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

The Story of Garlic

During the war between demons and gods for the divine nectar, one of the demon manage to steal the pot of nectar(amrit). At this crunch time when gods were on the verge of defeat, Lord Vishnu appeared and killed that demon with his divine weapon "Sudrashan Chakra" which cuts his head . But that demon had drank nector and by the time he was killed the nectar had reached till his throat. As the blood drops from his body fell on his ground , at the same place a strange plant grew up, which was a garlic plant. This plant acquired two strange properties. Due to effect of nectar , garlic has a lot of medicinal value and it is considered as very good from health's point of view. On the other hand , due to demonic influence , it has a very negative effect on our psychological health and thought process. This is the reason the use of garlic is prohibited during pooja ceremony due to its negative effect(Taamsik energy) on contrary to pooja which has positive effect(saatwik energy). Still it is believe that a person who ate garlic/onion in previous 6 months before his death does not get salvation!!