Question:
How many 'R̥tus' (Seasons) are traditionally recognized in a single solar/lunar year according to the Indian calendar?
How many 'R̥tus' (Seasons) are traditionally recognized in a single solar/lunar year according to the Indian calendar?
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Remember: 12 months 2 = 6 Seasons.
Western = 4.
Indian = 6.
Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemanta, Shishir.
Western = 4.
Indian = 6.
Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemanta, Shishir.
Updated On: May 30, 2026
- 12
- 5
- 6
- 9
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the Vedic system of timekeeping (Kāla-vidyā), a year (Saṃvatsara) is divided into various sub-units. While the modern Western system recognizes four seasons, the Indian system identifies six distinct 'R̥tus'. Each R̥tu consists of approximately two months (Māsas). This division is based on the changing weather patterns, the Sun's declination, and the agricultural cycle of the Indian subcontinent.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The six seasons and their corresponding lunar months are:
1. Vasanta (Spring): Chaitra and Vaishakha. (March-May). The season of bloom and rebirth.
2. Grīṣma (Summer): Jyeshtha and Ashadha. (May-July). The season of intense heat.
3. Varṣā (Monsoon): Shravana and Bhadrapada. (July-September). The season of rains.
4. Śarad (Autumn): Ashvin and Kartika. (September-November). The season of pleasant nights and harvest.
5. Hemanta (Pre-winter): Margashirsha and Pausha. (November-January). The season of cooling temperatures.
6. Śiśira (Winter): Magha and Phalguna. (January-March). The season of extreme cold and dew.
In Jyotish, these seasons are also ruled by specific planets:
- Vasanta: Venus (Śukra)
- Grīṣma: Sun and Mars (Sūrya/Bhauma)
- Varṣā: Moon (Candra)
- Śarad: Mercury (Budha)
- Hemanta: Jupiter (Guru)
- Śiśira: Saturn (Śani)
These associations are used in 'Praśna' (Horary Astrology) to determine the time of an event. For example, if a question is about the recovery of a lost object and the planetary strength points to Jupiter, the event might happen in the 'Hemanta' season. The classification of 6 seasons is integral to Ayurveda as well, as it dictates the 'R̥tucaryā' (seasonal regimen) for maintaining health.
Step 3: Final Answer:
There are 6 (Ṣaṭ) R̥tus in a year.
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