महाभारत : पांडव कैसे रखते थे कठिन व्रत, क्या खाते थे, पांचों भाइयों में किसके लिए कठिन होता था उपवास

Keeping fast has been an essential part of ancient Indian tradition. Earlier, fasting was observed on every special occasion, festival and important days in our life. Do you know how the Pandavas used to fast during the Mahabharata period? How did you break your fast? What was their diet that day? Was there any Navratri fast during that period also?

In this news, we will also tell you who among the five Pandava brothers had the most difficulty in observing the fast. He also complained many times to Sage Vyas as to why such difficult fasts are observed and what can be the solution.

Well, first let us tell you that there is no mention of the Pandavas not specifically fasting during Navratri in the Mahabharata, but they followed strict fasting practices on other important religious occasions like Ekadashi. However, the concept of fasting during Navratri has always been prevalent in Hindu traditions.

The most difficult fast for the Pandava brothers was that of Nirjala Ekadashi. (image generated by meta ai)

which day did you fast
Pandava brothers used to fast especially on the day of Ekadashi. Their most notable fast is Nirjala Ekadashi, which not only has special significance but also has strict guidelines to follow.

what was the most difficult fast
Nirjala Ekadashi fasting occurs during Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, usually in late May or early June. This is one of the most challenging fasts. In this, the fasting people abstain from both food and water for 24 hours from sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi. Pandavas used to observe a similar fast.

Why did Bhima face problems?
Whenever these Pandava brothers kept it, Bhima faced the most problems. Who was known for his heavy diet and being a glutton. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata in the conversation between Bhima and his grandfather Srila Vyasdev. Srila Vyasdev is also known as Vedavyas. They all observed these fasts based on the instructions of Maharishi Vyasdev.

After breaking the fast, usually all the Pandava brothers and Draupadi used to eat simple food. (image generated by meta ai)

Bhima had told him about the problem of feeling very hungry due to his large diet and becoming distraught due to it. Even then he had to hear from Ved Vyas i.e. Maharishi Vyas that he should somehow observe this special fast. Because it has special spiritual benefits.

used to meditate on Lord Krishna
On this day, Pandavas used to concentrate on Lord Krishna and engage in prayer and meditation. They used to chant holy names and perform rituals to enhance their spiritual connection. In this he did not even consume water.

How to break the fast the next day
This fast is traditionally broken after sunrise on Dwadashi with a simple meal, which usually consisted of fruits or light vegetarian dishes. To return to regular eating habits, heavy or heavy food was avoided, that is, various types of tasty dishes were avoided.
There is still a belief in Hindu religion that those who observe this fast with full devotion and faith, they become free from sin. Spiritual progress is achieved.

What did Pandavas normally eat after fasting?
According to the references in Mahabharata and other texts, after this fast, Yudhishthira liked Payasam i.e. Kheer, which was a sweet dish made of rice boiled in milk with sugar or jaggery.
Also eaten was shashkuli, a round pie made of rice or barley, sweetened and fried in ghee, which is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.
Krishar was also eaten, which was a kheer-like sweet but made entirely of mashed rice with spices like cardamom and saffron. They also used to eat Samvaya, a sweet made from wheat flour and milk, which is fried in ghee.
Many vegetarian dishes were cooked. There are also references to non-vegetarian foods such as minced meat cooked with rice.

What did Pandavas eat after breaking their fast during exile?
During exile, Pandavas used to eat fruits and vegetables. Sometimes they hunted animals for meat. The types of food eaten after fasting were different for Kshatriyas (warriors).

Tags: Mahabharat, Navratri Celebration, Navratri festival