About Rohini Vrat:
Rohini vrat is observed by women who want a long, fulfilling life for their husbands. Rohini vrat begins when the Rohini Nakshatra rises in the sky after sunrise. It occurs once in every 27 days. This vrat is an important fasting day in Jain community. It is believed that devotee who observes this vrat get rid of all types sorrow, poverty and of obstacles in their lives also. Rohini is one of the twenty-seven Nakshatra according to Jain and Hindu calendar. The fast of Rohini Nakshatra is concluded with the rise of Margashirsha Nakshatra when Rohini Nakshatra ends. There are twelve Rohini fasting days in a year.
Significance of Rohini Vrat:
Observing Rohini vrat offers some great benefits including prosperity, happiness, the togetherness of the family and long life of the husband. It is said that anyone who prays to Rohini on this day can get rid of poverty, troubles as well as the sorrows. It is believed that if the women in the Jain households observe this vrat with all sincerity and diligence, then peace and tranquillity will rule over the household.
History:
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.
