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{{short description|Vow, resolve, or pious observance, usually a fast in Indian religions}}
{{other uses}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=February 2016}}


'''Vrata''' is a Sanskrit word that means "vow, resolve, devotion",<ref name=monierwvrata/> and refers to pious observances such as [[Fasting#Hinduism|fasting]] and pilgrimage ([[Tirtha (Hinduism)|Tirtha]]) found in Indian religions such as [[Hinduism]] and [[Jainism]].{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|pp=139-140}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Jeffery D Long |title=Jainism: An Introduction |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I3gAAwAAQBAJ |year=2013|publisher=I.B.Tauris|isbn=978-0-85771-392-6 |pages=206 }}</ref> It is typically accompanied with prayers seeking health and happiness for their loved ones.{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=139}}{{Sfn|Heather Elgood|2000|pp=198-199}}{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|p=972}}

==Etymology==
Vrata ([[Sanskrit]]: व्रत) means "vow, resolve, devotion",<ref name=monierwvrata>Monier Monier-Williams (1899), Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, page 1042, Article on ''Vrata''</ref> and refers to the practice of austerity, particularly in matters related to foods and drinks by people in Hindu and Jaina culture, as part of a pious observance or prayers seeking health, fertility, long life or happiness for her loved ones.{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=139}}{{Sfn|Lynn Teskey Denton|2012|pp=31-33}}

Derived from the root ''‘vr’'' ("will, rule, restrain, conduct, choose, select"), the word is found over 200 times in the [[Rigveda]].<ref name=monierwvrata/>{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|p=45}} It is also found in other Vedic literature including the [[Upanishads]], but the context suggests that the meaning of the word in the Vedic era was not as a personal pious observance, and instead was related to ṛta and [[dharma]], in the sense of inner principles and universal laws that keep order in the cosmos.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|p=45}} Every man's vocation, as in hymn 9.112.1 of the Rigveda, is called his ''Vrata''. Thus, whatever profession one is devoted to, resolves to do his best in, is deemed ''Vrata'' in the Vedic literature.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=45-46}} The act of [[yajna|sacrifice]], in another context such as in hymn 1.93.8 of the Rigveda, is also called a ''Vrata''.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=45-46}}

{{Quote box
|quote = '''Vrata: the vow'''
<poem>
Be thou the wife at their sacrifices,
strict in thy vows [''vrata''],
and gifted with joy!
</poem>
|source = —[[Kunti]] to [[Draupadi]], [[Mahabharata]] 1.191.5<br>Transl: Anne Pearson{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|p=53}}
|bgcolor=#FFE0BB
|align = right
}}
The post-Vedic texts use the term as a form of self-imposed restrictions on food and behavior, sometimes with a vow.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=45-46}}{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=28-29}} The concept evolves as a form of religious votive rite, personalized and interiorized, one that does not need a public ceremony or a private one, but that is privately observed.{{Sfn|Lynn Teskey Denton|2012|pp=31-33}}{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=46-47}}{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|pp=139-140}} Its meaning retains a sense of personal sacrifice (fast, or restricted diet), in exchange for hope, accompanied with a prayer to a personally defined or cherished divinity, and propelled by the wish for the well being of one's loved ones.{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=139}}{{Sfn|Lynn Teskey Denton|2012|pp=31-33}}{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}} The Grihya-sutras (domestic life manuals), the [[Puranas]] and the epics describe the practice particularly in the context of [[brahmacharya|Vedic students]],{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|p=48}} [[brahmin]]s,{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=50-52}} and women, as "devotion, solemn vow, holy practice, resolve, dedication".<ref name=monierwvrata/>{{Sfn|Heather Elgood|2000|pp=198-199}}{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}}

== Hinduism ==
{{Hinduism small}}
''Vrata'' is a religious votive rite, a vow often involving abstinence from food, particularly common with women.{{Sfn|Heather Elgood|2000|pp=198-199}}{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}} It may be accompanied with elaborate prayers, other rites such as charity or visit to a temple, sometimes observed during festivals or with [[sanskara (rite of passage)]] ceremonies. It is found in ancient Hindu texts such as the Vedas, but in a fluid context that is not in the sense of pious observances.{{Sfn|Lynn Teskey Denton|2012|pp=31-33}}{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=46-47}}{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|pp=139-140}}

The Hindu [[Upanishads]] conceptualize ''Vrata'' as an ethical and behavioral discipline process, one where food is respected, the needy helped, the stranger welcomed, the student carries on the pursuit of knowledge.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|p=47}} The [[Puranas]] link the practice to the empowering concept of [[Shakti]] of a woman, while the [[Dharmasastras]] link the practice to one possible form of penance through the concept of [[Prāyaścitta]] for both men and women.{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}}

A ''vrata'' is a personal practice, typically involves no priest, but may involve personal prayer, chanting, reading of spiritual texts, social get together of friends and family, or silent meditation.{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}}

===Reasons===
A ''Vrata'' may be motivated by many factors and is observed by both genders, but far more often by women.{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=139}}{{Sfn|Heather Elgood|2000|pp=198-199}} The most common are temporal wishes, such as the speedy recovery of a sick child, success or happiness for a loved one, fertility, ward off negativity or dangers, make prayers and good wishes for someone departing for a distant place.{{Sfn|Heather Elgood|2000|pp=198-199}} In the case of women, the prayers are usually on behalf of brother(s), children or husband, but sometimes for her own prosperity, mind-body balance and health.{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}}<ref name=julialeslie80/>{{Sfn|Lynn Teskey Denton|2012|pp=31-34}}

Sociologists who have interviewed women who observe Vrata report that the practice is explained, according to Anne Pearson, as something that gives "peace of mind", that she has made an effort to the best of her abilities and out of duty towards those important to her in her life, she has a sense of contentment in her heart and intellect, and thus she feels she has achieved something.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=10, 102, 199, 217}}<ref name=julialeslie80>{{cite book|author=Mary McGee|editor= Julia Leslie |title=Roles and Rituals for Hindu Women |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sKDm8EH2L3kC |year=1992|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn= 978-81-208-1036-5 |pages=79–80 }}</ref> It is also an expression of care and love, a reminder of ethical principles of the Hindu traditions.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp= 5, 44, 198, 217}}

A Vrata is sometimes a result of voluntary vow or part of practice by a [[brahmacharya]] (student) or [[grihastha]] (householders) that they feel as obligatory before or during certain spiritual or religious practice.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=26-29}} Utsavas, or religious festivals, share some elements with vratas, incorporating the practice of restraining food and similar austerity, as a part of the festive observance.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=26-29}} Some ''Vrats'' are for religious ([[dharma]])<ref name=julialeslie80/> or soteriological goals ([[moksha]]), some are for nonreligious reasons, some celebration of one's cultural tradition, and others are a form of quid pro quo sacrifice to get or give divine help to someone.{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp= 109, 195-197, 205, 220}}

Another reason for observing Vratas is the belief that they are a form of sorry, self-correction, penance and expiatory (prāyaścitta).{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=28-29}} Vratas are discussed as a means to prāyaścitta in Dharmasastra texts.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|p=27}} Many prāyaścitta vratas in these texts suggest it include the feeding of "Brahmins, blind, poor and helpless", as well as other acts of charity.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=38-41}} However, a Vrata can consist of many different activities. Other examples of Vrata activity include fasting, burning incense sticks, prayers before a deity, meditating and such activities.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=38-41}} The śmrtis go into great detail on the subject of vratas, discussing even the details pertaining to what type of flowers should be used in worship.{{Sfn|Kane|1953|pp=37-39, 57}}

Men and women, state the Dharmashastras and the Puranas, can expiate their sins through the use of vratas.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=51, 57}} For prāyaścitta, the ''Vratas'' are the second most discussed method in the Puranas, after the Tirtha.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|p=57}}

===Observances and practices===
{{multiple image
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| image1 = Colorful Kolam.jpg
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| image2 = India - Sights & Culture - Women drawing an intricate kolam outside the Mylapore Temple (2278407131).jpg
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| footer = ''Vrata'' may be observed as a silent private rite, or be more elaborate with activities such as ''vrata mandalas'' design such as ''[[kolam]]'', ''rangoli'' or ''mehndi''.{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=140}}{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}}
}}
A ''Vrata'' is observed either as an independent private ritual at a date of one's choice, as part of a particular ceremony such as wedding, or as a part of a major festival such as [[Diwali]] (Lakshmi, festival of lights), [[Shivaratri]] (Shiva), [[Navratri]] (Durga or Rama), [[Ekadashi]] (Krishna, Vishnu [[avatar]]s).{{Sfn|Axel Michaels|2016|pp=219-221}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Lindsey Harlan |title=Religion and Rajput Women: The Ethic of Protection in Contemporary Narratives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7HLrPYOe38gC |year=1992|publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-07339-5 |pages=45–46}}</ref>{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=267-270}}

A typical Vrata involves a fast for a fixed period of time, usually a full day, where either no food is eaten, or only one meal is eaten in the entire day, or only a certain food such as milk is consumed during the period of the Vrata.<ref>{{cite book|author=Lindsey Harlan |title=Religion and Rajput Women: The Ethic of Protection in Contemporary Narratives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7HLrPYOe38gC |year=1992|publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-07339-5 |page=88}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=J. C. Heesterman |title=The Broken World of Sacrifice: An Essay in Ancient Indian Ritual |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RaG8Y5slO6MC |year=1993|publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-32301-5 |pages=212–213 }}</ref> Other observances include sleeping on the ground or a short sleep, or alternatively [[yoga]] with meditation, reading scripture and charitable giving ([[dāna]]).{{Sfn|Anne Mackenzie Pearson|1996|pp=267-270}}

Some Vratas are more elaborate, such as those associated with major festivals or [[Tirtha (Hinduism)|tirtha]] or rite of passage ceremonies, involving weeks of preparation, the drawing of ''Vrata mandala'' from various colored grain flour, wall decoration, cleaning of the house, special bath and festive dress, charity, a visit to a [[Hindu temple]] for a [[darśana]] of the inner sanctum or [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] within one's home.{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=140}}{{Sfn|Denise Cush|Catherine Robinson|Michael York|2012|pp=972-973}}<ref>{{cite book|author1=Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad |author2=Ellison Banks Findly |title=Women, Religion, and Social Change |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=etGbe5XhmlIC |year=1985|publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn= 978-0-88706-069-4 |pages=205–206 }}</ref> In [[Nepal]], Hindus visit Pashupatinatha temple for example, families light lamps on ''Balacaturdasi'' on a winter night and then set them afloat in Bagamati river next morning, followed by strewing grains for birds.{{Sfn|Axel Michaels|2016|pp=219-221}} Kane lists hundreds of Vrata found in Hindu texts.{{Sfn|Kane|1958|pp=81-236, For a list see, pages 251-462}}

===Types===
The [[purana]]s denote various types of vratas, such as,{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}
*''‘kayika-vrata’''. It is a ''vrata'' pertaining to the [[Human body|body]]. The stress is on physical austerity like fasting.
*''‘vachika-vrata’'' or ''vrata'' pertaining to [[speech]]. Here much importance is given to speaking the truth and reciting the scriptures.
*''‘manasa-vrata’'' or ''vrata'' pertaining to the [[mind]]. The emphasis here is on controlling the mind, by controlling the passions and prejudices that arise in it.

A vrata may also be classified by its time period, such as Vrata for a day is a ''dina-vrata'', a ''[[paksha]]'' (week or fortnight) is a ''vaara-vrata'' or a ''paksha-vrata''.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

=== Nirjala-vrata (nirjal vrat) ===
It consists of complete fasting without drinking water. Hence, it is called Nirjala(Without water or waterless) vrata. Unlike normal(common) vratas in which consumption of fruits, juices, milk, water and sugar is allowed, the 'vrati' doesn't eat or drink anything at all (to purify their body). It is common in Hindu festivals such as [[Nirjala Ekadashi]], and chhath.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/nirjala-ekadashi|title=Nirjala Ekadashi 2017, Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi Date and Time – Nirjala Ekadashi|website=www.rudraksha-ratna.com|language=en|access-date=2017-10-26}}</ref>

== Jainism ==
{{Main|Ethics of Jainism||mahavrata|anuvrata|gunasthana}}
Five ''vrata-s'' (vows) are one of the codes of conduct for Jain householders.{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=124}} Any of the vows (vratas) that govern the activities of both monks and laymen. These are similar to the [[Yamas]] of [[yoga]], and include the vow of [[ahimsa]], [[satya]], [[asteya]], [[brahmacharya]] and [[aparigraha]].{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=162}} Jainism also has seven supplementary vows, called the Shila-vratas, which suggest additional virtues.{{sfn|Sangave|2001|pp=162-163}}

Fasting is part of vrata observances in Jainism, and some involve congregational fasting at temples.<ref>{{cite book|author= John E. Cort |title= Jains in the World: Religious Values and Ideology in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PZk-4HOMzsoC |year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-803037-9|pages=227 note 22 }}</ref> Vrata among Jaina women may involve complete or partial [[Fasting in Jainism|fasting]] on certain specific days; a [[pilgrimage]] or [[Tirtha (Jainism)|tirtha]] to a particular place or places, as well as virtuous actions to others.<ref>{{cite book|author=Natubhai Shah |title= Jainism: The World of Conquerors |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qLNQKGcDIhsC |year=1998|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1938-2 |pages=101–102 }}</ref> Vrata is viewed as a form of [[Acharya (Jainism)#Twelve kinds of austerities (tapas)|austerity]], with the power to remove karma from ''jiva'' (soul) and gain ''punya'' (merit).<ref>{{cite book|author=Kristi L. Wiley |title=Historical Dictionary of Jainism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XubfClGnIAUC |date=2004 |publisher=Scarecrow |isbn=978-0-8108-5051-4 |pages=85–86 }}</ref>

Laypersons aren't expected to observe these vows strictly. Once a layperson has gone through the preliminary stages of spiritual discipline (gunasthana), that person may promise to observe 12 vows for a stated period of time and may renew the pledge at the completion of that time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Encyclopedia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jain-vrata#ref251060 |website=www.britannica.com |access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Jaya Parvati vrat]]
* [[Vow of silence]]
* [[Novena]]
* [[Tapas (Indian religions)]]
* [[Acharya (Jainism)#Twelve kinds of austerities (tapas)|Tapas (Jain religion)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book|author1=Denise Cush |author2=Catherine Robinson |author3=Michael York |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3N4mGlbutbgC |year=2012|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-18978-5 }}
*{{cite book|author=Lynn Teskey Denton |title= Female Ascetics in Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jCenLd4P60sC |year=2012|publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-7914-8462-3 }}
* {{citation |last=Sangave |first=Vilas Adinath |author-link=Vilas Adinath Sangave |title=Facets of Jainology: Selected Research Papers on Jain Society, Religion, and Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QzEQJHWUwXQC |date=2001 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |location=Mumbai |isbn=978-81-7154-839-2 }}
*{{cite book|author=Heather Elgood |title=Hinduism and the Religious Arts |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cj2tAwAAQBAJ |year=2000|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-0-304-70739-3 }}
*{{cite book|author=Ariel Glucklich |title= The Strides of Vishnu: Hindu Culture in Historical Perspective |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfZNoX09XNAC |year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-531405-2 }}
*{{cite book |last=Kane |first=P. V. |author-link=Pandurang Vaman Kane |year=1953 |title=History of Dharmaśāstra: Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law in India |volume=4 |url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfDharmasastraancientAndMediaevalReligiousAndCivilLawV.4 }}
*{{cite book |last=Kane |first=P. V. |author-link=Pandurang Vaman Kane |year=1958 |title=History of Dharmaśāstra: Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law in India |volume=5, part 1 |url=https://archive.org/stream/KhistoryOfDharmasastraancientAndMediaevalReligiousAndCivilLaw/Kane_A-History-of-Dharmasastra-v5-1toc_1958#page/n6/mode/1up }}
*{{cite book|author= Axel Michaels |title=Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Significance for Ritual Theory |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DSaxCgAAQBAJ |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-026263-1}}
*{{cite book|author=Anne Mackenzie Pearson |title=Because It Gives Me Peace of Mind: Ritual Fasts in the Religious Lives of Hindu Women |url=https://archive.org/details/becauseitgivesme0000pear |url-access=registration|year=1996|publisher= State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-3038-5 }}
*{{cite book |title=Fasts and festivals of India|last= Verma |first=Manish |year=2000 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books |isbn=81-7182-076-X |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4gzFFLdBoYC}}
* Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dallapiccola
* ''Vrata: Sacred Vows and Traditional Fasts'', by M.N. Dutt. Cosmo Publication, 2003. {{ISBN|81-292-0018-X}}

{{Hindudharma}}

[[Category:Vrata| ]]

Vrata - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article