Changes

{{ToBeEdited}}

{{ToBeEdited}}

Upavasa is the samskrt term which means fasting. In Ayurveda The term upavasa and langhana are used synonymously at some places. Langhana is the treatment type that generates lightness in the body. Upavasa is one of the 6 different types of langhana used in Ayurveda. Simply put, Ayurveda considers fasting as treatment for multiple disease conditions. This is the unique approach of Ayurveda of managing certain conditions. In Sanatana dharma, fasting is observed in many religious functions as well as on particular days like Ekadashi or on some months in a year like chaturmasa and it is popularly known as Upavasa. The medical significance of fasting was deeply studied by Ayurveda scholars thousands of years ago and was implemented in Ayurveda treatments effectively.  

Upavasa is the samskrt term which means fasting. In Ayurveda The term upavasa and langhana are used synonymously at some places. Langhana is the treatment type that generates lightness in the body. Upavasa is one of the 6 different types of langhana used in Ayurveda. Simply put, Ayurveda considers fasting as treatment for multiple disease conditions. This is the unique approach of Ayurveda of managing certain conditions. In Sanatana dharma, fasting is observed on many occasions of religious importance as well as on particular days like Ekadashi or on some months in a year like chaturmasa and it is popularly known as Upavasa. The medical significance of fasting was deeply studied by Ayurveda scholars thousands of years ago and was implemented in Ayurveda treatments effectively.  

== Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्ति ॥ Etymology ==

उपवासः, पुं, (उप + वस + घञ् ।) अग्न्याधानम् । agnyAdhAna placingthefireonthesacrificialfire-place

In Shabdakalpadruma, the term upawasa is explained as below,

इति मलमासतत्त्वम् । अहोरात्रभोजनाभावः । (Shabdakalpadruma pg 1/260)

 

इति मलमासतत्त्वम् । अहोरात्रभोजनाभावः । (Shab. 1/260)<ref>Shabdakalpadruma pg 1/260</ref>

Abstaining from food throughout a day and night is called as Upavasa.

Abstaining from food throughout a day and night is called as Upavasa.

== Synonyms ==

== पर्यायाः॥ Synonyms ==

Various words used synonymously with Upavasa in Samskrt are given below,<blockquote>

Various words used synonymously with Upavasa in Samskrt are given below,<blockquote>

तत्पर्य्यायः । उपवस्तम् २ । इत्यमरः ॥ उपोषितम् ३ उपोषणम् ४ औपवस्तम् ५ । इति तट्टीका ॥</blockquote>

तत्पर्य्यायः । उपवस्तम् २ । इत्यमरः ॥ उपोषितम् ३ उपोषणम् ४ औपवस्तम् ५ । इति तट्टीका ॥</blockquote>

The commonly used words include Uposhana, uposhita, upawasta etcIn Ayurveda, the term upavasa is used synonymously with the term LAnghana<blockquote>

The commonly used words include Uposhana, uposhita, upawasta etcIn Ayurveda, the term upavasa is used synonymously with the term Langhana<blockquote>

लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. Su 8.21)</blockquote>Langhana is also known as Upavasa. Langhana is the term that indicates a method by which lightness is generated in the body. Upavasa where the food intake is restricted performs the same functions thus the words are used interchangeably at many instances.   

लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. 8.21)<ref name=":7">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam adhyaya 8 Sutra 21)</ref></blockquote>Langhana is also known as Upavasa. Langhana is the term that indicates a method by which lightness is generated in the body. Upavasa where the food intake is restricted performs the same functions thus the words are used interchangeably at many instances.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3)     उपावृत्तस्य पापेम्यो यस्तु वासो गुणैः सह । उपवासः स विज्ञेयः सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः” ॥ (Shabdakalpadruma  Pg 1/263)

Ayurveda acharyas have stated that Upavasa (the popular term used in reference to fasting for particular religious or spiritual cause) is similar to langhana. <blockquote>लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. 8.21) <ref name=":7" />

<nowiki>https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82</nowiki>)

Meaning: Langhana is also known as Upavasa.</blockquote>Langhana, the technical term used for fasting in Ayurveda is defined as follows,<blockquote>यत् किञ्चिल्लाघवकरं देहे तल्लङ्घनं स्मृतम्||९|| (Char. Samh. Su 22.9)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 22 Sutra 9)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Anything that generates lightness in the body is called as langhana.

उपावृत्तस्य पापेभ्यो यस्तु वासो गुणैः सह ॥१७५.००५ उपवासः स विज्ञेयः सर्वभोगविवर्जितः ।१७५.००६<ref name=":5" />

Anything used as a treatment in Ayurveda is defined and explained in terms of its effect on body, mind or life as a whole. In this reference the term langhana is described in the same way. Fasting that limits food intake in body naturally lowers the load on body systems and generates the feeling of lightness. 

commentary- अस्यार्थः । उपावृत्तस्य निवृत्तस्य । पापेभ्यः पापकर्म्मभ्यः । गुणाः । सर्व्वभूतेषु दया क्षान्तिः अनसूया शौचं अनायासः मङ्गलं अकार्पण्यं अस्पृहाच । सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः शास्त्राननुमतनृत्यगीतादिसुखरहितः ।

Commentator chakrapani of Charaka Samhita has given definition of upavasa specifically observed for some religious purpose as follows,<blockquote>उपवासः क्रोधादिपरित्यागः सत्याद्युपादानं च, वचनं हि- “उपावृत्तस्य पापेभ्यः सहवासो गुणे हि यः| उपवासः स विज्ञेयो न शरीरस्य शोषणम्” इति (Chakra. Char. Samh. Su 1.6)<ref>Chakrapani commentary on Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 6)</ref></blockquote>OR<blockquote>उपावृत्तस्य पापेम्यो यस्तु वासो गुणैः सह । उपवासः स विज्ञेयः सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः” ॥ (Shab 1/263)<ref>Shabdakalpadruma  [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82) Pg 1/263]</ref><ref name=":5" />

Upavasa is related to not just physical but also the psychological and spiritual aspects of one’s life. The deeper understanding of the term upavasa along with and even beyond its physical dimension has been described by Acharya Chakrapani as follows,

Commentary- अस्यार्थः । उपावृत्तस्य निवृत्तस्य । पापेभ्यः पापकर्म्मभ्यः । गुणाः । सर्व्वभूतेषु दया क्षान्तिः अनसूया शौचं अनायासः मङ्गलं अकार्पण्यं अस्पृहाच । सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः शास्त्राननुमतनृत्यगीतादिसुखरहितः ।</blockquote>Upavasa is related to not just physical but also the psychological and spiritual aspects of one’s life. The deeper understanding of the term upavasa along with and even beyond its physical dimension has been described by Acharya Chakrapani as follows,

Upavasa denotes giving away the shadripus (negative emotions) like anger, lust, jealousy etc and following the path of truth, purity, japa (prayers), puja (worshipping), danam (offering), sewa (volunteering, giving service), brahamcharyam, dhyanam etc. Moreover, the one who refrains from these sins or the act of refraining from these sins by living in vicinity with the divine (and following the right path of truth etc) is known as Upavasa and it is not merely parching your body which is commonly misunderstood otherwise.  

Upavasa denotes '''giving away the shadripus (negative emotions) like anger, lust, jealousy etc and following the path of truth, purity,''' japa (prayers), puja (worshipping), danam (offering), sewa (volunteering, giving service), brahamcharyam, dhyanam etc. Moreover, the one who refrains from these sins or the act of refraining from these sins by living in vicinity with the divine (and following the right path of truth etc) is known as Upavasa and it is not merely parching your body which is commonly misunderstood otherwise.  

Therefore, the term Upavasa encompasses 2 main aspects of a particular way of living life. This includes refraining from the regular food, excess food and unwholesome food along with being in the presence of the divine by observing specific code of conduct.  

Therefore, the term Upavasa encompasses 2 main aspects of a particular way of living life. This includes refraining from the regular food, excess food and unwholesome food along with being in the presence of the divine by observing specific code of conduct.  

== Upavasa as a type of Langhana ==

== लङ्घनभेद उपवासः ॥ Upavasa as a type of Langhana ==

 

Ayurveda has described different types of langhana. These are the activities or processes that work as langhana. Since langhana generates certain qualities in body, processes or activities that generate similar qualities are grouped under the chief heading of langhana and utilized wherever appropriate. These types are as follows,<blockquote>

 

चतुष्प्रकारा संशुद्धिः पिपासा मारुतातपौ| पाचनान्युपवासश्च व्यायामश्चेति लङ्घनम्||१८||

 

Ayurveda has described different types of langhana. These are the activities or processes that work as langhana. Since langana generates certain qualities in body, processes or activities that generate similar qualities are grouped under the chief heading of langhana and utilized wherever appropriate. These types are as follows,

 

 

 

चतुष्प्रकारा संशुद्धिः पिपासा मारुतातपौ|

== For how long the food should not be taken in Upavasa? ==

== For how long the food should not be taken in Upavasa? ==

In a discussion about Vrata, Tapa, Upavasa, brahmacharya and Atithiseva, Bhishma says in Mahabharata Shanti Parva that commoners fast for 15 days of the month and consider it an act of tapas. But that infact is an act of exploiting the body which actually a medium of dharmik activities.

In a discussion about Vrata, Tapa, Upavasa, brahmacharya and Atithiseva, Bhishma says in Mahabharata Shanti Parva that commoners fast for 15 days of the month and consider it an act of tapas. But that infact is an act of exploiting the body which is actually a medium of dharmik activities.<blockquote>मासपक्षोपवासेन मन्यन्ते यत् तपो जनाः । आत्मतन्त्रोपघातस्तु न तपस्तत्सतां मतम् ॥ २२१.४ ॥</blockquote>Furthermore, he states that the one who eats in the morning and evening alone, and doesnt consume anything in between, such a person is known as a practitioner of Nitya Upavasa. <blockquote>अन्तरा प्रातराशं च सायमाशं तथैव च । सदोपवासी स भवेद् यो न भुङ्क्तेऽन्तरा पुनः ॥ २२१.१० ॥<ref>Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 5-Shantiparva), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref></blockquote>A careful reading of the different vratas enumerated in the Garuda Purana (Adhyayas 116-137) brings out that different fasting regimens were described for the vratas observed during different times of the year.<ref name=":3">M.N.Dutt, The Garuda Mahapuranam ([https://archive.org/details/GarudaPuranamSanskritEnglish/page/n315/mode/2up?view=theater Vol. 1]), Delhi: New Bharatiya Book Corporation. </ref>

 

मासपक्षोपवासेन मन्यन्ते यत् तपो जनाः । आत्मतन्त्रोपघातस्तु न तपस्तत्सतां मतम् ॥ २२१.४ ॥

 

Furthermore, he states that the one who eats in the morning and evening alone, and doesnt consume anything in between, such a person is known as a practitioner of Nitya Upavasa.  

 

अन्तरा प्रातराशं च सायमाशं तथैव च । सदोपवासी स भवेद् यो न भुङ्क्तेऽन्तरा पुनः ॥ २२१.१० ॥<ref>Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 5-Shantiparva), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref>

 

A careful reading of the different vratas enumerated in the Garuda Purana (Adhyayas 116-137) brings out that different fasting regimens were described for the vratas observed during different times of the year.<ref name=":3">M.N.Dutt, The Garuda Mahapuranam ([https://archive.org/details/GarudaPuranamSanskritEnglish/page/n315/mode/2up?view=theater Vol. 1]), Delhi: New Bharatiya Book Corporation. </ref>

== What to be taken and what should not be taken during Upavasa ==

== What to be taken and what should not be taken during Upavasa ==

When upawasa is observed, there are few food items that are permitted to be consumed. Similarly some lifestyle activities are also either permitted or prohibited in upawasa as per ancient texts. The same has been discussed here.

A few forbidden things during the day of Upavasa as enlisted i 

n the Shabdakalpadruma are as follows:   

A few forbidden things during the day of Upavasa as enlisted in the Shabdakalpadruma are as follows:   

# अञ्जनम् । Collyrium

# अञ्जनम् । Collyrium

# रोचनम् । (?) ? onion

# रोचनम् । Foods that enhance taste and flavor of food or foods that stimulate appetite

# गन्धः । Perfume

# गन्धः । Perfume

# पुष्पम् । Flower

# पुष्पम् । Flower

# शिरोभ्यङ्गः । Head massage

# शिरोभ्यङ्गः । Head massage

# ताम्बूलम् । Having Betel

# ताम्बूलम् । Having Betel

As also those things that are influenced by strength and passion like,  

As also those things that are influenced by strength and passion like,  

# स्त्रीणां सरागसम्प्रेक्षणस्पर्शौ । Approaching or being in contact with women as a result of passion

# स्त्रीणां सरागसम्प्रेक्षणस्पर्शौ । Approaching or being in contact with women as a result of passion

However, it clarifies that approaching one's wife once at the appropriate time for the sake of progeny during Vrata is not considered a transgression.

However, it clarifies that approaching one's wife once at the appropriate time for the sake of progeny during Vrata is not considered a transgression.<blockquote>व्रतादिषु पुत्त्रोत्पत्तिपर्य्यन्तं ऋतौ सकृत् स्त्रीगमने न दोषः ॥<ref name=":0">Shabdakalpadruma, See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82 उपवासः]</ref></blockquote>The Skanda Purana also enlists a few forbidden things while describing the Vidhi or procedure of observing fast in the month of Kartika.<ref name=":1" /> It says, <blockquote>वस्त्वालोकनगन्धादिस्वादितं परिकीर्तितम् ।। अन्यस्य वर्जयेद्वासं ग्रासानां संप्रमोक्षणम् ।।६१।।

 

व्रतादिषु पुत्त्रोत्पत्तिपर्य्यन्तं ऋतौ सकृत् स्त्रीगमने न दोषः ॥<ref name=":0">Shabdakalpadruma, See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82 उपवासः]</ref>

 

The Skanda Purana also enlists a few forbidden things while describing the Vidhi or procedure of observing fast in the month of Kartika.<ref name=":1" /> It says,  

 

वस्त्वालोकनगन्धादिस्वादितं परिकीर्तितम् ।। अन्यस्य वर्जयेद्वासं ग्रासानां संप्रमोक्षणम् ।।६१।।

गात्राभ्यंगं शिरोभ्यंगं तांबूलं सविलेपनम् ।। व्रतस्थो वर्जयेत्सर्वं यच्चाऽन्यच्च निराकृतम् ।। ६२ ।।

गात्राभ्यंगं शिरोभ्यंगं तांबूलं सविलेपनम् ।। व्रतस्थो वर्जयेत्सर्वं यच्चाऽन्यच्च निराकृतम् ।। ६२ ।।

न व्रतस्थः स्पृशेत्कंचिद्विकर्मस्थं न चालपेत्।।<ref name=":2" />

न व्रतस्थः स्पृशेत्कंचिद्विकर्मस्थं न चालपेत्।।<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Meaning: Sweet scents and flavours are forbidden. Other men's morsel ie. food should be avoided and morsels of food must be distributed. The person observing the Vrata should abstain from anointing the body or the head with oil, eating betel leaves and application of unguents. Whatever is forbidden should be avoided. The person observing the Vrata should not touch anyone engaged in forbidden activities, nor should he talk to him.<ref name=":1" />

 

Meaning: Sweet scents and flavours are forbidden. Other men's morsel ie. food should be avoided and morsels of food must be distributed. The person abserving the Vrata should abstain from anoninting the body or the head with oil, eating betel leaves and application of unguents. Whatever is forbidden should be avoided. The person observing the Vrata should not touch anyone engaged in forbidden activities, nor should he talk to him.<ref name=":1" />

 

The Garuda Purana (adhyaya 128) also emphasizes that using flowers, perfumes, unguents, collyrium, a toothbrush, a new cloth or an article of ornament renders a fast less effective.<ref name=":3" />

पुष्पालङ्कारवस्त्राणि धूपगन्धानुलेपनम् । उपवासेन दुष्येत्तु दन्तधावनमञ्जनम् ॥ १,१२८.६ ॥<ref name=":4">Garuda Purana, Achara Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 128]</ref>

The Garuda Purana (adhyaya 128) also emphasizes that using flowers, perfumes, unguents, collyrium, a toothbrush, a new cloth or an article of ornament renders a fast less effective.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>पुष्पालङ्कारवस्त्राणि धूपगन्धानुलेपनम् । उपवासेन दुष्येत्तु दन्तधावनमञ्जनम् ॥ १,१२८.६ ॥<ref name=":4">Garuda Purana, Achara Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 128]</ref></blockquote>The Agni Purana further adds to the list stating, (previous day and same day)<blockquote>कांस्यं मांसं मसूरञ्च चणकं कोरदूषकं ॥१७५.००६  

 

The Agni Purana further adds to the list stating, (previous day and same day)

 

कांस्यं मांसं मसूरञ्च चणकं कोरदूषकं ॥१७५.००६  

शाकं मधु परान्नञ्च(३) त्यजेदुपवसन् स्त्रियं ।१७५.००७ पुष्पालङ्कारवस्त्राणि धूपगन्धनुलेपनं ॥१७५.००७

शाकं मधु परान्नञ्च(३) त्यजेदुपवसन् स्त्रियं ।१७५.००७ पुष्पालङ्कारवस्त्राणि धूपगन्धनुलेपनं ॥१७५.००७

उपवासे न शस्यन्ति दन्तधावनमञ्जनं ।१७५.००८ दन्तकाष्ठं पञ्चगव्यं कृत्वा प्रातर्व्रतञ्चरेत् ॥१७५.००८<ref name=":5" />

उपवासे न शस्यन्ति दन्तधावनमञ्जनं ।१७५.००८ दन्तकाष्ठं पञ्चगव्यं कृत्वा प्रातर्व्रतञ्चरेत् ॥१७५.००८<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>Meaning: One who is fasting should reject bell metal, flesh, masura (a kind of pulse), chick-pea, koradushaka (a species of grain), vegetable, wine, food from others, (association with) a woman, flowers, ornaments and dress, incense, perfume and unguent.  

 

Meaning: One who is fasting should reject bell metal, flesh, masura (a kind of pulse), chick-pea, koradushaka (a species of grain), vegetable, wine, food from others, (association with) a woman, flowers, ornaments and dress, incense, perfume and unguent.  

Cleaning of teeth and the use of collyrium is also not recommended. Instead it is suggested that Panchagavya (5 things obtained from a cow) should be used in place of the toothstick in the morning.

Cleaning of teeth and the use of collyrium is also not recommended. Instead it is suggested that Panchagavya (5 things obtained from a cow) should be used in place of the toothstick in the morning.

It further adds that frequent drinking of water, chewing of betels, dreaming and having intercourse during the day render one's fasting fruitless.<ref name=":6">The Agni Purana ([https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n503/mode/2up?view=theater Part 2]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>

It further adds that frequent drinking of water, chewing of betels, dreaming and having intercourse during the day render one's fasting fruitless.<ref name=":6">The Agni Purana ([https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n503/mode/2up?view=theater Part 2]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>असकृज्जलपानाच्च ताम्बूलस्य च भक्षणात् ।१७५.००९ उपवासः प्रदुष्येत दिवास्वप्नाच्च मैथुनात् ॥१७५.००९<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>

=== तत्पूर्ब्बापरदिने वर्ज्जनीयानि । Things to be avoided the day before and after Upawasa (as vrata) ===

 

=== तत्पूर्ब्बापरदिने वर्ज्जनीयानि । ===

Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":0" /> also enlists what is to be avoided the day before and after the Vrata as referenced from the text Ekadashi Tattva.<ref>Raghunandana Bhattacharya, [https://archive.org/details/EkadashiTattvam/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater Ekadashi Tattvam], Hugli: Sriharinatha Smritibhushana & Srinivarana Bhattacharya.</ref> They are as follows:  

Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":0" /> also enlists what is to be avoided the day before and after the Vrata as referenced from the text Ekadashi Tattva.<ref>Raghunandana Bhattacharya, [https://archive.org/details/EkadashiTattvam/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater Ekadashi Tattvam], Hugli: Sriharinatha Smritibhushana & Srinivarana Bhattacharya.</ref> They are as follows:  

# वितथभाषणम् । Engaging in futile conversations  

# वितथभाषणम् । Engaging in futile conversations  

# व्यायामः । Exercising  

# व्यायामः । Exercising  

# व्यवायः physical intercourse

# व्यवायः। Coitus

# दिवास्वापः । Sleeping during the day  

# दिवास्वापः । Sleeping during the day  

# अञ्जनम् । Applying collyrium  

# अञ्जनम् । Applying collyrium  

# अध्वगमनम् । Journeying  

# अध्वगमनम् । Journeying  

# यानम् । Riding vehicles  

# यानम् । Riding vehicles  

# आयासः । Exherting oneself  

# आयासः । Exerting oneself

# द्यूतक्रीडा । Playing dice  

# द्यूतक्रीडा । Playing dice  

# अभ्यङ्गः । Massage  

# अभ्यङ्गः । Massage  

# चणकम् । Consuming Bengal gram (chik-pea)

# चणकम् । Consuming Bengal gram (chik-pea)

# कोरदूषकम् । (kind of a grain??)

# कोरदूषकम् । (kind of a grain??)

# शाकम् । Vegetables  

# शाकम् । (?Leafy) Vegetables

# अधिकधृतम् । Over preserved things (?)

# अधिकधृतम् । Over preserved things?/eating excess a day prior or after to support fasting state

# अत्यम्बुपानम् । Excessive consumption of water.

# अत्यम्बुपानम् । Excessive consumption of water.

In fact, the Garuda Purana (Adhyaya 128) states that the merit of a fast is destroyed by gambling, indulging in day-sleep or intercourse and by constantly drinking water on the day of its breaking.<ref name=":3" />

In fact, the Garuda Purana (Adhyaya 128) states that the merit of a fast is destroyed by gambling, indulging in day-sleep or intercourse and by constantly drinking water on the day of its breaking.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>... असकृज्जलपानाच्च ताम्बूलस्य च भक्षणात् ॥ १,१२८.७ ॥ उपवासः प्रदुष्येत दिवास्वप्ना क्षमैथुनात् ।...<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>

 

... असकृज्जलपानाच्च ताम्बूलस्य च भक्षणात् ॥ १,१२८.७ ॥ उपवासः प्रदुष्येत दिवास्वप्ना क्षमैथुनात् ।...<ref name=":4" />

== Alternatives to compensate the inability to do Upavasa ==

== Alternatives to compensate the inability to do Upavasa ==

In Skanda Purana, having heard about the greatness of Kartika Vrata from Brahma, Narada enquires as to what can be done incase one lacks the capacity to perform the Vrata. It is then revealed by Brahma that the merits of the Vrata may also be attained through certain other means like providing monetary help to a Brahmana or by getting  his disciple, servants, women or any worthy person to perform the Vrata on his behalf.<ref name=":1">The Skanda Purana ([https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Skanda-Purana-Part-6.pdf Part 4]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.</ref>

In Skanda Purana, having heard about the greatness of Kartika Vrata from Brahma, Narada enquires as to what can be done incase one lacks the capacity to perform the Vrata. It is then revealed by Brahma that the merits of the Vrata may also be attained through certain other means like providing monetary help to a Brahmana or by getting  his disciple, servants, women or any worthy person to perform the Vrata on his behalf.<ref name=":1">The Skanda Purana ([https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Skanda-Purana-Part-6.pdf Part 4]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.</ref><blockquote>नास्ति कर्तुं स्वसामर्थ्यमुपायात्प्राप्यते फलम् ।। द्रव्यं दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणाय गृह्णीयात्फलमुत्तमम् ।। २ ।।

नास्ति कर्तुं स्वसामर्थ्यमुपायात्प्राप्यते फलम् ।। द्रव्यं दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणाय गृह्णीयात्फलमुत्तमम् ।। २ ।।

शिष्याद्वा भृत्यवर्गाद्वा स्त्रीभ्यो वाऽऽप्ताच्च कारयेत् ।। तस्मादपि फलं गृह्णन्फलभाग्जायते नरः ।। ३ ।।<ref name=":2">Skanda Purana, Khanda 2 (Vaishnava Khanda), Kartikamasa Mahatmya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A6 Adhyaya 30].</ref></blockquote>The Brahmavaivarta Purana also states a similar alternative.<ref name=":0" /> It says,<blockquote>... उपवासासमर्थश्चेदेकं विप्रं च भोजयेत् ।। ८४ ।। तावद्धनानि वा दद्याद्यद्भुक्तं द्विगुणं भवेत् ।। सहस्रसंमितां देवीं जपेद्वा प्राणसंयमान् ।। ।। ८५ ।।<ref>Brahmavaivarta Purana, Khanda 4 (Sri Krishna Janma Khanda), [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AA_(%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 8]</ref></blockquote>Meaning: If anyone is unable to perform fasting, one should serve food to a brahmana, besides giving him the money which should suffice for him to take food twice. Thereafter, he should recite the Gayatri mantra a thousand times performing pranayama.<ref>Shanti Lal Nagar, Brahmavaivarta Purana ([https://archive.org/details/357106450BrahmavaivartaPurana2SanskritTextWithEnglishTranslationPdf/357106450-Brahmavaivarta-Purana-2-Sanskrit-text-with-English-translation-pdf/page/n77/mode/2up?view=theater Vol. 2]), Delhi: Parimal Publications.</ref>

शिष्याद्वा भृत्यवर्गाद्वा स्त्रीभ्यो वाऽऽप्ताच्च कारयेत् ।। तस्मादपि फलं गृह्णन्फलभाग्जायते नरः ।। ३ ।।<ref name=":2">Skanda Purana, Khanda 2 (Vaishnava Khanda), Kartikamasa Mahatmya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A6 Adhyaya 30].</ref>

== उपवासकाले भक्षणीयद्रव्याणि ॥ What is acceptable in Upavasa ==

After grossly describin gwhat is permitted and what is not while observing upawasa (as a vrata), list of food stuffs that can be consumed during upawasa has also been provided.  

The Brahmavaivarta Purana also states a similar alternative.<ref name=":0" /> It says,

According to Agni Purana, there are 8 things (including food items) which when consumed while on upawasa do not vitiate the vow or vrata. <blockquote>अष्टौ तान्यव्रतघ्नानि आपो मूलं फलं पयः ।१७५.०४३ हविर्ब्राह्मणकाम्या च गुरोर्वचनमौषधं ॥१७५.०४३<ref name=":5">Agni Purana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AD%E0%A5%ABhttps://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AD%E0%A5%AB Adhyaya 175]</ref>

Meaning: Water, roots, fruits, milk, clarified butter, the desire of a brahmana, the words of the preceptor and herb are the eight things which do not vitiate a vow.<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>The Garuda Purana (Adhyaya 122) states that incase one faints during the fast, milk may be consumed without any apprehension of breaking the vow.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>दुग्धादिप्राशनं कुर्याद्व्रतस्थो मूर्छितोऽन्तरा । दुग्धाद्यैर्न व्रतं नश्येद्भुक्तिमुक्तिमवाप्नुयात् ॥ १,१२२.७ ॥<ref>Garuda Purana, Achara Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 122]</ref></blockquote>

 

 

 

 

Meaning: Water, roots, fruits, milk, clarified butter, the desire of a brahmana, the words of the preceptor and herb are the eight things which do not vitiate a vow.<ref name=":6" />

 

The Garuda Purana (Adhyaya 122) states that incase one faints during the fast, milk may be consumed without any apprehension of breaking the vow.<ref name=":3" />

 

दुग्धादिप्राशनं कुर्याद्व्रतस्थो मूर्छितोऽन्तरा । दुग्धाद्यैर्न व्रतं नश्येद्भुक्तिमुक्तिमवाप्नुयात् ॥ १,१२२.७ ॥<ref>Garuda Purana, Achara Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 122]</ref>

=== हविष्यान्नम् || Havishyanna ===

=== हविष्यान्नम् || Havishyanna ===

Havishyanna is described as 'that which can be consumed during Vratas' - व्रतादौ भक्षणीयद्रव्यविशेषः ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma. See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87 Havishyannam]</ref> The text Mantra Kaumudi enumerates what is considered as Havishyanna by great seers. They are<ref>Vachaspatya. See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE Havishyanna]</ref>,

Havishyanna is described as 'that which can be consumed during Vratas'.<blockquote>व्रतादौ भक्षणीयद्रव्यविशेषः ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma. See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87 Havishyannam]</ref> </blockquote>The text Mantra Kaumudi enumerates what is considered as Havishyanna by great seers. They are<ref>Vachaspatya. See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE Havishyanna]</ref>,<blockquote>हैमन्तिकं सितास्विन्नं धान्यं मुद्गास्तिला यवाः । कलायकङ्गुनीवारा वास्तूकं हिलमोचिका ॥ षष्टिका कालशाकञ्च मूलकं केमुकेतरत् । लवणे सैन्धवसामुद्रे गव्ये च दधिसर्पिषी ॥ पयोऽनुद्धृतसारञ्च पनसाम्रहरीतकी । तिन्तिडी जीरकञ्चैव नागरङ्गकपिप्पली ॥ कदली लवली धात्री फलान्यगुडमैक्षवम् । अतैलपक्वं मुनये हविष्यान्नं प्रचक्षते ॥<ref>Sri Ramanatha Jha (1960), [https://archive.org/details/MantraKaumudiMMDevaNathThakkurTarkaPanchanana/page/n69/mode/2up?view=theater Mantrakaumudi of Devanatha Thakkura], Darbhanga.</ref></blockquote>हैमन्तिकं - that which is cold, grows in winter, kind of rice.

 

हैमन्तिकं सितास्विन्नं धान्यं मुद्गास्तिला यवाः । कलायकङ्गुनीवारा वास्तूकं हिलमोचिका ॥ षष्टिका कालशाकञ्च मूलकं केमुकेतरत् । लवणे सैन्धवसामुद्रे गव्ये च दधिसर्पिषी ॥ पयोऽनुद्धृतसारञ्च पनसाम्रहरीतकी । तिन्तिडी जीरकञ्चैव नागरङ्गकपिप्पली ॥ कदली लवली धात्री फलान्यगुडमैक्षवम् । अतैलपक्वं मुनये हविष्यान्नं प्रचक्षते ॥<ref>Sri Ramanatha Jha (1960), [https://archive.org/details/MantraKaumudiMMDevaNathThakkurTarkaPanchanana/page/n69/mode/2up?view=theater Mantrakaumudi of Devanatha Thakkura], Darbhanga.</ref>

 

हैमन्तिकं - that which is cold, grows in winter, kind of rice.

सितास्विन्नं धान्यं - cold and unboiled (uncooked) grains.

सितास्विन्नं धान्यं - cold and unboiled (uncooked) grains.