Vow, sacred fast
From Sanskrit 'vr' — to choose, to vow — a self-chosen religious observance, often involving fasting, that is undertaken voluntarily rather than imposed as obligation.
From the weekly Ekadashi fast to elaborate multi-day observances like Karva Chauth or Navratri, Vratas link bodily discipline to a specific devotional intention, often undertaken for the wellbeing of a loved one.
The four-day festival of gratitude to Surya, the Sun God, observed with rigorous fasting and river-bank worship across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.
Monday Fasting and Shiva Worship
A guide to Ekadashi Vrat: Ekadashi Devi's origin, the three modes of fasting, foods to avoid, puja vidhi, and the rules of Dwadashi Parana and Hari Vasara.
The Vrat for a Husband’s Long Life and Wellbeing
The sacred katha from the Surya Purana of Dhrishtabuddhi, the prodigal son of merchant Dhanapala, redeemed from mountains of sin by Sage Kaundinya on Mohini Ekadashi in Vaishakha Shukla Paksha.
The sacred katha from the Skanda Purana of the pious Brahmin Sumedha and his virtuous wife Pavitra relieved from extreme poverty by Sage Kaundinya on Parama Ekadashi in Adhik Maas Krishna Paksha.