How to Follow Fasting in Hinduism: A Comprehensive Guide

Fasting, or Upavasa, holds a significant place in Hinduism as a means to purify the body, mind, and soul while enhancing spiritual growth. It can be observed on specific days, during festivals, or as a personal vow. Here’s a detailed guide to observing fasting with additional information, prayers, puja steps, and practical advice.

Types of Hindu Fasts

Partial Fast: Consuming fruits, milk, and water while avoiding grains and heavy meals.
Full Fast: Abstaining from food and sometimes water for a specified period.
Specific Food Restrictions: Avoiding certain foods like onions, garlic, or non-vegetarian dishes.

Practical Steps for Fasting in Modern Times

Choose the Day: Decide the day based on your belief. Common days include:
- Monday: Dedicated to Shiva.
- Tuesday: Dedicated to Hanuman.
- Thursday: Dedicated to Guru Brihaspati or Vishnu.
- Friday: Dedicated to Shakti or Lakshmi.
- Ekadashi: Dedicated to Vishnu.
Set an Intention: Begin the day with a clear intention of why you're fasting (for health, spirituality, or devotion).
Stay Hydrated: Drink water or herbal teas, especially during partial fasts.
Simplify the Day: Avoid strenuous activities; focus on prayer, meditation, and self-reflection.
Break the Fast Properly: End with light, sattvic food, such as fruits or khichdi.

Simple Puja Steps

Cleanse Yourself and the Puja Space: Take a bath, wear fresh clothes, and clean the prayer area.
Prepare the Altar:
- Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks.
- Place idols or pictures of the chosen deity.
Offerings: Use simple items like flowers, fruits, water, and rice.
Chant Mantras and Prayers:
- Recite the deity's mantras or simple prayers.
Meditation and Aarti: Meditate on the deity, perform aarti, and seek blessings.

Clothes and Colors to Wear

Shiva: White or light blue for peace and purity.
Hanuman: Red or orange to signify strength and devotion.
Ganesha: Yellow for prosperity and intellect.
Goddesses (Annapurna, Shakumbhari): Green or red for fertility and abundance.

Deities to Worship

Annapurna (Goddess of Food): For nourishment and abundance.
Shakumbhari (Goddess of Vegetables and Natural Foods): For natural sustenance.
Dhanvantari (God of Medicine): For health and healing.
Ashwini Kumaras (Healers): For physical and mental well-being.
Shiva: For spiritual growth and inner peace.
Hanuman: For strength and devotion.
Ganesha: For removing obstacles and beginning anew.

Mantras and Prayers

1. Annapurna Devi

Mantra:

Om Annapurne Sadapurne Shankara Prana Vallabhe
Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati

Meaning: O Annapurna, the Goddess of plenty, grant us nourishment and wisdom.

2. Shakumbhari Devi

Mantra:
```
Om Shakumbhari Devi Namah
```
Meaning: Salutations to the Goddess who nourishes with natural foods.

3. Dhanvantari

Mantra:
```
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye
Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya
Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Namah
```
Meaning: Salutations to Dhanvantari, the divine physician, who holds the nectar of immortality and removes all fears and diseases.

4. Ashwini Kumaras

Mantra:
```
Om Ashwinau Devau Namah
```
Meaning: Salutations to the divine twins, the Ashwini Kumaras, healers of gods.

5. Shiva

Mantra:
```
Om Namah Shivaya
```
Meaning: Salutations to Lord Shiva, the embodiment of peace and the destroyer of evil.

6. Hanuman

Mantra:
```
Om Hanumate Namah
```
Meaning: Salutations to Lord Hanuman, the remover of obstacles and protector.

7. Ganesha

Mantra:
```
Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
```
Meaning: Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Rare Facts about Fasting

Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting is believed to burn karma and purify past sins.
Planetary Alignment: Specific fasts, like those on Ekadashi or Pradosham, are linked to planetary movements and their effects on the body and mind.
Energy Conservation: Digestion takes up significant energy; fasting redirects it to healing and meditation.
Environmental Awareness: Many Hindu fasts focus on vegetarianism, promoting ecological balance.

Ideas for Modern Times

Digital Detox: Incorporate a fast from social media or technology to focus on inner peace.
Community Service: Spend the day engaging in acts of kindness or charity.
Mindful Eating: Even partial fasting can involve eating only organic, natural foods.
Yoga and Meditation: Enhance the spiritual benefits by practicing gentle yoga and mindfulness.
Simplified Prayers: Use audio recordings or apps to learn and recite mantras.

By following these steps, you can honor the tradition of fasting while adapting it to your modern lifestyle. This spiritual practice not only fosters discipline but also aligns the body and mind with divine energies.

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