Fasting in Hinduism
In Hinduism, fasting is an age-old practise to observe religious observances and festivals. It is believed to be beneficial for both the physical and mental health. In Hinduism, different days are considered auspicious for fasting according to various factors.
Monday is considered a sacred day for Lord Shiva and fasting on that day is considered to bring good luck. Tuesday is the day of Lord Ganesha and is considered to be auspicious for fasting. Wednesday is the day of Lord Vittal on which day those who observe fast are showered with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Saturday is the dedicated day of Lord Hanuman and those who observe fast on this day are believed to get rid of all of their miseries and worries.
However, some rituals and festivals also determine when and what kind of fasting ritual should be followed. Diwali is one of the most important festival in Hinduism, fasting is done throughout the entire month of October. Ekadashi and Purnima are two important dates for fasting and observing religious rituals. Moreover, solar and lunar eclipses also observe fast to please the gods and goddesses.
Under normal circumstances, devotees are advised to fast in the morning, abstain from food and water, and break their fast once the proper time has lapsed. After the fasting is done, sweets, fruits, and other food items are distributed as prasad. This tradition is said to bring fortune and abundance to one’s home.
Apart from the religious benefits observed while fasting, there are other health benefits as well. It is said that fasting helps in flushing out toxins from the body, and also helps in reducing weight. Fasting helps in improving digestion and metabolism, regulates blood pressure, and is also beneficial for mental health. Thus, fasting is no longer just a religious obligation; it has also become a form of therapy.
During fasting one needs to follow certain guidelines such as eating light meals, avoiding fried and processed foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding stress. The benefits of fasting vary from individual to individual. Thus, it is advised that people consult their doctor or dietician before following any kind of fast.
Rituals During the Fast
Fasting does not just mean abstaining from food and drinks. It is an opportunity to connect with the divine and show reverence to deities. During the fast, devotees need to perform various rituals and indulge in spiritual activities such as chanting mantras, offering prayers, and so on.
People also make it a point to donate food, clothes, and other items to the needy on the day of the fast. This is said to bring the much-needed positivity and satisfaction to the individual. By doing so, one is also taking part in a noble cause. This act of generosity and selflessness is also said to bring good luck and fortune to the person who undertook the fast.
Furthermore, it is important to note that fasting should be kept in moderation. Over-indulgence in fasting can have an adverse effect on one’s health. It is advisable to consult an experienced or professional religious teacher or priest before indulging in any kind of fast.
Giving Alms During the Fast
Giving alms to the needy is considered to be the highest form of charity in Hinduism. Many people make it a point to donate food and clothes during the fasts. Offering alms to the poor and needy is said to bring fortune and abundance to the giver.
Giving alms is also said to ward off any negative energies, as it helps in establishing an emotional connection with the universe and its mysteries, and thus enabling a person to lead a balanced and harmonious life. Further, by donating alms one can also attract divine blessings and success. Thus, it is important to ensure that one offers alms in the right manner and to the right people.
There are few temples and worship places where devotees can give alms. Most of the temples have a special alms box or donation box where devotees can offer their alms. However, it is also important to understand that one should not offer money as alms, rather one should offer food, clothes, and other items that are of use to someone in need.
Timing of Fasting
In general, it is believed that the best time to fast and observe religious rituals is during the morning hours, as it is said to bring more peace and spiritual energy. In the evening one should refrain from indulging in spiritual activities, as it is believed that the negative energy could cause obstruction in the process of prayer and fasting.
Moreover, it is also advised that one should not fast during the hours of the night, as it is believed to bring unhappiness and dissatisfaction in life. Moreover, it is said that one should not fast for more than 12 hours in a day as it can cause health deficiencies and exhaustion.
Fasting is an important part of Hinduism and one should observe fasting and rituals with utmost devotion and sincerity. It is also said that one should fast keeping in mind the guidelines and proper timings so as to derive fruitful results from it.
Fasting Benefits
Fasting has numerous health benefits. It is said that fasting helps in detoxifying the body, helps in releasing the accumulated toxins, and increases the efficiency of the digestive system. Fasting is also said to improve immunity, reduce weight, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve concentration and focus.
However, it is important to note that while fasting, one needs to drink plenty of water as it helps in flushing out the accumulated toxins from the body. Further, it is advisable to avoid oily and fried foods as they can further aggravate the digestion process and cause lethargy and fatigue.
Fasting is also beneficial for the mental health. Studies have proven that fasting helps in reducing anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. It helps in reducing the symptoms of depression, improves cognitive ability, and helps in improving focus and concentration.
Apart from the physical and mental benefits that fasting provides, it also gives one an opportunity to connect with the divine and achieve a sense of inner peace and balance. For many Hindus, the spiritual aspects of fasting are of utmost importance and it is said that the accomplishment of inner peace is the ultimate reward for fasting.
Determining the Right Fasting Day
When it comes to determining the right day for fasting, there are various factors to consider. One needs to consider the context, the individual’s religious background, beliefs, and practices, and the right timing of the fast.
It is important to note that fasting is not just a religious obligation but also a form of therapy. Therefore, one should keep in mind the different aspects and consult their spiritual guru or experienced priest with regards to the best and most suitable day for fasting.
Moreover, one should also take into consideration the guidelines and advisories provided by religious scriptures and experts. Furthermore, one should keep in mind the tradition, culture, and beliefs of the respective religion and also keep in consideration the current circumstances and environment.
It is important to remember that fasting is said to bring fortune and abundance to one’s life and it should not be done without due consideration to the mentioned factors.
Auspiciousness of Fasting
Fasting is a way of making an offering to the divine and expressing reverence for the gods and goddesses. When done with sincerity and dedication, it is said to bring good luck, fortune, and abundance to one’s life.
It is said that fasting helps in connecting with the divine, thus enabling one to lead a balanced and harmonious life. It is believed that with every fast, one can gain spiritual strength and grace.
Fasting also helps in establishing an emotional connection between the devotee and the divine. It is said that fasting with faith and devotion helps in renewing one’s spiritual belief and enabling oneself to bridge the gap between Heaven and Earth.
Moreover, fasting is also said to bring clarity to one’s thoughts and minds, thus allowing one to make wise decisions. Thus, it is important to observe fast with the right attitude and devotion.
Fasting to Strengthen Bond with the Divine
Fasting is considered to be the highest form of devotion towards the divine and is said to be one of the most important rituals in Hinduism. It helps in establishing a connection between a person and their deity, thus strengthening their bond with the divine.
Fasting helps in purifying the mind and soul of an individual and also helps in boosting their spiritual strength. Further, it helps in gaining the grace of the gods and goddesses and thus helps in leading a balanced and harmonious life.
Moreover, fasting helps in creating a feeling of peace and serenity and also provides an opportunity to gain a sense of inner satisfaction and balance. Furthermore, it helps in gaining divine blessings and adding immense value to one’s life.
Fasting is thus considered to be an important ritual and practice in Hinduism, and should be observed with the right attitude, respect, sincerity and devotion.
