What is called Friday fasting?
Friday fasting, or Shukravar Vrat, is considered very important among women in Hinduism. They fast on Friday to please the Goddesses, Santoshi and Lakshmi, and to receive their blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
According to Hindu religious scriptures, Santoshi Mata is considered the goddess of contentment. Santoshi means ‘gratification’, and is considered the compassionate form of Goddess Durga. Santoshi is believed to be the daughter of Lord Ganesha and Riddhi- Siddhi.
In Sanskrit, ‘Shukra’ means ‘bright,’ and Shukra is the brightest planet. He rules the Asuras and is called ‘Shukracharya.’ He symbolises luxury, intimacy, adornment, material pleasure, affluence, passion, sensuality, vitality, and appearance. Hindu mythology identifies Lakshmi Devi, Goddess of wealth, as the presiding deity of Venus, which is why she is worshipped on Fridays.
What is the significance of Friday fasting?
Friday fasting can propitiate the brightest planet, Venus. The Friday fasting became popular after the grand success of the Hindi film ‘Jai Santoshi Maa’, released in 1975. It is believed that people who perform the Santoshi Mata Vrat for 16 consecutive Fridays can win the heart of the Goddess. Santoshi Mata not only bestows happiness and wealth but also safeguards her devotees from evil eyes and negative influences with her Sword and Trishul, which she holds in her left and right hands.
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Which deity is worshipped during the Friday fasting?
Women worship both Goddesses Lakshmi / Santoshi Mata and Shukra during Friday fasting.
What is the procedure for the Friday fasting?
Friday fasting or Shukravar Vrat is generally observed from morning until evening. While some people avoid food, others take one meal in liquid form. Devotees wear red or white clothes and perform Pooja to Santoshi Mata/ Goddess Lakshmi and Shukra, chanting hymns.
They burn incense and lamps, and offer fruits, sweets and flowers to Lakshmi Devi. Devotees offer white lotus, jasmine and Mochai to Shukra and worship him. Some perform the concluding ceremony called ‘Udyaapan’ after achieving the purpose of observing the Friday fasting.
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When should I begin Friday fasting?
Women fast on Fridays or observe Shukravar Vrat to seek the blessings for wealth, peace, and prosperity from Goddess Lakshmi. Early morning of the first Friday of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) is the best time to begin the Friday fasting to receive auspicious results.
What are the benefits of fasting on Fridays?
- Observing Friday fasting can help one get a fulfilling spouse.
- It blesses the observer with healthy progeny.
- Friday fasting eliminates issues related to marriage.
- It eradicates the malefic effects of Venus.
- Students who observe Friday fasting can succeed in academics.
- It can bestow one with happiness and serenity.
- Friday fasting bestows wealth.
What are the Mantra(s) chanted during the Friday fasting?
Lakshmi Mantra
||Om Mahalakshmyai Namah||
Meaning of the Lakshmi Mantra
“Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi.”
Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
||Om Mahalakshmyai Vidmahe
Vishnu Patnyai Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat||
Meaning of the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
“We meditate upon Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. May she inspire and guide our intellect.”
Shukra Beej Mantra
||Om Dram Dreem Droum Sah Shukraya Namah||
Meaning of the Shukra Beej Mantra
“I bow to Lord Shukra and invoke his blessings for prosperity and harmony.”
Shukra Gayatri Mantra
||Om Asuracharyaya Vidmahe
Daityagurave Dheemahi
Tanno Shukrah Prachodayat||
Meaning of the Shukra Gayatri Mantra
“We meditate upon Shukra, the teacher of the Asuras. May he guide and inspire our intellect.”
