As instructed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the Shikshapatri and by the wish of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, devotees should undertake extra spiritual observances during the four holy months of chaturmas. This year chaturmas is from Ashadh sud 11 (27 July 2015) to Kartak sud 11 (22 November 2015). To please Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the following extra observances should be undertaken:
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One month dharna-parna, chandrayan, etc. or ek-tana during the month of Shravan (15 August to 13 September).
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Extra malas, dandvats, pradakshinas as per one’s convenience and faith.
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Daily reading of one extra Vachanamrut and five Swamini Vato.
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Reading, for elder devotees: ‘Bhagwan Swaminarayan Jivancharitra’, Parts 1 and 2; ‘Brahmasannidhi 2013’ (Note: ‘Brahmasannidhi 2013’ will be available in BAPS bookstalls after Janmashtmi)
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Reading, for Youths: ‘Jivan Parimal’ and ‘Sarvopari Bhagwan Swaminarayan’
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Listening to ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Amrutvani’, Samput 3 or 4.
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Inspiring five people to give up addictions, attend satsang sabha and conduct a daily ghar sabha.
Note: During Chaturmas, devotees should not eat brinjals, white and red radish, sugarcane and mogri.