Rohini Vrat is a fairly common vrat practiced by the Jain s, particularly; the Jain ladies, on a fairly regular basis.
Jainism which renounces all forms of non- violence and propagated lives engaged in sadhana, advocates quite a number of vrats or rituals as part of being involved in that sadhana or quest to find that eternal life. Rohini vrat, being one such is a pretty popular vrat observed by the women of the Jain household.
It is a simple and easy vrat devised keeping in mind that the gentle womenfolk will not be able to go through rigorous disciplines in their quest for Sadhana and is considered to be an observance in their path of spiritual practice. It is a significant fasting day amongst the Jain communities.
- When is the Rohini Vrat observed?
Rohini Vrat is observed once in every twenty seven days, when the Rohini Nakshatra rises and is visible in the sky. Rohini is one of the Nakshatras out of twenty seven nakshatras present in the Jain as well as Hindu Calendars.
- How is the Rohini Vrat performed?
On the day of the Rohini Vrat, the woman of the house has to wake early and take a thorough and holy bath. Then they have to set up the idol of the Jain Bhagwan, Vasupujya. After a long and an elaborate puja, the idol is also given a bath and offerings are made. After the puja ends, the ladies start their fasting which only finishes when the next star, Marga shirsha Nakshatra rises.
- What is the significance of the Rohini Vrat?
In a world, where the basic values are going missing, Rohini Vrat teaches the value of patience and sacrifice. This vrat as kept by women are basically for a long and fulfilling life for their husbands. According to traditional tales, it is also said that those who observe the Rohini Vrat are liberated from the trials and tribulations of life. Rohini Vrat is said to bless not only the husband of the devout but also her immediate and intimate family members as well.
A considerable number of devout and religious Jain women perform the Rohini Vrat on a regular basis. They engage themselves in charity and alm giving to please Bhagwan Vasupujya and to seek his blessings. There are certain families which observe this day as a day of fasting, and some other where the women of the household fasts, and normal life goes on the other members of the household.
Rohini Vrat is advised to be continued at a stretch for three, five or seven years. The ideal and advised duration for continuing this Vrat is for five years and five months. At the end of the Rohini Vrat people visit the temples of Bhagwan Vasupujya to do udjapon, or bring closure with a festivity be feeding the poor and donating to charity.