In the Hindu calendar Shishir is the Ritu or season related to winters and cold. It is the month of Magha and Phalguna or mid January to mid March in the calendar year. It is also one among the many names of the Hindu God Lord Vishnu, and appears in the Vishnu sahasranama (Thousand names of Vishnu), signifying "913. sisirah — He Who rushed to render help. om sisiraya namah," and hence also a given name for boys. In context, the name also refers to His swift dash to protect His devotee Gajendra "914. SisiraH — saSathi, athithvarayaa gathaH ithi. Goes with great speed. In protecting Gajendhra the Lord rushed to help dragging Garuda behind Him. SaSa means a rabbit which gets the name from SaSathi, moves fast."
Shishiratmaka is also given in the Shiva Saharasranama as one of the Names of Lord Shiva signifying His winter or cool aspect.
Ayurveda
Ritucharya is the Ayurveda prescribed seasonal food and lifestyle regimen for each season. Shishir Ritucharya: It is almost same as Hemant Ritucharya. Person should eat more of sour, bitter food than normal consumption.
References
- Selby, Martha Ann (translator). The Circle of Six Seasons, Penguin, New Delhi, 2003, ISBN 0-14-100772-9
- Raghavan, V. Ṛtu in Sanskrit literature, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Delhi, 1972.