Mumbai: As the Hindu month of Vaishakha nears its end, devotees are preparing for the arrival of Jyeshtha month—the third month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Known for its scorching heat, Jyeshtha holds immense spiritual significance and is associated with discipline, charity, and devotion. In 2025, Jyeshtha month begins on Tuesday, 13 May and will end on Wednesday, 11 June.

Traditionally observed with various religious practices, Jyeshtha is a time when devotees undertake rituals to seek relief from physical and spiritual discomfort. With rising temperatures during this period, Hindu scriptures emphasise the importance of offering water (jal daan), observing fasts, and worshipping deities such as Surya Dev (Sun God) and Varuna Dev (God of Water). The month is also closely linked to Lord Hanuman, making it an auspicious period for his worship.

Why is Jyeshtha Month Important?

Jyeshtha is considered a month of austerity, self-restraint, and service. Owing to the extreme heat, acts of compassion like distributing water, providing shelter, and helping the needy are seen as deeply meritorious. Worshipping Lord Surya by offering water during sunrise is said to bring good health and prosperity, while prayers to Varuna Dev are believed to balance the elemental energies.

From a mythological standpoint, it is believed that Lord Hanuman first met Lord Rama during this month, making it especially significant for Hanuman devotees. Worshipping Lord Rama alongside Hanuman Ji during Jyeshtha is thought to bring divine protection and fulfilment of wishes.

Key Festivals in Jyeshtha Month 2025

Several important Hindu festivals fall within this period. These include:

• Apara ekadashi
• Shani jayanti
• Vat Savitri Vrat
• Ganga Dussehra
• Nirjala ekadashi

Each of these festivals has its own religious significance, with fasting, charitable acts, and ritual worship being central themes.

Which Deities Should Be Worshipped?

Sun God (Surya Dev) is particularly venerated during Jyeshtha. As the sun’s intensity increases, offering Arghya (water) to the rising sun is believed to bring healing energy, vitality, and abundance. The month also includes Ganga Dussehra, which celebrates the descent of the holy Ganga to Earth. Taking a holy dip in the Ganges and worshipping the river goddess is considered highly purifying and is believed to absolve one’s sins.

What to Avoid During Jyeshtha?

• Due to the seasonal heat, it is recommended to avoid:
• Spicy or overly hot foods
• Garlic and mustard seeds
• Eggplant (brinjal), which is traditionally considered inauspicious for children during this time

Additionally, it is advised to eat only once a day, if possible, to maintain physical discipline and enhance spiritual focus.

What Should Be Donated?

Charitable acts are of great importance in Jyeshtha. Devotees are encouraged to donate items that provide comfort during summer. These include:

• Earthen pots filled with water
• Hand fans
• Shoes or sandals
• Umbrellas
• Seasonal foods like cucumber and sattu (roasted gram flour)
• Grains and other daily essentials

Such donations are believed to please Lord Hanuman and attract the blessings of Surya Dev for health, protection, and prosperity.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)