Significance of Fasting in Vedic Astrology

Related Topics:Festivals and EventsRituals and TraditionsVrat and Puja

According to Hindu dharmic scripts, fasting is one of the most significant dharmic and self-purifying activities to achieve one’s desire or goal. Fasting does not only have religious, traditional and cultural significance; it also has health, spiritual and environmental benefits. Fasting is seen as a spiritual tool in astrology. Besides that, fasting shows the resolve of a person to abstain from ‌everything including greed, food, physical needs, and immoral thoughts. Thus, it helps individuals fulfil their desires and wishes. As per Vedic astrology, if we fast on the day of the planet that is not favourable for us, it can help in reducing the effects of an unfavourable position of that planet.

People observe fast to nullify the bad effects of the Sun, Moon, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Rahu and Ketu. In the following days, learn about the fasting that can help make the planets have a positive impact on your birth chart.

• Sunday is for the Sun. You can fast on Sunday to appease Surya Dev (Sun). 
• Monday is for Moon: You can fast on Monday to appease Chandra Dev (Moon).
• Tuesday is for Mars: You can fast on Tuesday to appease Mangal (Mars).
• Wednesday is for Mercury: To appease Budh (Mercury), you can fast on Wednesday.
• Thursday is for Jupiter: To nullify the bad effects of Jupiter or to appease Jupiter, you can fast on Thursday.
• Friday is for Venus: On Friday, you can fast to appease Venus (Shukra)
• Saturday is for Saturn: If your Saturn is not favourable, you can fast on Saturday to appease Shani Dev.

However, you will find Hindus fasting on certain days as per their wishes, even if the planets in the horoscope are in favourable positions. Navagraha puja is one of the most common pujas that people perform to get maximum benefits from the blessings of some or all planets.  

What are the most important days for fasting in Hindu culture?

It is quite normal to fast at every festival. Fasting is a part of Hindu tradition and celebrations. The purpose is to dedicate one day or a few days to our Aradhya (our beloved deity) to seek his or her blessings for a life full of prosperity, happiness and success. It is believed that when we fast, our body is at rest and hence our concentration level is very high, which helps us connect with our deity. People do not get distracted by food, sex, or other material things. It is a day to abstain from all material and physical pleasures. So, it becomes easier for the body, mind and soul to reach a spiritual level, connect to divinity and seek blessings. 

Though fasting is part of every festival and puja, here are a few fasts that are most common among Hindus. 

Mahashivratri

On this day, we worship Bhagwan Shiva. Fasting helps in the elimination of toxins from the body and purifies our minds, helping us concentrate better. 

Navratri

Celebrated twice a year at the time of spring and autumn, i.e., Vasant and Sharadiya, Navratri is another time when many Hindus fast. It is the time when we offer puja to nine different forms of Maa Durga for nine continuous days. Fasting during this time helps to bring inner peace and relaxation to the mind. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body.

Ekadashi

It is the 11th day after the new moon and is very significant for Sanatan Hindus. It is observed twice every month. Apart from its dharmic significance, Ekadashi helps to reduce digestion problems, sickness and other diseases.

Purnima

Observing fasts during the full moon and new moon can help eliminate acidic content in the body. Fasting also helps improve blood circulation and maintain a healthy metabolic rate. Additionally, it can restore an individual’s mental balance.

Apart from the above-mentioned occasions, Hindus also fast on Janmashtami, Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja and all other pujas celebrated throughout the year. There are several other religious and spiritual occasions when fasting is very common among Hindus. 

Fasting is believed to have an impact on digestion. In astrology, reducing food intake is believed to positively influence the planetary alignments of the day. Fasting can strengthen the mind. To derive the full benefits of fasting, it is essential for individuals observing this practice to strictly adhere to all the rituals and guidelines associated with fasting.