Why Fasting Is Considered a Spiritual Practice in Hinduism
Hinduism is centered around living a spiritually guided life. In it, fasting, also called an Upvaas, works as an integral part that purifies the body and mind while promoting devotion and seeking divine grace.
Whether it is festivals such as Ram Navami, Shivratri, Janmashtami, any special weekdays, lunar days, waxing & waning moon, or any other type of religious ceremony, we Hindus believe in practicing fast. It is not just related to abstaining from food/water or sacrifice to God, but it is all about a journey of self-discovery, purifying the body, mind, and soul.
7 Reasons of Fasting in Hindu Beliefs
1. Purification of the Body and Mind
One of the main reasons that motivate us to fast is inner purification. Our digestive system goes into break mode when we do fasting, and it gives our body a chance to detoxify, remove waste, and repair itself.
However, more than just physical purification, our mind also undergoes a cleansing process. The distraction becomes less in fasting time, our thoughts start becoming settled, and our minds also stay sharper and more focused. Because of this inner clarity, any meditation, prayer, and spiritual practices we perform become more effective.
2. Development of Self-Control and Discipline
Because of fasting, we can take control of our desires, especially those related to the regular urge to eat. By simply telling the cravings “NO,” one can build willpower and inner strength. If we look from the perspective of Sanatan Dharma, then self-discipline (Tapa) is a fundamental aspect of spiritual growth. By gaining control over food desires and limiting engagement with materialistic pleasures, you can make an initial step towards mastering this sense.
3. Reducing Rajas and Tamas while Enhancing Sattva
As per the yogic philosophy, our mind and body are influenced by three major gunas, or qualities: Sattva represents purity & harmony, Rajas represents activity & restlessness while Tamas represents laziness & ignorance.
Practicing fasting is mainly related to a sattvic diet and can help us reduce Rajas and Tamas qualities. By controlling food intake and preferring a sattvic diet, the practitioner can gain a state of mental clarity and spiritual lightness.
4. Enhancing Focus for Spiritual Practices
By fasting one can attain a sense of lightness in the body and calm in the mind. This allows one to easily get engaged in mantra chanting, meditation, japa, or swadhyaya (self-study) without any distractions. It is also thought that spiritual energies are more available on days like Ekadashi, Purnima, and Mahashivratri. So, many yogis and shadhaks keep fast these days and enhance their spiritual power.
5. An Act of Devotion and Surrender
Fasting is primarily associated with deep humility and respect toward the deity. It is considered physical surrender in front of God with the expression that says “Today I give up all my comfort in honor of the Divine.” It is also done in many traditions on certain days, for example on Mondays for Lord Shiva, Thursdays for different gurus, Ekadashi for Lord Vishnu, and so on.
6. Connecting with Cosmic Energy
Many people consider fasting in relation to the lunar calendar and believe certain days carry special cosmic energies. If we focus on Ekadashi, then this 11th day of the lunar cycle is regarded by tradition to have an effect on the water content in the body and mind. It facilitates the practice of maintaining mental discipline. Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon) are also perfect for personal growth and aspiration. Fasting on these days aligns the individual with natural rhythms. It strengthens one’s spiritual attachment to the universe.
7. Mental and Emotional Stability
Many people believe that during their fast days, they feel calmer and more emotionally stable than on normal days. This happens because fasting helps in decreasing inner agitation and restlessness. Based on a spiritual point of view, one’s mind comes in a better version for self-examination during fasting. At this time, it is not influenced by the weight or stimulation of food.
Conclusion
In Hinduism, fasting is appraised as more than a religious observance. It is a type of spiritual discipline that touches each and every layer of our soul. It works as a process to purify and encourage the seeker from all angles, including physical, mental, emotional, and karmic.
In a chaotic world full of distractions, practicing this offers a moment to pause, reset, and reconnect with the divine presence that is available within one’s self. Whether you fast once a month or on a regular basis, it gives you a reminder that true nourishment not only comes from food but silence, simplicity, and spiritual connection are equally important. We can say that “Upvaas is not the lack of food, but it is all about the presence of God.”
