Intermittent fasting is a dietary practice that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. In Hinduism, fasting is a common religious and spiritual practice with various forms and purposes. While intermittent fasting as a term may not be explicitly mentioned in Hindu religious texts, there are many forms of fasting and dietary restrictions prescribed in Hinduism. Here are some examples:
Ekadashi Fasting: Ekadashi is a specific day of fasting that
occurs twice a month, typically on the 11th day of the lunar calendar. Devotees
abstain from grains and certain other foods on this day. Two days of complete
fast in a month is highly beneficial spiritually and from the point of view of
health.
Pradosh Fasting: Pradosh is an auspicious day for Lord
Shiva, and fasting on this day is believed to bring blessings. People may fast
partially or completely. It is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight.
Saptami and Ashtami Fasting: Some devotees fast on the eighth
(Ashtami) days of the lunar calendar in honor of deities like Goddess Durga.
Sankashti Chaturthi Fasting: On this day, devotees of Lord
Ganesha observe a fast and break it after sighting the moon, usually in the
evening.
Navratri Fasting: During the nine-day festival of
Navaratri, many Hindus fast by avoiding certain foods, especially grains.
Instead, they consume fruits, dairy products, and other specific items.
Maha Shivaratri Fasting: Devotees of Lord Shiva often fast
on Maha Shivaratri. Some may follow a strict fast, while others may consume
only specific foods like fruits and milk.
Karva Chauth Fasting: Married Hindu women fast from sunrise
to moonrise on Karva Chauth for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
They abstain from food and water during this period.
There are numerous other fasts and food restrictions in Hindu religion. Some of these are based on legends associated with temples. Each popular Hindu temple has a particular period of fasting.
These fasting practices are not exactly the same as the
typical intermittent fasting patterns where people restrict their eating for
specific time periods, but they involve abstaining from certain foods or
following dietary restrictions for spiritual or religious reasons. The specific
rules and customs associated with these fasts can vary among different regions
and communities within Hinduism.
It's important to note that fasting in Hinduism is not only about dietary discipline but also about spiritual purification and devotion to the deities. Before undertaking any form of fasting, it's advisable to consult with a knowledgeable source, such as a priest or guru, to ensure that the fast is observed correctly and in accordance with one's beliefs and traditions.