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Significance of Rohini Vrat

Rohini Vrat is an important fast for jain community. It is observed every month when rohini nakshatra comes. Rohini Vrat is mainly observed by women for the long life of their husbands. Rohini is one of the Nakshatra out of twenty-seven Nakshatra. It is believed that those who observe Rohini fasting can get rid of all types of sorrows and poverty. The Parana of Rohini Nakshatra is done during Margashirsha Nakshatra when Rohini Nakshatra ends. There are twelve Rohini fasting days in a year. Usually Rohini Vrat is observed for three, five or seven years continuously. The advisable duration of Rohini fasting is five years and five months. Rohini fasting should be finished with Udyapana.

History of Rohini Vrat: Lord Mahavir lived the life of an ascetic. He advocated non-violence. Being heralded as the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavir was preceded by twenty-three holy men called as Tirthankaras or pathfinders who all lived the lives of ascetics and were engaged in severe spiritual meditation. Lord Mahavir strongly advocated that only when an individual crosses his attachment to the physical body, can he attain self-realization, which is the final culmination of human birth. Jainism advocates an ascetic life of complete renunciation for those who give up worldly pleasures and commit themselves to spiritual life. For those in the regular household life, strict observances are not a mandate. They can follow the commandments of Jainism and live a normal life however without giving themselves away to over indulgence. Amidst this background, Rohini Vrat is prescribed for the women in the Jain community as a spiritual practice.

Celebrations/ Rituals: On the day of Rohini vrat, the women wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. They set up an idol or photograph of one of the Jain God Vasupujya. An elaborate puja is performed with a holy bath to the idol and offerings are made. At the end of the puja, the women start the fasting process that lasts till the rise of Margashirsha Nakshatra. Usually, Rohini Vrat is observed for three, five or seven years. Rohini fasting should be concluded with Udyapana.