Jagran is a Sanskrit term used to refer to staying awake at
night during certain nights in a month or year in Hinduism. This keeping of vigil
at night is associated with important monthly vrats like Ekadasi and yearly
festivals like Mahashivratri. Jagaran is also observed as part of certain vrats
only followed in certain regions and by certain communities. Religious importance
of it is mainly associated with Ekadasi fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Jagran on Ekadasi
It believed that those who observe Ekadasi fasting dedicated
to Lord Vishnu should keep vigil at night and meditate on Lord Vishnu. Ekadasi
is observed on the 11th day of a fortnight as per traditional Hindu lunar
calendar.
As per the legend associated with Ekadasi fasting, demon Mura
attempted to harm Vishnu at night and suddenly a young girl appeared from the
body of Bhagavan Vishnu and she annihilated the demon. Vishnu called her
Ekadasi. Jagaran on ekadasi night is based on this incident.
While performing Jagran, a devotee should meditate, read stories,
chant the name of the Lord, sing his glories, listen to stories or participate
in satsangs.
In some regions during Jagran, devotees assemble in a
sacred place, temple or house and read stories or sing devotional songs
especially those composed by Haridasas – enlightened devotees of Vishnu.
Staunch Vishnu devotees end Jagaran in the morning with
nartana seva – where all members form a circle and dance. While dancing, the
devotees carry on their head a plate filled with Tulsi or basil leaves which
was earlier offered to Vishnu. This seva is also known as Harivanaseva. After this,
the group breaks up.
Jagran on Shivratri
It is widely believed that Shiva, the formless supreme
truth, took form and appeared on the Shivratri night. This form was known as
Lingodbhavamurti – a huge column of fire with no beginning or end. So people
perform Jagran on Mahashivratri night. Shiva devotees assemble at a Shiva
temple and keep pouring water on the Shivling, listen to stories of Shiva, read
Shiva Puran, chant prayers and meditate on the mantra Om Namah Shivaya.
Jagran is also kept by Shiva devotees on Krishna Paksha
Chaturdashi or the 14th day during the waning phase of moon in a Hindu lunar
month.
Vigil at night is also kept during Kal Bhairav Ashtami and
Kalashtami.
Another important jagran is observed during the Jaya Parvati Vrat in Gujarat.
Jagran is also kept once in a year in certain temples and
sacred places – mostly associated with some temple legend.
It is also a practice to not to sleep if someone is bitten
by snake in the family. Relatives and family members stay awake to keep the
snake bitten person from not dozing off.