Shukravar Vrat or Upvaas: Friday Dedicated to Santhoshi Ma and Shukra or Venus
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 IST
In Hindu religion, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular God or Goddesses. Friday or Shukrawar is dedicated to Shakti – the Mother Goddess in Hinduism – and Shukra or Venus. One of the most important Vrat or Upvaas (fast) on the day is dedicated to Santhoshi Matha (an incarnation of Shakti). The fasting is also known as ‘Solah Shukravar Vrats because a devotee fasts for 16 consecutive Fridays. White color is given importance on Friday.
Another deity that is propitiated on the day is Shukra, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. The period of Shukra in one’s astrological chart is considered to be most productive and luckily period.
Worship of Shakti – Durga, Kali and other forms – on Friday is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India attract large number of devotees on this day.
Devotees wear white colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset. The person fasting only partakes in the evening meal. White colored food like kheer or milk is the most preferred.
Fast is kept for various reasons which include removal of obstacles, for a child, happy family life etc.
There are numerous stories associated with Shukravar. In almost all the stories, Lord Shukra or Venus is dishonored in the beginning and the devotee later realizes his/her folly through numerous untoward incidents. Then the devotee realizes the mistake and propitiates Shukra and is finally rewarded.
Related Topics
Trending News & Articles
Nanda Vrata is dedicated to Shiva and it is believed that Goddess Sati observed this vrat to get Shiva as her husband. It is observed during Phalgun Shukla Paksha...
Recently posted . 18K views . 3 min read
This question has seeked me ever since I can remember ...from my childhood..in my dreams...in my realisation and my internal assimilation of Lord Krishna as my god....
Recently posted . 9K views . 1 min read
Story of Sharabha and Narasimha
In Hinduism, the ‘trimurti’ (Gods) - Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, are...
Recently posted . 7K views . 1 min read
Have any of you realised how beneficial and helpful the lemon is when kept in a transparent glass of water, what it does? Here is the lemon ...
Recently posted . 6K views . 1 min read
More in Spiritual
Not many people know that there is also a female form of Ganesha in Hindu mythology, just like Vishnu, Indra and Brahma
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Peace is not understood only in terms of avoiding war; peace is to establish an active culture of living in peace. Since ages, we have found excuses to fight. If ...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Flowers are the most precious gift showered by nature that can illuminate days like nothing else. Flowers spread a scintillating aroma and s...
Recently posted. 1K views . 4 min read
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 3K views
Recently posted . 3K views
Holi, the festival of Colours is celebrated in different corners of India with pomp and gaiety on full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of Marc...
Recently posted. 1K views . 3 min read
Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to insight into the true nature of reality. Siddhartha Gautama was the founder and preacher of th...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read