In India, fasting on weekdays is a common practice, with each day having its unique significance. Fasting is not just a religious act; it also serves as a way of spiritual purification and detoxification for the body. When performed for religious reasons, fasting on Thursday is done to connect with Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter), who is considered a follower of Lord Shiva. Hindu scriptures mention that fasting on Thursdays helps in appeasing Jupiter. There are specific advantages, rules, and rituals to follow during Thursday fasting. Let’s explore everything you need to know about it.
Benefits of Fasting on Thursday
There are several benefits of fasting on Thursdays, especially in Hinduism:-
- Many people fast on Thursday to overcome obstacles in their marital life or during the process of finding a partner. This fast provides strength to improve physical and financial well-being.
- Those who observe this fast and offer prayers on Thursdays are blessed with good fortune and happiness.
- This fast is also helpful for those who have struggled with other weight loss methods as it offers long-term benefits. It plays a vital role in maintaining mental and physical control.
- People who fast on Thursdays are protected from negative energies, including evil spirits and black magic.
- Goddess Lakshmi blesses the financial situation of those who observe the Thursday fast.
Rules to Follow on Thursday Fast
To make your Thursday fast successful, here are some important rules to follow:
- Collect items such as gram lentils, turmeric, jaggery, bananas, and a picture of Lord Vishnu.
- On this day, you can also worship the banana tree.
- Take a bath early in the morning to purify yourself.
- Bathe Lord Vishnu’s image or idol with water and turmeric for good luck.
- After bathing the deity, cover the idol with a yellow cloth.
- Perform prayers, chant mantras, and offer yellow rice as part of your rituals.
- Light a ghee lamp during your prayers.
- Offer a yellow-colored sweet to Lord Brihaspati.
- It’s essential to wear yellow clothes and refrain from eating until after the prayer.
- Avoid eating salty food or washing your hair during the fast.
- After completing the fast, listen to or read the Katha (story).
- Don’t forget to donate yellow-colored clothing on Thursdays after fasting.
What to Consume on Thursday Fasting?
When observing a Thursday fast, the question of what to eat arises. You can eat fruits, but avoid bananas. Grapes, papaya, and apples are good choices. After sunset, you can have salt-free dishes like Besan ka Halwa or Kheer. These foods are light and suitable for breaking the fast.
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How to Fast on Thursday?
To observe the Thursday fast, you will need items like lentils, jaggery, turmeric, a small banana, and a picture of Lord Vishnu. If you have a banana tree, you can also worship it. Start by taking a bath early in the morning to cleanse yourself. Clean Lord Vishnu’s idol or picture with turmeric water.
After that, drape the image of Lord Vishnu with a yellow cloth, which is considered auspicious. While reciting the Katha and chanting mantras, offer yellow rice to the deity. Remember to light a ghee diya (lamp) during your prayers. Prepare a yellow-colored sweet as an offering to Lord Brihaspati.
Once the prayers are completed, you can eat and wear yellow clothes. It’s important to avoid salty food and refrain from shampooing your hair on Thursdays. Finish your fast by listening to or reading the Katha.
Additionally, light a ghee diya in front of the banana tree and offer rice, chana dal, and turmeric to it. Don’t forget to donate yellow-colored clothing as part of your fasting ritual.
Conclusion
Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Brihaspati or the Teacher of all gods. In astrology, Thursday is associated with Jupiter, and its position in a person’s horoscope can affect their health and personal life. A weak Jupiter can lead to challenges in life, which is why fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu on Thursdays can bring great benefits. Embrace the advantages of Thursday fasting and enjoy a life filled with prosperity and good fortune.
