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Fasting in Hinduism means abstention. Abstention may assume various forms, chief of which are abstention from partaking of food, abstention from drinking water, abstention from speech and abstention from sexual activity.

The concept of fasting in Hinduism cannot be viewed in isolation. For Hinduism is intricately woven with the two unquestioned citadels of ancient health care or alternative medical systems YOGA and AYURVEDA. All of these have their origin in Vedic philosophy and are firmly rooted in scientific principles. Besides, the doctrine of HINDU ASTROLOGY also influences the ritual of fasting.

The rationale behind abstention or fasting in Hinduism, is twofold. Firstly, as a form of meditation or manifestation of yogic power, fasting strengthens the mind, body and soul. It helps to build up self-control and discipline. Secondly, from the Ayurvedic view-point, fasting as per the rules, keeps a person healthy and disease-free.

The practice of fasting is pretty much flexible. Advocated for the well-being of the family and enrichment of the self, fasting is optional. However, if fasting is done sincerely it can generate the desired results like salvation or attainment of an objective,

The ritual of fasting is a part of almost every devout Hindu household. Though chiefly undertaken by the women folk, fasting is also undertaken by men. The premise being that fasting contributes to a clean living. as the persons fasting are expected to indulge in exemplary behaviour, moral thinking, make sacrifices, and such like.

Hinduism believes in purification of the mind and body. Regular fasting ensures purification, as it monitors the five senses of the body. Thus the tenets of fasting are devised very scientifically, spread all through the year, to enable a simple fasting plan as per convenience. In fact, this proves more effective than any new-age dietary plans.

It is a misnomer that fasting is difficult, for there exists a wide range of fasting options to suit one's requirement and aptitude.

There are basically four types of fasting :

Fasting by Festivals
Fasting by Lunar days
Fasting by Weekdays or Planetary influences
Fasting by second half of the lunar month, or waning moon (Shukl Paksh)

Fasting by Festivals
Fasting on Festival days, usually owe their allegiance to the deity being worshipped. These fasts generally propitiate the presiding deity and bring about beneficial influences in life or ward off evils.

Fasting by Lunar days (New moon or Ekadashi)
These fasts are more rigid in their procedures, and each Ekadashi fast is undertaken with an objective is mind. This fasting appeases the presiding God and ensures realisation of the goal, or salvation from an expected misfortune or annihilation of evil influences.

Fasting by Weekdays or Planetary influences
In Hinduism, it is believed that our lives are influenced by the nine planets or Nava Grahas. The first seven (Sun, Moon, Mars, mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn) represent the seven days of the week. They are also represented by deities with profound powers.

There are fasts corresponding to each weekday and corresponding deity. Each fast is evocative of beneficial influences.

Moreover the 27 constellations and 12 zodiac signs of the sun, also manifested as deities, evoke consultations at births and other auspicious occasions, when fasting is also advocated to solicit Divine blessings.

Fasting by second half of the lunar month, or waning moon (Shukl Paksh)
Each day of the fortnight owes its allegiance to a deity, with a story interwoven within it. These fasts have their own protocol laid down, which if adhered to ensures the blessings of the related God or Goddess.

The ritual of fasting has thus become an integral part of Hinduism.

Learn more about this author, Sangeeta Deogawanka.
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