Wednesday Fast - Rituals, Methods, and Benefits

In Hindu mythology, fasting is considered sacred, with particular deities being honored on different days of the week. The planet Mercury, also called Budhdev, is worshipped on Wednesday, or Budhwar. Many devotees also believe that Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, is supposed to be worshipped on this day and observe the Wednesday fast.

Observing the Budhwar Vrat gives us direction, peace, and hope for the future. In Hindu mythology, the afternoon of the week is dedicated to Budhdev, who is assigned a position of purity. In order to obtain the divine favor of Lord Ganesha or Lord Budh and have all of their desires granted, Hindus worship the god and follow the Wednesday Fast Vidhi for 21 consecutive Wednesdays. 

The ideal time to start a Wednesday Fast Vidhi is on the first Wednesday of the month of Shukla Paksha in any given lunar month. It might be quite beneficial to observe the Budhwar fasting with faith and devotion if you want to fulfill your dreams and live happy lives. So let us get started and examine the Wednesday fasting benefits, the right Wednesday fast vidhi, and the foods that are and are not acceptable.

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Wednesday Fast Vidhi

Budhavar Vrat, also known as Wednesday fasting, starts that same morning and lasts for the following twenty-four hours. Some people just eat one meal in the afternoon on that particular day. Sometimes the wife and husband observe the fast jointly. Devotees chant hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu and offer up prayers to him continuously throughout the day. 

This includes offering Tulsi (basil) leaves, reading and hearing stories about Lord Vishnu, singing bhajans (songs), and reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam (1000 names of Lord Vishnu). Beginning on the first Wednesday of Shukla Paksha, the Moon's waxing phase, this fast is usually performed for up to 21 consecutive Wednesdays. The Wednesday Fast Vidhi that the devotee must adhere to is provided below.

• Devotees should rise early and take a bath in holy water to observe the Budhwar Vrat. They should then wear fresh green clothes, as the cosmic color of Mercury is green. 
• The devotees should then clean up the puja area and purify the entire house with Gangajal.
• The idols or images of Lord Budhdev and Lord Ganesha should then be placed in the northeastern direction, which you have determined. 
• Then begin the puja by presenting fruits, baked goods, kheer (bhog), flowers, lamps made of oil, vermilion, sticks of incense, bel leaves, and sandalwood paste.
• Repeat any one of the 108 mantras of Lord Budh and Lord Ganesha several times to adhere to the Wednesday fasting ritual. 
• Give your full attention to reading or listening to the Budhwar fasting Katha, which is a story about fasting. Avoid leaving the area before the action is complete or stopping it in the middle.
• To conclude the puja, present the gods with flowers and Aarti. Then serve the worshippers the prasad.
• People who are observing the Budhwar Vrat are permitted to have prasad, juice, or water after the puja.

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Dietary Guidelines For Wednesday Fasting Ritual

During Wednesday fast vidhi, devotees follow strict dietary rules, which might change according to personal tastes and regional customs. Saatvik is the term for pure foods like fruits, milk, nuts, and vegetarian dishes. Some people do not use any water during their fast. To reap the full Wednesday fasting benefits, adhere to these guidelines:

• Before you get into the Wednesday fasting ritual, it is important for followers to be positive.
• Observe the Wednesday fasting Vidhi with the utmost seriousness and dedication.
• taking part in altruistic endeavors, like helping others and developing gratitude. This Budhwar vrat vidhi helps increase the fast's spiritual advantages.

Wednesday Fasting Benefits

Mercury, sometimes called Budh, is believed to be the nearest planet in the solar system to the Sun. Astrology states that Mercury is an indicator of intelligence, wisdom, riches, knowledge, the development of one's career and business, and creative thought processes. Therefore, following the Wednesday fasting ritual encourages development and progress in these areas. Devotees might achieve their goals when they worship the Vighnaharta Lord Ganesha and observe Budhwar fasting.

• It is claimed that adhering to the Wednesday fast aids followers in improving their reasoning and critical thinking abilities, which are ultimately essential for any businessperson or student.
• Mercury usually brings good prosperity, but in a few rare instances, it might have adverse effects if it is placed incorrectly in the horoscope. In these situations, Mercury's negative impact makes the followers anxious, unsure, violent, and afraid of dying young. Each of these issues can be resolved by keeping Wednesday fast.
• Additionally, Budhwar Vrat is essential for resolving health issues that result from Mercury's detrimental effects on relationships, such as anxiety, eating disorders, and hypertension.
• People who suffer from conditions like difficulty focusing and concentrating, difficulties speaking and hearing, difficulties writing, etc., can get their problems cured by keeping the Wednesday fast and obtaining the holy blessings of Lord Ganesha.
• The center of all seven chakras in the universe is the Heart Chakra, which is ruled by the planet Mercury (Budh Graha). Therefore, among other virtues, followers can develop forgiveness, kindness, love, and patience by worshiping Lord Budh and fasting on Wednesdays.
• Wednesday fasting is good for clearing the mind and increasing attention, concentration, and mental clarity.
• Since Mercury is the planet of intelligence and communication, it is believed that fasting on Wednesday will improve one's capacity for effective and clear communication.
• When devotees connect with Lord Vithal's and Mercury's divine energies, they experience spiritual growth, inner peace, and harmony.

Wrapping Up

The Wednesday Fast, or Budhwar Vrat, offers devotees a profound spiritual practice steeped in tradition and significance. By honoring Lord Budhdev and Lord Ganesha, followers not only seek divine blessings but also engage in a series of rituals that foster introspection, unity, and personal growth. 

Adhering to the specific fasting guidelines and participating in devotional activities helps cultivate a positive mindset, enhancing wisdom, critical thinking, and overall well-being. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond the spiritual realm, addressing various life challenges and promoting a sense of peace and fulfillment. Through this sacred practice, devotees can aspire to manifest their dreams, improve their lives, and foster a deeper connection with the divine.