Lunar month 3 of 12 · Grishma (summer)
Jyeshtha Maas ज्येष्ठ
Jyeshtha, the third month, is the height of summer heat before the rains. Its observances centre on water, endurance and devotion.
- Presiding deity
- Ganga & Savitri
- Season (ritu)
- Grishma (summer)
- Order
- Month 3 of 12
Significance
It carries Nirjala Ekadashi - the strictest, waterless Ekadashi fast - along with Vat Savitri, when wives pray for their husbands' long life, and Ganga Dussehra, marking the Ganga's descent to earth.
Festivals in Jyeshtha
- Nirjala Ekadashi
- Vat Savitri / Vat Purnima
- Ganga Dussehra
Observances
A month for austerity and water-charity: donating water, cooling drinks and shade is especially meritorious in the heat. Vat Savitri and Nirjala Ekadashi are its great vows.