celebrates Lord Narasimha's dual-form incarnation (Nara + Simha) to protect his devotee Prahlada.

Special pujas and recitations of Narasimha Stotra are performed.

Kurma Jayanti (Vaishakha Purnima):

Commemorates Lord Vishnu’s Kurma (tortoise) incarnation during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

Ganga Saptami:

Observes the day the holy Ganga emerged from Sage Jahnu's ear, earning her the name Jahnavi.

Hanuman Jayanti (in some regions):

Celebrated on Vaishakha Bahula Dashami, marking Lord Hanuman's birth.

Vaishakha Purnima:

Also known as Maha Vaishakhi, this day is significant for Buddhists as Buddha Jayanti, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

2026 Dates

North Indian Calendar: April 02 to May 01

South Indian Calendar: April 17 to May 16