Vrat-Ek Sankalp

In Hinduism, the devotees observe fast frequently. Literal meaning of Fasting in Sanskrit is “upavaasa”. This word is a combination of “upa” and “vaasa”.The word “Upa” means "near" and the word “vaasa” means "to stay". Thus Upavaasa signify staying near the God. During fasting people do not eat at all or eat saatwik food. In kaliyuga people indulge in eating “Taamsik” food. The kind of food which we eat has a direct effect on our thought process. Even in yoga it is believe that the body is like a machine which needs overhauling at regular interval. The more one indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to control over our senses. If the fasting is done without any motive then it could make a person weak or can create a desire to indulge later. Discipline is required in every sphere of life. Vrat is a special undertaking, keeping some goal in mind, and making a resolution about it. For example scattered rays of sun can not burn a paper, whereas if they are concentrated then they are very powerful. From astrological point of view the vrat for the malefic planet should be done. for example for a person of Pisces ascendant, he should avoid the vrat of Monday. Similarly for a person of virgo ascendant , it is advisable to keep fast on Tuesday during the dasha of Mangal.So next time, do not keep the fast blindly

Legend Of Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is the most important festival for a Hindu married woman. This festival falls on 4^th day of Krishna Paksha of Kaartik month. For the longevity of her husband a tough fast is observed by women.   To begin the fast one has to wake up early in the morning and after bathing the food has to be consumed before the sun rise. This food is called as “sargi”(pre dawn meal). No food and water is consumed through out the day. The fast is broken only after offering water to the reflection of moon. There are many rituals and legends associated with this fasting. Every ritual has a special meaning. One must know it before keeping fast.This fast is dedicated to Savitri who was a sati ( total devotee to her husband). The legend associated with this fast is as follows-

Savitri was a beautiful daughter of a powerful king. All the efforts of the parents of choosing a bridegroom for Savitri went in vain. One day while roaming in forest Savitri fell in love with a poor young man,Satyavan. Despite opposition she chose  Satyavan as her husband. She even ignored the warning of an astrologer that Satyavan had a very short life span and he would going to die within one year of marriage. Still Savitri was adamant on her decision.. They got married. Exactly after one year , Satyavan fainted in forest and died.Savitri saw Yamraj, the god of death came to take away the soul of Satyavan to his kingdom. Savitri was determined and followed Yamraj to his kingdom. This was against the law of nature. So Yamraj granted three wishes to Savitri. As a first wish she asked the restoration of the lost kingdom of her father in law. In lieu of second wish she asked for the  eyes for her blind parents in law. The two wishes were too easy for Yamraj to fulfill. But the real dilemma occurred when Savitri demanded third wish. She demanded to become mother of a virtuous sons. Since Savitri was a sati , so without a husband it was not possible as she can not marry second time. Yamraj was in a fix. Yamaraj had to spare the life of Satyavaan in order to keep his words. This was the power of  true devotion of a wife towards her husband.