The practice of fasting, known in Sanskrit as Upavasa, represents a profound intersection of spiritual discipline and physiological rejuvenation within Indian culture. Derived from the roots "Upa" (near) and "Vaasa" (to stay), the term literally translates to staying close to the Divine. While often perceived by outsiders as mere dietary restriction, fasting in the Hindu tradition is a holistic endeavor designed to harmonize the body and the soul, facilitating a closer mental and physical proximity to the Lord. This ancient practice, integral to the lives of millions, serves as a bridge between the material world and the realization of the Absolute.
 |
| Fasting in Hinduism divinehindu.com |
Above image: Fasting, an integral part of Hindu culture for millenia,is observed on auspicious days like Ekadashi, Shivratri, and Navratri by ardent devotees. Also observed on the occasions of certain religious ceremonies at home.The following vrats are believed to be significant in Hinduism. They are: Navaratri Vrat, Maha Shivaratri Vrat, Karwa Chauth Vrat (mostly observed by Married Hindu women for the longevity and wellbeing of their husbands),Purnima Fast, Samovar Vrat, Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat (during the Hindumonth of Jyeshtha). Bhagavad Geeta recommends healthy, good food- sattvic diet and simple food - neither too much nor too little - yukta-aahaara. .......
 |
| Benefit of Fasting happierhuman.com |
The spiritual architecture of Hinduism places significant emphasis on fasting as a tool for self-purification. It is believed that by periodically withdrawing from the sensory indulgence of food, an individual can cleanse both the mind and body, achieving a state of religious ecstasy or heightened awareness. Scriptures and traditions outline various methods of observance, ranging from partial fasts to total abstinence from food and water (Nirjala). For many, the process involves skipping meals during the day and consuming only light, sattvic offerings such as fruit, juice, or porridge before retiring to bed. This discipline is not merely about deprivation but about redirection; the energy typically spent on digestion is instead channeled toward the silent chanting of Mantras and contemplation of God.
 |
| facebook.com |
 |
| cartoonistsatish.blogspot.com |
Fasting is intrinsically linked to the Hindu calendar, with specific days dedicated to various deities. Devotees often observe fasts on Mondays for Lord Shiva, Thursdays for Lord Dattatreya or Brihaspati, and Saturdays for Lord Hanuman. Major festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Ekadashi, and Krishna Janmashtami see widespread participation in rigorous fasting protocols. In the sacred temples of Kerala, such as Guruvayur or Sabarimala, the Pundits and Tantris uphold even stricter standards. These priests often engage in temple worship from the early hours of 3 AM until noon without consuming a single drop of water, frequently performing rituals in drenched clothing. Such intensity requires immense determination and serves as a testament to their devotion and self-discipline.
Beyond the religious realm, fasting is increasingly recognized for its medical and psychological benefits. In Ayurveda and Naturopathy, it is utilized as a therapeutic tool to treat ailments and provide the internal organs with a necessary period of "overhauling." By giving the digestive system a respite, the body can re-energize and detoxify. Modern health perspectives echo these ancient insights, noting that disciplined fasting improves willpower and emotional stability. However, contemporary health experts and traditional practitioners alike suggest caution. For instance, those with conditions like diabetes must consult medical professionals, as prolonged empty stomachs can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar or blood pressure.
Regional and Historical Practices: With respecto Kerala Temple Protocols, the rigorous fasting of Tantris at the Guruvayur and Sabarimala temples is a centuries-old tradition documented in Kerala's temple manuals (Thanthra Samuchayam). The Mandala Vratham (a 41-day austerity period) for Ayyappa devotees is a notable example of institutionalized religious fasting.
 |
| tkayala.com |
 |
| pinterest.com |
In the modern context, the "latest facts" regarding fasting often highlight the concept of Autophagy—a physiological process where the body cleans out damaged cells—which aligns with the traditional Hindu view of fasting as a "cleansing" mechanism. While traditionalists might fast for 24 hours, current health trends like Intermittent Fasting (IF) often mirror the Hindu practice of eating only between sunrise and sundown. To ensure safety, it is recommended to stay hydrated with buttermilk or water and to break a fast with easily digestible foods like Kanchi (rice porridge). Ultimately, whether performed for Pitru Karyam (ancestral rites) or personal health, fasting remains a powerful expression of the Bhagavad Gita’s ideal of Yukta-aahaara: a balanced, regulated approach to living that fosters peace within the mind and strength within the spirit.
The Bhagavad Gita:
While not a text exclusively on fasting, the Gita advocates for Yukta-aahaara (regulated eating). It suggests that yoga is not for those who eat too much or those who fast excessively, but for those who find a "sattvic" or balanced middle path.
Medical and Holistic Traditions
Ayurveda: The Charaka Samhita, a foundational text of Indian medicine, categorizes fasting under Langhana (lightening therapy). It is prescribed as a primary treatment for fever (Jwara), skin disorders, and digestive toxins (Ama). Ayurveda teaches that fasting rekindles the Agni (digestive fire).
Naturopathy:
Modern Indian naturopathic practitioners view fasting as a "system reset" that redirects the body's energy from digestion to self-healing and detoxification.
