The Amazing Benefits of Navratri Fasting

The most auspicious time of the year, for which devotees wait eagerly, is here. Navratri, or ‘nine nights’, indeed, has a special place in the heart of the devotees of Goddess Durga. It is a pious period when one engages in Satvic eating habits and meditation for paying obeisance to the nine forms of feminine energy.

During these days, many devotees undertake nine days of fasting as well. They abstain from certain food items and stay on a controlled diet. These dietary restrictions, please Goddess Durga, whose one form, Brahmacharini is the pure embodiment of penance.

Through fasting, devotees get the opportunity to relax and turn inward during the sacred time period. They recharge themselves with fresh energy and embark on a beautiful journey towards devotions and bliss.

So, try not to take the ritual of fasting lightly. It lessens the restlessness of the mind, brings forth inner happiness and boosts consciousness. It also detoxifies the body, giving it the needed balance, making you stronger both at the physical and spiritual levels.

Here’s how.

Fasting Cleanses

It is a fact that if you are not fasting against your will and practising it with love & devotion, according to the circadian cycle, fasting rekindles your digestive energy. It cleanses your body that leads to rejuvenated cells, giving a feel of amazing lightness. You can sense this ‘lightness’ in your body during the fasting period.

And since your body is cleansed, your mind gets calmer naturally and this makes worshipping or meditating a lot easier. The whole process renews your internal system and strengthens your immunity too.

The Deep Connection between Navratri fast & Meditation

Navratri is also a wonderful opportunity to feel the power of spiritual energy through meditation. During the occasion, devotees meditate on the nine forms of Goddess Durga for invoking Her powers within. So, this is the time to move inwards and connect with inner spiritual existence. Fasting, along with Satvic diet, balances the restlessness of the mind making it easier for devotees to contemplate and focus on the Divine Mother.

The action further infuses levelheadedness and positivity within devotees making them composed and conscious. As a result, the prayers of devotees become more intense. They don’t have any desires now, rather they just want to immerse themselves in the devotion of Goddess Durga with a lighter body and mind.

Strengthens your Whole Body

All through the nine days, the devotees consume a variety of food items that are highly nutritious. They are packed with antioxidants, helping in the removal of harmful substance from the body. Most devotees consume fresh fruits, coconut water, milk, etc. that nourish the body and also provide the much-needed rest to the digestive system.

Further, many devotees replace normal salt with rock salt. It helps in regulating blood pressure. These all-dietary changes help in keeping the body active throughout the day making it stronger eventually.

Builds up Your Steadfastness

Life is all about taking wise decisions. For some people, however, taking decision is a big challenge. If you’re also struggling with that, fasting with prayers will definitely help you. It gives you the power that helps in removing indecisiveness.

When your body is lighter, you feel clear-headed. You understand your real strength. It naturally brings you closer to your spiritual prowess that makes you confident and now you don’t afraid in taking important decisions of life.

Understand that, it’s this ‘calmness’ where you can find the clarity you need to take the right decisions in life.

Instils Discipline

Fasting is also an opportunity to master discipline over your lives and sensory desires. When you fast on designated days in Navratri, you get the benefit of channeled prayers and meditation under the guidance of Guru in a well-organized way.

It naturally infuses discipline in your lifestyle.

Turns You into a Modest Being

Fasting also works like an antidote to the incredible pressures’ humans are facing nowadays. It reminds them of their frailty. If done in the right way, it can remind them that they, indeed, are mortal beings who get tired and frail and need devotion towards God to stay balanced and capable in all circumstances.

The ritual of fasting does exactly that. It makes people humble and fills them with gratitude towards the Higher Power.

Brings you Closer to God’s Blessings

Finally, any sacrifice is the ultimate gesture of devotion. When you are fasting mindfully, actually you are offering small gestures of sacrificial devotion, which bring you closer to Goddess Durga.

So, during the ongoing Navratri period, fast for your health and spiritual consciousness. If you are fasting for health, your body will respond positively and if you are fasting for your spiritual growth, you are giving respect to an ancient Vedic tradition that will make you stronger, and ultimately, a far freer, calmer and happier devotee of Maa Jagadamba.