In Hindu culture, the practice of observing vrats (vows) and upavas (fasts) holds profound spiritual significance.
Each vrat is associated with specific rituals and intentions that help devotees cultivate discipline, devotion, and connection with the Divine.
Here’s a look at ten popular Hindu vrats and upavas, each with unique benefits, significance, and spiritual practices.
Top 10 Hindu Vrats and Upavas
1. Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi, observed on the 11th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) moon phases, is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Followers avoid grains and lentils, embracing a simple diet or complete fast.
Observing Ekadashi is believed to wash away past sins, improve self-control, and align the devotee’s mind with higher spiritual goals.
There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with distinct names, legends, and significance, like Nirjala Ekadashi and Mokshada Ekadashi.
2. Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on the fourth day after the full moon.
This vrat, especially significant for removing obstacles and overcoming hardships, involves fasting and offering prayers to Ganesha.
Devotees observe the fast until moonrise, when they worship the moon and offer arghya (water offering) to Lord Chandra (Moon God), seeking relief from challenges and blessings of wisdom and prosperity.
3. Pradosh Vrat
Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This vrat, focusing on evening prayers during the Pradosh period (twilight), is ideal for those seeking blessings in health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Observing Pradosh, especially Som Pradosh (on Mondays) and Shani Pradosh (on Saturdays), is believed to bring immense benefits, particularly in overcoming sins and life challenges.
4. Ashtami Vrat
Observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the lunar month, Ashtami Vrat holds special significance in the Krishna Paksha, especially Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Lord Krishna.
Other popular Ashtamis include Durga Ashtami during Navratri. Fasting on this day is thought to help devotees receive the blessings of protection, strength, and inner peace from the Divine Mother or Lord Krishna.
5. Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat
Apart from the widely celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed every month on the fourth day after the new moon, also dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Observers seek wisdom, clarity, and guidance by worshiping Ganesha on this day. By observing Vinayaka Chaturthi, devotees aim to remove obstacles from their paths, cultivating auspicious beginnings for their endeavors.
6. Shivaratri Vrat
Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) every month, with Maha Shivaratri in the month of Phalguna being the most prominent.
Devotees fast, meditate, and perform night vigils, with prayers to receive Lord Shiva’s blessings for inner transformation, liberation (moksha), and spiritual strength. The vrat includes offerings of milk, bel leaves, and water on Shiva’s lingam.
7. Shashti Vrat
Shashti Vrat, observed on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight, is especially significant for those seeking blessings for their children and family welfare.
This vrat is dedicated to Lord Murugan (or Kartikeya) in South India and to Shashthi Devi, the goddess of fertility, in other regions.
Devotees fast and offer prayers to ensure the well-being of their children and protection from illnesses or other adversities.
8. Purnima Vrat
Purnima Vrat, observed on the full moon day of each month, is a time for worshipping Lord Vishnu and seeking mental clarity and spiritual growth.
Fasting on Purnima is believed to remove negativity and help devotees receive blessings for prosperity, peace, and contentment.
The most popular Purnima vrats include Guru Purnima, Kartik Purnima, and Sharad Purnima.
9. Rohini Vrat
Observed by many Jain and Hindu devotees, Rohini Vrat falls on days when the Rohini Nakshatra is in alignment, usually every 27 days.
Observing Rohini Vrat is particularly significant for women, believed to bring longevity and prosperity to their families.
This vrat involves fasting for a day, followed by worship and offering to Lord Vasupujya, a Tirthankara, as a means of cultivating virtues like patience, kindness, and self-discipline.
10. Weekdays Vrat
Observing fasts on specific days of the week is another practice in Hinduism. Each day corresponds with a deity and has a unique purpose:
- Monday (Somvar): Dedicated to Lord Shiva, seeking peace and marital harmony.
- Tuesday (Mangalvar): Devoted to Hanuman and Mars, focusing on strength and overcoming obstacles.
- Wednesday (Budhvar): Observed for Lord Ganesha, for wisdom and clarity.
- Thursday (Guruvar): For Lord Vishnu and Sai Baba, aimed at growth in knowledge and spirituality.
- Friday (Shukravar): Devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, for prosperity and abundance.
- Saturday (Shanivar): For Lord Shani and Hanuman, protecting against hardships and karma.
- Sunday (Ravivar): Honoring Surya (Sun God), for health and vitality.
Conclusion
Each vrat and upavas in Hinduism is a journey towards self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual growth. By observing these fasts with reverence and sincerity, devotees experience profound transformations that impact every aspect of their lives.
While each vrat holds unique blessings, they collectively guide individuals towards a life of balance, wisdom, and spiritual awakening.