Fasting:

Imagine you're going on a superhero journey, but instead of wearing a cape, you're doing something called "Upvas." It's like a special power-up exercise that Hindus do on important days. But, here's the thing: it's not just about going without food; it's a smart trick that helps your body and mind team up for some amazing teamwork. It's like a workout for them, but not with weights and jumping around. "Ayurveda," is an ancient concept which is like a guidebook for your body's own healing powers. Upvas is a chapter in this guidebook, and it's all about making your body and mind work together like superheroes on a mission.

Science says it helps the body and mind work super well together. People sometimes get mixed up between Vrat and Upvas, but they're a bit different. In Upvas, you don't eat anything, but in Vrat, you might. Before choosing, it's smart to know what each one really means. Doing Upvas means going without food for a whole day. It's like a cleanup for your soul, making you stronger in your decisions. It boosts your smarts and knowledge and helps you stay healthy.

People in all religions think fasting is a good thing. Doctors say it's good for your digestion. When you fast, your digestive system wakes up, and your whole body gets a refresh. Even in astrology, fasting is a big deal. So, fasting is like a superhero move for your body and soul.

The Connection Between Fasting and Astrology 

Astrology plays a significant role in many people's lives, particularly in Hinduism. It guides us through both good and challenging times, offering insights to navigate life's hurdles. Surprisingly, there's a deep connection between astrology and fasting, making fasting a spiritual tool within the realm of astrology.

When someone fasts according to their birth chart, it becomes a crucial practice that aids in fulfilling desires and wishes. Fasting holds the power to counter unfavorable planetary influences, bringing prosperity to one's life. Both men and women can observe Vrata (fasting), but it is important to maintain sanctity throughout the process.

In Sanskrit, fasting is termed as 'Upa-Vaas,' signifying staying close to God. This ancient practice, rooted in Sanskrit literature, involves distancing oneself from the material world for a day and dedicating that time to a higher power. In simpler terms, fasting is the voluntary abstention from some or all food, and in some cases, drink, for a specific duration.

Fasting is often undertaken to counteract the malefic effects of spiritual figures such as the Sun, Moon, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Rahu, and Ketu. Different days of the week are assigned for fasting based on the corresponding planets:

• Sunday for Sun
• Monday for Moon
• Tuesday for Mars
• Wednesday for Mercury
• Thursday for Jupiter
• Friday for Venus

• Saturday for Saturn

 Also read - Intermittent Fasting: Unlocking the Benefits and Secrets to a Healthier You

Fasting or Vrat for Different Planets

1. Fasting for Sun (Sunday):
   • Health issues like body pain, fevers, and sun-related problems can be caused by a weak Sun position.
   • Fasting on Sundays, early morning worship, and a fruit-based diet can help overcome these issues.
2. Fasting for Moon (Monday):
   • Weak Moon placement may lead to health problems for mothers and animals.
   • Fasting on Mondays, avoiding milk, and feeding cows and crows are recommended remedies.
3. Fasting for Mars (Tuesday):
   • Weak Mars can cause eye issues, blood abnormalities, and relationship troubles.
   • Fasting on Tuesdays with a wheat-based meal and sweets can appease Mars. Continual fasting for 21 or 83 Tuesdays is considered powerful.
4. Fasting for Mercury (Wednesday):
   • Mercury's weak position can result in speech and hearing problems.
   • Fasting on Wednesdays, wearing green, and feeding cows and Brahmins are advised.
5. Fasting for Jupiter (Thursday):
   • Problems like jaundice and diabetes may arise from a weak Jupiter.
   • Fasting on Thursdays with a channa dal and ghee-based meal can please Jupiter. Avoiding bananas is suggested.
6. Fasting for Venus (Friday):
   • Afflicted Venus can lead to unhappiness, financial crises, and marital issues.
   • Fasting on Fridays, avoiding curd, and continuous fasting for 16 Fridays are recommended.
7. Fasting for Saturn (Saturday):
   • Saturn's unfavorable position may result in various ailments.
   • Observing strict fasting on Saturdays, refraining from solid foods, and continuing for 15, 18, or 51 Saturdays are suggested remedies.
8. Fasting for Rahu:
   • A weak Rahu can lead to accidents and mental health issues.
   • Strengthen Rahu by fasting on Saturdays.
9. Fasting for Ketu:
   • A bad Ketu position may cause various physical issues.

   • Fasting on Tuesdays and Saturdays, along with feeding the needy and dogs, is recommended as a remedy.

Fasting as a Remedy in Astrology: A Simple Guide

1. Understanding the Need:
   • In astrology, when planets are not in favorable positions, it can bring challenges and difficulties.
2. Fasting's Purpose:
   • Fasting is used as a remedy to align with and please specific planets and their ruling Gods.
3. Neutralizing Negative Energy:
   • Different days are associated with different planets in Vedic Hindu mythology.
   • Fasting on these specific days is believed to neutralize negative energy from malefic planets.
4. Holistic Healing:
   • Astrologers suggest fasting, along with other remedies like mantras and rituals, to create a holistic approach to healing.
5. Personalized Solutions:
   • Fasting is personalized based on an individual's astrological chart and the specific planet causing challenges.
6. Aligning Spiritual and Celestial Energies:
   • Fasting creates a connection between an individual's spiritual energy and the influences of celestial bodies.
7. Practical Steps:
   • On fasting days, individuals may follow specific dietary guidelines, perform rituals, and engage in activities recommended by astrologers.
8. Positive Outcomes:

   • When done correctly and consistently, fasting is believed to reduce the negative effects of malefic planets and bring positive changes to one's life.

  Also read - Benefit of Fasting on Sawan Somwar 2024 to get blessings of Lord Shiva

Understanding the Impact of Fasting:

When we consume food, the digestive energy (agni) in our body becomes active, carrying out the digestion process. This agni is linked to the planet ruling the day, with each day having a unique energy influence. For example, on Tuesday, the digestive energy contains more of Mars' influence, while on Saturday, it is more aligned with Saturn. Fasting, known as "vrat" in Sanskrit, involves eating less, reducing the amount of planetary energy rising within us. It is a self-imposed restriction that creates a form of lack, helping eliminate other shortcomings in our lives.

From an astrological viewpoint, fasting serves as a remedy for the 12th house, associated with loss. It can also be a strategic remedy for relationship issues, targeting specific planetary influences.

Major Benefits of Fasting (Upvas):

Fasting, or Upvas, offers numerous benefits beyond its astrological implications:

1. Improved Mindfulness: Fasting encourages mindfulness, fostering a more conscious approach to daily activities.
2. Enhanced Body-Mind Coordination: The practice of fasting aids in better coordination between the body and mind, promoting overall well-being.
3. Natural Weight Reduction: Fasting supports natural weight loss, making it a favorable approach for those looking to shed extra pounds.
4. Detoxification: By consuming less food, fasting helps remove toxins from the body, facilitating a natural detoxification process.
5. Skin Glow and Renewal: The skin benefits from fasting, gaining a healthy glow and shedding dead skin cells.
6. Body Unblockage: Fasting is effective in removing blockages within the body, promoting smoother bodily functions.
7. Natural Healing: The practice of fasting contributes to the body's natural healing processes, aiding in recovery from various ailments.
8. Chronic Disease Relief: Individuals dealing with chronic diseases may find relief through the consistent practice of fasting.
9. Blood Purification: Fasting is believed to purify the blood, improving overall blood circulation and health.
10. Encourages Good Deeds: Fasting goes beyond physical benefits, inspiring individuals to engage in acts of kindness and goodwill.

Also read - Fasting/ Upvas/ Vrat: Benefits, Important Days in 2024, and Much More

Additional Insights into Fasting:

In addition to its astrological and health-related advantages, fasting holds profound insights into our daily lives:

1. Inner Purity: Fasting is not just about physical cleansing; it promotes inner purity by removing toxins from the body.
2. Appreciation for Food: The experience of hunger during fasting helps individuals appreciate the value of food in their lives.
3. Gratitude and Comfort: Breaking a fast brings comfort and a deep sense of gratitude for the nourishment received.
4. Penance and Temptation Avoidance: Fasting involves a degree of penance and the practice of resisting various temptations, contributing to mental discipline.
5. Self-Assessment Opportunity: Fasting days provide an excellent opportunity for self-assessment and inner exploration through practices such as meditation and chanting.

 Also read - Nirjala Ekadashi: The Most Sacred Fast in Hinduism

Important Days to Fast

Mahashivratri:

• Significance: Day dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated for detoxifying the body and purifying the mind.

• Practice: Fasting during Mahashivratri aids in connecting with Lord Shiva through meditation.

Navratri:

• Celebration: Observed twice a year during spring and fall.

• Benefits: Fasting during Navratri safeguards the body from seasonal shifts, promoting inner well-being and mental relaxation.

Ekadashi:

• Frequency: Occurs twice a month, specifically on the 11th day after the new and full moons.

• Purpose: Fasting on Ekadashi addresses digestion issues, promotes overall health, and facilitates deep meditation and connection with inner wisdom.

Full Moon and New Moon:

• Recommendation: Fasting on these days helps reduce acidic content in the body, enhances blood circulation, regulates metabolism, and restores balance to the mind.

Pradosham:

• Definition: Thirteenth day in the lunar fortnight, occurring twice a month.
• Powerful Moments: Pradosham on a Saturday holds significant energy.

• Benefit: Fasting during Pradosham is believed to ease the dissolution and release of karma.

 Dos and Don'ts of Fasting

Dos:

1. Before the Fast:
   • Wake up early on the day of the fast.
   • Complete daily tasks before morning Puja.
   • Worship family God before specific Upvas deities.
2. During the Fast:
   • Engage in Pranayama from morning to evening.
   • Emphasize physical and mental rest during Upvas.
   • Avoid hurting sentiments; consider observing a silent fast.
3. Physical Activity and Diet:
   • Prefer walking and Asanas over sleeping on Upvas.
   • Do not fast for an extended time to prevent dehydration.
   • Prepare by gradually increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
4. Clothing and Puja:
   • Wear clothes and perform Puja as per Upvas traditions.
   • Pay attention to color choices for clothes and flowers.

   • Rinse (aachman) after essential activities for purification.

Don'ts:

1. Immediate Post-Fast Actions:
   • Avoid binging on food immediately after the fast.
   • Resist the temptation to fast continuously without breaks.
   • Refrain from starting a fast without consulting a doctor.
2. During the Fast:
   • Do not ignore body signals; stop fasting if unwell.
   • Hydrate adequately with water during the fasting period.
   • Take a break from intense gym workouts during fasting.
3. Post-Fasting Habits:
   • Gradually resume normal meals; avoid abrupt overeating.
   • Do not immediately start another fast; allow recovery.

   • Always consult with a doctor before initiating fasting practices.

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