Concept:
The Gheranda Samhita gives detailed guidelines regarding the proper practice of Yoga, including suitable place, food, discipline, and appropriate season for beginning yogic practices.
According to the text, Yoga should ideally be started in the Vasant Ritu (spring season). Spring is considered favorable because the climate remains balanced and pleasant, which supports physical purification and steady practice.
Step 1: Understand why season is important in Yoga practice.
Yoga practices affect both the body and mind. Extreme weather conditions may disturb physical balance and concentration.
The spring season provides:
• Moderate temperature
• Balanced bodily functions
• Better adaptability for beginners
• Favorable conditions for purification practices
Hence, yogic texts recommend beginning Yoga during this season.
Step 2: Identify the season mentioned in Gheranda Samhita.
According to the Gheranda Samhita:
\[
\text{Yoga practice should begin in Vasant (Spring).}
\]
Thus:
\[
\boxed{\text{Vasant}}
\]
is the correct answer.
Step 3: Analyze the given options.
Option (A): Hemanta
Hemanta refers to early winter and is not prescribed as the ideal season to begin Yoga.
Option (B): Shishir
Shishir means late winter and is also not specifically recommended.
Option (C): Varsha (rain)
The rainy season may create imbalance and difficulties for regular yogic practice.
Option (D): Vasant
Vasant (spring season) is specifically recommended in the Gheranda Samhita for beginning Yoga practice.
Step 4: Identify the correct option.
Since Gheranda recommends starting Yoga in the spring season, the correct answer is:
\[
\boxed{\text{Vasant}}
\]