Fasting with purpose: The spiritual science behind Janmashtami

Celebration of Krishna’s birth, popularly known as Janmashtami is one of the most revered festivals in vedic tradition. On this day, devotees perform various spiritual practices, including fasting. This fasting on Janmashtami is not just a ritualistic practice but it is a spiritual discipline with both religious and scientific significance.
The spiritual significance of fasting
In vedic tradition, fasting is considered as a means to purify body, mind and soul.This practice goes beyond the physical act of abstaining from food and aims to uplift us spiritually. In Mahabharat, Maharaj Pareekshit, Bheeshma Dev, etc decided to fast during the last days of their lives, in order to elevate their spiritual consciousness. Fasting on Janmashtami is an expression of love and willingness to make sacrifices for Krishna and His many expansions.
One’s surrender and humility are also expressed through fasting. Abstaining from eating food acknowledges one’s dependence on the supreme and subsequently cultivates the detachment from the worldly pleasures. To flourish in spiritual life, this detachment is necessary as it helps in focusing on life’s higher purpose.
puṣkare mathurāyāṁ ca
dvāravatyāṁ yatātmavān
upoṣya saṁhitām etāṁ
paṭhitvā mucyate bhayāt
This verse from Srimad Bhagavatam(SB 12.12.61) also suggests to fast in order to grow spiritually, free from any fear.
The science behind fasting
In addition to the spiritual benefits of fasting, modern science also recognises the physiological and psychological benefits of fasting. Fasting gives the digestive system a rest and hence allows the body to focus on cleansing and eliminating toxins from the body. Some latest medical journals have talked about the improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation, by practicing fasts. This detoxification is not just physical, but metaphorically it also represents the removal of impurities from mind and soul.
During fasting, the body’s energy is redirected from digestion to other important functions, including cognitive health. This improves concentration and mental clarity and hence enables devotees to engage in deeper spiritual practices. Fasting requires discipline and self-control. These qualities are also essential for spiritual growth. So, by resisting the urge to eat, devotees strengthen their willpower which is further applied in following spiritual practices. Fasting also aligns the body with the natural rhythm of the universe. Ayurveda suggests fasting for balancing the doshas(body energies) and subsequently aligning the individual with cosmic cycle.
The Role of Diet in Spiritual Fasting
āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-
sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ
rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā
āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ
This verse from Bhagavad Gita (BG 17.8) talks about the significance of having satvik food items. On Janmashtami, fasting is often accompanied by eating specific satvik items like fruits, milk, nuts, etc. These foods are high in pran(life force) and have a calming effect on body & mind and hence aids in spiritual practices. During the fast, tamsik (harmful) and rajsik(stimulating) foods are avoided to prevent the mind from becoming restless or agitated. This dietary discipline helps in creating a conducive environment for spiritual reflection & meditation and hence makes it easier to connect with divinity.
Simultaneous fasting and gross materialistic involvement on this day will kill the very essence of fasting. So, the purpose of fasting on Janmashtami should always be kept in mind, i.e. to utilize every moment of that day in thinking, reading, and hearing about the pastimes of Krishna and serving His devotees.