Ritus in Ayurveda

Ritus in Ayurveda


The tilt of the Earth gives rise to Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. But in India, we consider the seasons to be 6 in number.

The twelve months/mAsahs are grouped into 6 Rtus of 2 mAsas each. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word Ṛta (ऋत) which literally means the “order or course of things”. Ṛtú, derived from it, means a fixed or appointed time, especially the proper time for sacrifice (yajna) or ritual.

6 months of Dakshinayana is divided into 3 seasons
Varsha Rtu (monsoon) – ShrAvana & BhAdra: Mid July- Mid Sept

Sharad Rtu (autumn) –Asvina & KArthikA : Mid-Sept- Mid Nov

Hemanta (late autumn) – MArgashirsA & PaushA: Mid Nov- Mid Jan

6 months of Uttarayana is divided into 3 seasons
Shishira Rtu ( winter) -MAghA & PhalgunA: Mid- Jan – Mid March

Vasanta Rtu (Spring) – ChaitrA & VaishAkA: Mid March- Mid May

GrEeshma Rtu (summer) – JyEshtA & AshAdA: Mid May- Mid July

As we know that there are two Ayans or Solstices are there in one year or we can say that Sun changes its position twice every year. These changes are known as Uttarayan i.e. summer Solstice and Dakshinayan i.e. winter solstice. It begins from the day of Makar Sankranti which is considered as a symbol of positivity. In this period Sun travels from Capricorn to Cancer that is from South to North. In hindi it is:
[उत्तरायण = उत्तर (North) + आयन].
It is six months long period. During Uttarayan days are longer and nights are shorter.

This northward movement of the Sun from winter to summer solstice consists of three seasons: winters, spring and summers. 

Dakshinayan is just opposite to Uttarayan. It is the period when Sun travels back from Cancer to Capricorn that is from North to South. As, Sun travels to the South direction so, this journey of Sun is known as Dakshinayan.
 [दक्षिणायण = दक्षिण (south) + आयन]
In this period rainy season, autumn and winter season falls. This period begins from 21/22 June. 

According to the Hindu scriptures, Uttarayan is the period when Sun travels from South to North which is also known as Makar Sankranti. Uttarayan has much longer days and shorter nights.Uttarayan comprises of Winter, Spring, and Summer.Uttarayanbegins around 22nd December and lasts for six months till approximately 21st June

Winter Solstice is also called as Dakshinayan.
Dakshinayan comprises winter, autumn and monsoon. During Dakshinayan, sky is filled with clouds.Dakshinayan usually begins on 21 of June. Dakshinayan is associated with quite longer nights and shorter days.


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