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Fasting during Maha Shivaratri
Observed byHindus
Observances
  • Fasting
  • Prayer
2024 date(12:00am 8th March - 12:00am 9 March)[1]

During the day of Maha Shivratri, Hindus are recommend and however optional to individual to fast (Vrat). It has been suggested that fasting during the period will detoxify the body and mind, increase the power of prayer, focus during meditation/yoga and will also absolve individuals from their sins.[3]

Maha Shivratri fasting is considered one of the most important fasting periods for Hindus during a year.

Family worshipping Shiva Linga during fasting period.

Types of fasting done during Shivratri

People obtaining fast can choose any fast they wish to take during the day

Significance of Maha Shivratri fasting

In Shaivism, fasting is traditionally associated with Shiva worship. It is customary for the devotees of Shiva not to eat anything until they worship him and make him offerings. On most of the days, they do not have to fast for a whole day because the worship is performed in the early morning. However, on the day of Maha Shivaratri, they have to wait because the worship continues late into the night. According to Shiva Purana, until his last breath a devotee of Shiva shall never eat food without worshipping him. Those who do so verily eat sin.[4]

Rulings for a fasting person

Required

Prohibited

Food/drinks allowed to be taken during fasting

Fasting plate of devotee during Shivratri.

(However this depends on the fast each individual is taking)[7]

Breaking the fast

Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the fast, as per Panchang. The fast shouldn't be broken during the hours of Shivaratri once taken since its considered inauspicious and sinful.[8]

Break the fast with a simple meal consisting of fruits and milk is allowed to successfully end the fast.

Health benefits/studies

Individuals who are perfectly healthy and don't have any underlying health issues or conditions can carry on with the fast without any exemptions.

Beneficial for Diabetic patients

During a study Dr Pramod Tripathi of Freedom From Diabetes, tells us, “While most doctors globally do not recommend fasting, diabetics can definitely and safely fast for Shivratri,” he says. In fact, fasting may actually be beneficial for diabetics, because every time we consume something, insulin is released in our body, which inhibits burning of fats.[9]

Beneficial for overall health

Several studies also found out that fasting on the day of Shivratri has multiple health benefits to a humans body overall. The fast also helps control blood sugar levels, lowering inflammation, improve heart health and role in autopsies and preventing certain conditions like Alzheimer.[10]

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References

  1. ^ "2024 Hindu Festivals".
  2. ^ "Mahashivratri". 27 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Cleanse your body this Maha Shivratri". 28 February 2022.
  4. ^ "Mahashivratri 2022: 5 Foods You Can Have While Observing Mahashivratri Vrat (Fast)".
  5. ^ "Maha Shivaratri Fasting Rules and Vrat Vidhi". The Times of India. 11 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Mahashivratri 2023 fasting rules: Dos and don'ts to keep in mind while worshipping Lord Shiva". 15 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Maha Shivaratri 2023: What to eat if you are fasting".
  8. ^ "Check Maha Shivratri significance, puja vidhi, fasting rules, mantras, vrat katha, celebrations and more on Times of India". The Times of India. 20 February 2023.
  9. ^ "Shivratri 2022: Check Out This Ultimate Fasting Guide For Diabetic Patients". The Times of India.
  10. ^ "Maha Shivratri 2023: Are There Any Health Benefits To Fasting?".
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