Fasting is a practice that is found in many religions. Hindus observe fasts during religious festivals like Navratri, while Christians fast during the Lent season, and Muslims fast during Ramzan. It is an act that has both moral and spiritual overtones. People believe that fasting can purify the body and mind, thereby enabling us to gain God’s grace. Hindus observe fast for many reasons, apart from cleansing and purifying the mind and body. It can bring them closer to God and help ward off negative forces during inauspicious occasions, like Amavasya, eclipses, etc. They also fast when taking part in samskaras or life cycle sacraments like marriage and on holy days and festivals.
The Hindu Scriptures claim that fasting helps us to connect with the divine by creating a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul. This is essential for our well-being as it nourishes us physically and spiritually. Fasting has many physical and spiritual benefits.
Fasting can boost health, reduce cholesterol levels, remove toxins, reduce stress on the digestive system and other bodily organs, and boost blood circulation and the functioning of the brain and heart. Fasting can also improve our mental health by making us feel good about ourselves. It can bestow self-esteem, self-confidence, discipline, and willpower. These are some of the physical benefits of fasting.
Fasting is a key part of worship. In symbolic terms, fasting is an act of sacrifice, where we sacrifice food and hunger to express our devotion and surrender to God.
Fasting purifies our minds. It helps us control the senses, passion, and emotions. Many Hindus also see fasting as a sort of penance as it is believed to remove their sins. Fasting is also a way to control one’s tongue, which can cause a lot of trouble sometimes.
Significance of Thursday Fasting
Hindus believe that different days of the week are dedicated to different deities. Thursday is the day of Guru, Brihaspati, or Jupiter, which is the planet of good fortune in astrology. Hindus can fast on any Thursday of the month except for Paush month (Dec-Jan). Fasting on Thursdays helps one to connect with Jupiter and please the planet, which is a natural benefic. Guru is also a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Fasting on Thursday Benefits
Fasting on Thursday benefits are manifold. They are listed below.
· Those who observe fast and perform Pooja on Thursday may gain happiness and wealth in life.
· People who wish to find a good life partner can benefit from this fast.
· Married couples can lead a happy life by observing the Thursday fast.
· People who wish to lose weight will benefit from this fast. Jupiter rules the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. A weak Jupiter causes health issues like obesity, fatty liver, etc. Thursday fasting can strengthen Jupiter and alleviate such problems.
· Thursday fast protects one from black magic and evil spirits.
· Goddess Lakshmi can boost your financial situation.
· It helps you to achieve perfection, satisfaction, and salvation.
· It brings many physical and spiritual benefits.
· Thursday fasting can bestow success, pleasure, and peace.
· If unmarried boys and girls fast on Thursday, they may find their soul mates.
· It helps maintain physical equilibrium.
Rules for the Thursday Fast
Some rules have to be followed if the Thursday fast is to bring benefits. They are given below.
· Gram lentils, turmeric, jaggery, banana, and an idol/image of Vishnu are needed for the Pooja.
· Pay respects to the Banana tree on Thursdays.
· Bathe early in the morning on Thursday.
· Bathe the idol of Vishnu with a lot of water and turmeric.
· After giving proper bathing, wrap the lord with the help of a yellow cloth.
· Offer yellow rice and chant Slokas and Mantras to please the deity.
· Light a ghee lamp.
· Chant Mantras praising Vishnu. Offer yellow-colored sweets to Brihaspati.
· Wear yellow garments and eat only after worshipping Brihaspati.
· Do not eat salty foods or wash your hair.
· Listen to or read the vrat katha only at the end of the fast.
· Vrat katha is mandatory. Also, try to donate yellow clothes.
Foods to Eat during Thursday Fast
One can eat apples, grapes, papaya, and any other fruit, except bananas. When the sun has set, eat fruits or grains that contain no salt. Kheer, Besan ka Halwa, etc., can be consumed.
Conclusion
Each day of the week is dedicated to a deity or planet in Hinduism. Thursday is dedicated to Vishnu and Jupiter/Brihaspati, who is the Guru of the Gods. If Jupiter is weak in a person's birth chart, it can have some adverse effects on your health and personal life. Observing fast and worshipping Vishnu/Jupiter on Thursdays is very beneficial in such cases.
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