Rutucharya – Definition and Classification of Rutu

DEFINITION –

ऋतु काल पर्यायः | चर्या चरणं वर्तनं | चर्या शास्त्र नियमित आचारः ||

(डल्हण on सु.चि.३/८)

Rutu is synonym of time and charya is regimen to be followed.

उभयलोक हितमाहारविहार चेष्टितमिति यावत् ||

(अ. हृ. सू. ३/१)

The regimen which is wholesome to everyone with respect to diet and practices in Rutucharya.

ऋतुचर्या हि शीतोष्ण वृष्टिदोषप्रतिक्रिया ||

(अ. सं. सू. ९ )

The changes in diet and practices in response to change in climatic conditions like heat, cold, rain etc is Ritucharya.

CLASSIFICATION –

The year is divided into six rutu’s or seasons depending on changes in the climate.

मासैद्विर्संख्यैमार्घाद्यैः क्रमात् षड् ऋतवः स्मृताः |

शिशिरोअथवसन्तश्च ग्रीष्मवर्षाशरद्धीमाः ||

(अ.हृ.सू. ३/१)

Rutu Classification