This is particularly true in households where the family members are devoted to Lord Vishnu. Purattasi is a sacred month for Vishnu devotees, or Vaishnavites, as they are called. They believe that Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth as Lord Balaji or Venkateshwara in this holy month. Also, the Sun transits in Virgo this month. Budhan or Mercury is the ruler of Virgo, and Lord Vishnu is the planetary deity of Budhan. Budhan is said to be fond of vegetarian food. Hence, eating vegetarian food, observing fast, and visiting temples can bring Vishnu’s blessings in Purattasi month.

Importance of Purattasi Saturdays

All the Saturdays in Purattasi month, especially, are very holy. People observe Purattasi Viratham or fast on these days. Lord Vishnu is the deity who protects the Universe from evil forces. He is responsible for preserving Dharma or righteousness. For this purpose, he is believed to have taken many avatars or incarnations.

According to Hindu mythology, we are currently living in the age of Kali Yuga. During this age, too, evil forces will rise and pose a threat to humanity. But devotees believe that Lord Vishnu will appear in yet another avatar and save the earth and humanity. During Kali Yuga, he will take the form of Kalki, a warrior on a white steed. All this has been predicted ages ago in the Hindu scriptures.

If we look at what is happening in the world today, we can indeed see how accurate some of these ancient predictions have turned out to be. There is a collapse of the moral order as well as the social fabric. Vile crimes against humanity, especially against women and children, are on the rise. Greed, lust, hatred, anger, etc., are evident everywhere. The only relief is that Lord Vishnu will appear once again to restore Dharma and save the earth and humanity from imminent destruction by evil forces. It has been predicted that he will manifest at the end of this Yuga.

The significance of Purattasi month is that this is the month to express gratitude to Lord Vishnu for protecting us in Kali Yuga.

The Science behind Purattasi Diet

 Apart from faith, science also lies behind the avoidance of non-vegetarian food in Purattasi maasam. During the month of Purattasi, the sun’s rays weaken as the weather changes and the rains set in. The earth, which would have become heated up in the previous months, absorbs the rain and begins to emit the heat stored within. This can be more oppressive and harmful than the summer heat. At this time, our digestion will be sluggish as the ability of the body to digest food will be less. Meat takes longer to digest, and more energy is needed to digest it. This can affect our digestive system. So, it is better to avoid consuming meat.

 Besides, as this is the monsoon season, water-borne diseases will be widely prevalent. As the sun’s power is also diminished, our immunity will be less. Moreover, this is the breeding season for some creatures. All these reasons probably led to the Purattasi dietary traditions.

Purattasi Fasting

The most pious also observe a rigorous fast on all Saturdays in Purattasi. This supposedly reduces the adverse effects of Planet Shani or Saturn on our life and removes obstacles to success. It is said that fasting on Purattasi Saturdays is equivalent to fasting on every Saturday and doing Pooja for Lord Vishnu all through the year. It is like a process of spiritual magnification.