Extra Niyams for Devotees During Chaturmas
 
1 July 2001 to 26 November 2001

Every year devotees throughout the world observe extra-niyams during the holy months of Chaturmas as prescribed in the Shikshapatri by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and agna of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This year, the niyams are to be observed from Ashad Sud 11 (1 July 2001) to Kartak Sud 11 (26 November 2001). To please Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, all devotees should observe the following niyams:

1. Have only one meal a day (ek-tana) during Shravan month (21 July to 19 August).
2. Do extra mala, dandvat, and pradakshina during entire Chaturmas.
3. Read one Vachanamrut and 5 Swamini Vatos.
4. Read the biography of Gunatitanand Swami: Part-2 and Vachanmrut Rahasya: Part-3 (both publications are in Gujarati).
5. Listen to audio-cassette blessings of 'Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Samput-5.'
6. Encourage five people to give up addictions and inspire them into Satsang, to attend satsang assembly and conduct daily home assembly (ghar sabha).
7. Follow the niyams of mantra-writing, etc, pledged for the Swaminarayan Mahamantra Bicentenary Celebration.
   

Note: During Chaturmas devotees should not eat brinjals, white & red radish, sugarcane, mogri.