According to Hindu mythology, fasting has deep spiritual and cultural significance and is frequently used to seek divine blessings while purifying the body and mind. The fasts for unmarried girls help them grow as better people who are devoted to their gods and goddesses. Most importantly, the fasts help them cultivate their emotional well-being and relationship harmony.
These fasts are mostly associated with various deities, which give different types of benefits and blessings suited to the desires of young women, especially in matters of love, marriage, and overall prosperity. The most common fasts practiced by young girls include the Vrats of Goddess Parvati, who embodies love and devotion, and the fasts of Lord Krishna, who embodies bliss and protection.
Every fast has its own set of rituals, stories, and significance, which help in inculcating virtues such as patience, discipline, and understanding of one’s aspirations. This article is an attempt to explore the different fasting traditions followed by unmarried girls in Hindu culture. The Monday Fast highlights their spiritual significance, benefits, and the essence of devotion that enriches their journey toward womanhood.
Fasts Beneficial for Unmarried Girls
Hindu women observe a variety of fasts that are very important to their religion, as they believe that fasting on this holy day will benefit their husbands’ health and longevity. So, let’s explore some of these fasts.
1. Shiva Puja
Lord Shiva, also called Bhole Nath, is renowned for his serenity and is readily glad to grant you the perfect husband if you adore him passionately. It is believed to be beneficial to fast on Mondays during the months of July or Shravan. After the evening prayer, the ladies typically break their fast, which starts at sunrise and concludes at sunset. It is said that if an unmarried girl fasts every Monday, her dream of marrying the man of her dreams would come true. In addition to spinsters, married women fast on Mondays in prayer for a happy marriage.
2. Mangal Gauri Puja
Lord Shiva’s wife, the Goddess Parvati, is the focus of devotion at the Mangal Gauri Puja. Every Tuesday of Shravan, in July or August, many single girls follow this fast in an effort to locate a compatible life partner. The Mangal Gauri fast is mostly observed by women on Tuesdays 16 or 20. Married women also observe this fast in order to offer prayers for their husbands’ health and a successful marriage.
3. Nanda Vrat
Adi Shakti, also known as Goddess Shakti, is the focus of this fast in order to locate the perfect husband. On Phalgun Shukla Paksha Saptami, the 7th day of the moon’s waxing phase in any Hindu month, the Nanda Vrat is observed. During this fast, Lord Shiva is worshipped, “Om Namah Shivaya” is chanted, and he is decorated with white flowers and bel leaves. To finish this fast, one must donate food (Annadanam) to old and underprivileged persons on any day after the fast.
4. Vishnu Puja
Thursdays are devoted to Lord Vishnu or the planet Jupiter, also called “Brihaspati.” According to Indian astrology, people who fast on Thursdays are said to be fortunate to have a prosperous and satisfied life. On this day, wearing yellow is seen to be lucky. On this day, people who fast consume foods that are yellow in color and salt-free are frequently made with besan flour (Channa Daal Aata).
5. Hartalika Teej
In the month of Bhadrapada, Hartalika Teej is observed on the Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha. Water is not consumed during this fast (Nirjala). For unbroken marital pleasure and success, women worship Goddess Parvati in her earthly incarnation on this day. For married women, the Hartalika Teej fast is very important. However, did you know that single girls also follow this fast in search of a suitable life partner? Unmarried girls are subject to slightly different regulations. By eating fruits, they can even observe this quickly.
6. Karwa Chauth Fast
Karwa Chauth falls on Chaturthi Tithi, also called Sankashti Chaturthi, which is observed nationwide by followers of Lord Ganesha. Women make prayers and seek blessings to Chauth Mata or Gauri Mata, the objects of Karwa Chauth. According to Hindu scriptures, any woman who is single or eligible to marry may observe this fast; it is not just for married women. On this auspicious day, people can also worship Lord Ganesha and Maa Gauri and observe a fast in the hopes of attracting their ideal spouse or life partner.
Conclusion
Fasting holds a significant place in Hindu culture, especially for unmarried girls who seek to enhance their spiritual journey and attract a suitable life partner. Each fast mentioned in this article, imbued with its own unique rituals and blessings, serves as a means for young women to express their aspirations and connect with the divine. By observing these fasts, unmarried girls can strengthen their faith and lay a foundation for a fulfilling and harmonious life, both in personal relationships and overall prosperity.
