Hindu Science of Fasting

Fasting, known as Vrat or Vratam, is an integral part of Hindu religion.

According to Ancient Indian text, fasting is relationship between the body and the soul. It is done for the well being of a human being as it nourishes both Spiritual and Physical Demands. According to Hindu believe it is not easy to follow path of Spirituality and Healthcare in ones daily life. As daily routine of work and other problems does not allow us to focus on Spirituality and Healthcare, There fore Worship of GOD is the only way to impose and focus on Physical and Spiritual Demand through the way of FASTING. "When the stomach is full, the intellect begins to sleep. Wisdom becomes mute and the parts of the body restrain from acts of righteousness and laziness." Fasting practices is done to limit onselfs (Fully / Partialy) from Veg-Nonveg Food (Salt, Onions, Garlic & Meat), Water & Sexual Activity.

Types (Full / Partial)

Full Day Fast In this type of fasting, food is being restricited full day. It include water consumption. Partial Fast - In this type only half day food is restiricted, This include partial consumption of Water, Fruits, Food and totally restricting Salt, Non veg & Sexual Activity, Sometimes Onions, Garlic & Potatos.

Other Types (Day / Week / Year / Festival)

Different Kinds of Fasting in Hindu Religion

On certain days of the month such as Purnima (full moon) and Ekadasi (the 11th day of the fortnight). Certain days of the week - depending on individual choices and on one's favorite god and goddess. Monday Lord Shiv Tuesday Goddess Thursday Lord Dattatreya Friday Santoshi Mata Saturday Lord Hanuman Sunday Khandoba Fasting at festivals is common. Navaratri (9 Days Fast), Shivratri, Durga Puja (8 Days Fast), Santoshi mata (16 Monday Fast) Karwa Chauth. Chaturthi Lord Ganesha Ekadashi Goddess Mahashivratri Lord Shiva Gokulashtami Lord Krishna Vat Pournima this fast is done only by married women to increase the lifespan of their husbands. Ganesh Jayanti Lord Ganesha Guru Pournima Lord Dattatreya Taking only fruits are eaten. Such a diet is known as phalahar. (avoid acidic fruits like apple and orange).

Reasons & Beniefits for Fasting :- (As per Ayurved)

On Spiritual Level

Self Decipline

Fasting purifies the mind.

Training Of The Mind to control Hunger and not give up Checks Emotions - Worship of God and Long life of Hunsband

Controls the senses. For many it is also a sort of penance as it provides a window to escape from sins.

On the Physical Body

Fasting remove toxic materials in the digestive & urinary systems.

Digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected

Adequate rest to internal organs and time for cleansing.

To decreases the cholesterol level. Restricting Salt on particular days as excess salt and sodium causes blood pressure.

On the Ecological Level

Fasting maintain balance in the ecological system as we prevent excess use of vegitables and Animals.
Focus on eating fruits which are also

On the Social Level

Fasting is done to show Protest against system or person

According to hindu believe save money while fasting should be use for Charity & Worship

On the Astrological Level (According to Vedas and Shastras)

The systems propounded in the Vedas and Shastras coordinate man's biological & Astrological rhythms with the cycles of nature. Fasting is done on Purnima (full moon) and Ekadasi (the 11th day of the fortnight). Because of Moon Gravity we see High & Low Tide in the SEA water level According to Vedas and Shastras and Modern Science Moons Gravity affect the human body, considering it is approximately 70% water in the Human body. The systems of fasting are based on the different stages of the moon's waxing and waning. The cycles of the moon influence women in particular through the menstrual cycle, so fasting is practised more extensively by women. The days specified for fasting are calculated according to the intensity of the moon's influence during these two phases (Poornima Amavasya). I takes about 3-4 days for the food that we eat today to reach our brain (Nutritions). If we eat light/fast on Ekadasi days, that intake will reach the brain correspondingly on the New moon/full moon day. Another explanation for Ekadasi fasting is that compared to any other day of the moon cycle, atmospheric pressure is lowest on Ekadasi days. Thus, this is the best time to fast and cleanse the bowel system. If we fast on any other day, the high pressure/strain may damage our system. Thus, it is advisable that after fasting on Ekadasi, on the immediate next day (Dwadasi), we should get up early and eat as soon as possible.

As per both the above theories, the fasting practice on Ekadasi days has a strong scientific base. People who observe the fast are asked to stay away from all types of grains, and to have a light diet of nuts, milk, fruits, etc. As per Vedas and Shashtras the Gravity of Moon affects Humans Emotions, Actions Reactions, Mental Patience, Iritation Level & Performance. That is why Fast is normally followed the appearance and position of Moon.

It is amazing how THE ANCIENT VEDIC INDIANS devised this method to keep ourselves fit and free from any negative influences ! The relevance of the fast has been imbibed into a story in the Puranas so that it can be easily carried on from one generation to the other... Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga of meditation is not possible, O Arjuna, for the one who eats too much, or who does not eat at all; who sleeps too much, or who keeps awake. (6.16) It means that in the name of Vrata or fasting, one should not torture the body. Dont ever think that by starving, God will be pleased and will shower wealth and happiness. Fasting is purely meant to make a person mentally and spiritually strong.

We have the responsibility of handing over a scientific religion to the next generation. Forward this article to all sincere knowledge seekers