Vrat(Fasting) – A Devotion to Lord

Fasting is often referred to as Upvas. A more inclusive term than Upvas is vrata. A religious activity known as vrata is carried out to fulfil specific responsibilities to receive heavenly favours. It could involve Upavasa or fasting in addition to other physical responsibilities like not speaking or sleeping for a set amount of time, bathing in a specific holy river on designated auspicious days, etc.

How to worship : One should follow Brahmacharya on the day of fasting (to avoid sexuality and greed), self-control, seclusion, stillness, and contemplation. Every religion in the world has accepted fasting. Fasting is the deliberate practice of avoiding all food and, in some situations, all liquids for a certain amount of time. Depending on the tradition, fasting traditions may ban sexual activity, as well as refraining from eating particular kinds of food categories (eg. Meat). Detoxification may be encouraged by medical fasting.

Due to its numerous advantages, fasting is revered and loved in all major religions. This section will explain the meaning and process of observing numerous significant fasts in Indian tradition, along with Mantra, Vrata Katha, and Aarti.

Significance of fasting:  

Fasting is more than just another diet fad, and when done in accordance with our birth charts, it has the potential to be a very potent treatment for all the challenges we may encounter in life.

In accordance with astrology, eating less food assists to elevate our planetary placements for the day. By making the decision to fast, we can resist temptation more effectively than we might otherwise.

By constantly fasting on the days that the planet rules, we automatically carry out the best treatment if that planet is unfavourable in our birth chart. As an illustration, the Sun appears on Sunday, the Moon on Monday, Mars on Tuesday, Mercury on Wednesday, Jupiter on Thursday, Venus on Friday, and Saturn on Saturday.

According to astrology, fasting is a treatment for the 12th house. The second house in astrology is related to eating, whereas the 12th house is related to fasting. Thus, fasting is the ideal treatment for the loss-related 12th house.

Ekadashi (11th day after each New and Full Moon)

India has a long-standing tradition of fasting known as Ekadashi (11th day in Sanskrit). On the eleventh day after the new and full Moons, it takes place twice each month.

Fasting on this day serves two major purposes: to reset the digestive system and ward against illness; and to enter a profound state of meditation and connect with your inner knowledge, clearing your energy field with the clarity made available on these days.

According to Ayurvedic research, if you observe healthy fasting guidelines and consume light, easily digested foods during these days, it will assist to increase the digestive fire and cleanse the body of all impurities.

Pradosh Vrat  Falls on-13th day of each of two fortnight (Waxing Moon -Shukla Paksha & Waning moon Krishna Paksha)

The thirteenth day of the Hindu lunar fortnight is called Pradosham, which means “removal of sins” in Sanskrit. There are two Pradosham days every month, which are the thirteenth of the “bright” and “dark” fortnights, respectively. Pradosham has a higher energy level when one of the 13th moon days falls on a Saturday.

Fasting is advised during Pradosham because it is said that the energy currently facilitates the dissolution and discharge of karma.

Purnima Vrat (Fasting on Full Moon) : According to Hinduism, fasting on the full moon or Purnima can have a number of health benefits for both the body and the mind. Purnima Vrat has several advantages, including regulating the body’s metabolism, managing its acid level, improving its endurance, and purifying the digestive system.

The full moon day, one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar, falls on the day of Purnima Vrat. Every month’s Purnima day is the occasion for a significant festival. Fasting on the Purnima day is seen as particularly fortunate since it offers adherents immeasurable virtues and advantages. The Mother Goddess and Lord Vishnu are honoured at Purnima Vratas.

Amavasya Vrat (Fasting on New Moon) : Hindus believe that abstaining from food on Amavasya enhances longevity and wealth by reducing numerous Doshas. The puja is performed beneath a peepal tree. The Peepal tree or Sacred Fig is revered and regarded sacred since it is said that Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma all live in its roots, stem, and other portions, respectively (Vishnu Vaas, Shiva Vaas, and Brahma Vaas).

Amavasya occurs on the fifteenth day of Krishna Paksha. This date marks the end of Krishna Paksha, to put it another way. Pitridev is the date’s Lord. Amavasya fasting should be observed, especially to appease ancestors. On this day, gifts are also given in adoration of the Tarpan ancestors as well as for their salvation.

Moreover, the Anuradha, Vishakha, and Swati Nakshatras on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday come inside the Amavasya fast period, which is seen to be more fortunate. A person can benefit from pilgrimages, recitation, and meditation when these Yogas are developed during Amavasya. It is said that Amavasya is a day of control, devotion, and meditation.

Weekly Vrat: Every day of the week in Hinduism is devoted to a different god from the Hindu pantheon. A lot of Hindus also fast on a certain day of the week in addition to the special Vrat and Upvaas. Every day of the week is unique, and there are many folktales relating to the fasting practised on different days of the week. Hindu mythology holds that each day of the week is devoted to a certain God and a planet.

• The Sun Deity, Lord Surya, is honoured on Sunday.
• Monday or Somwara is Lord Shiva’s day.
• Lord Ganesha, Durga, Goddess Kali, and Lord Hanuman are honoured on Tuesday or Mangalwara.
• Lord Krishna and the planet Budh, or Mercury, are honoured on Wednesday on Budhwara.
• Lord Vishnu, his avatars, and Guru Brihaspati are all honoured on Thursday or Guruvara.
• Mother Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Santhosi Ma, Annapurneshwari, and Durga are honoured on Friday or shukravara.
• The purpose of Saturday or Shanivara is to lessen the negative effects of Lord Shani.