Fasting

The word used in Sanskrit for fasting is ‘Upvaasa’, which means to stay near (to the Supreme). Just meaning of the word is sufficient to show the ultimate objective of ritual of fasting. Nowadays, word ‘Vrata’ is popularly being used for fasting, and whenever someone says that he is doing ‘Vrata’, you should infer that he is talking about fasting only.

Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive, limiting particular foods or substance.

There is a great variety in the kinds of fasting or Vratas performed and numerous variations in the actual practice of any particular Vrata. Fasting has been and is a very integral part of the Vedic system. Individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on personal beliefs and local customs. Some persons fast on certain days of the month such as Ekadasi, Pradosha, or Poornima. Some very popular occasions for fasting are Maha Shivaratri, Navratris, Rama Navami, Janmashtami,  Karwa Chauth etc.

People also observe fast on weekdays, as per following list:

• Monday Vrata for:          Shiva
• Tuesday Vrata for:         Hanuman/ Durga
• Wednesday Vrat for:     Krishna
• Thursday Vrat for:         Vishnu/ Narayana
• Friday Vrat      for:          Lakshmi
• Saturday Vrat  for:         Hanuman
• Sunday Vrat    for:         Surya

The practical aspect of fasting is closely linked to regulation of diet. During the observance of fasting  or Vrata, one either completely abstains from food, or partly abstains from food and this gives physiological rest to the digestive apparatus, which in turn awakens and increases the digestive power, leading to ease (comfort) of digestion and purification of the mind. Fasting helps to prepare the proper mental groundwork for contemplation and meditation. Methods of fasting also vary widely and cover a broad spectrum. Fasting person is not supposed to eat or even touch any animal products (i.e., meat, eggs) on a day of fasting.  However, milk is a recommended item in Vrata.

A competent team of Astrologers and sociologists, under the auspices of ‘AstroDevam.com’®, have done extensive research in the traditions of fasting across various cultures, regions and religions. Relying on the findings of this team, ‘AstroDevam.com’® prescribes a specific fast or Vrata to you after going through

• Unique permutations and combinations of your accurately prepared Vedic Horoscope,
• Basic nature of each and every Graha (Planet) in your horoscope,
• Circumstantial nature of each and every Graha (Planet) due to their unique placement in your horoscope,
• Shadbala (Six types of strengths) of each and every Graha (Planet) in your horoscope,
• Days and deities ruled by each and every Graha (Planet) in your horoscope,
• Current running Dasa and transit of your horoscope,
• The specific problems being faced by you,
• Goals and aims, desired to be achieved by you.

 Due to this complex and intensive exercise, Fasts and Vratas suggested by ‘AstroDevam.com’®, never fail to deliver the required results.