Ishan Vrat and its importance 2024

Ishan Vrat is related to Lord Shiva. Ishan Vrat is called based on Lord Shiva’s alternate name which is Ishan. Similarly, in Vastu Shastra, Ishan represents the direction that signifies auspiciousness and positive energy. Shivling is worshipped in this Vrat. Lord Vishnu is placed on its left side and Surya Dev is placed on the right side before starting the Puja Ishan Vrat will be celebrated on 05 January 2024, Tuesday
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Charity holds great importance in this Vrat, especially that of cows. These days it is not possible to donate a cow so an equivalent donation is given to a Brahmin. Alternatively, an artifact consisting of a pair of a cow made up of silver, brass or gold can also be donated. This fast is generally observed for a long period of time, 5 years.

When is Ishan Vrat observed?

Ishan Vrat is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Posh month. There are several references about this Vrat in our scriptures. According to one such belief, if Ishan Vrat is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Posha month and the next day happens to be a Thursday with Purnima Tithi, then doing this fast on this day is considered highly auspicious.

According to another belief, Ishan Vrat should be observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Posh month when the next day is Purnima Tithi and it occurs with Pushya Nakshatra. This increases the glory of the fast manifold.

Puja Vidhi of Ishan Vrat

The devotee who is observing Ishan Vrat should bathe and then take an oath to complete this fast on Chaturdashi Tithi. Lord Shiva should be worshipped throughout the day of the fast. The next day, on Pushya Nakshatra Purnima the devotee should sit on an Aasan facing east direction. Yagya Vedi should be made, a bright clean white cloth should be kept on it. Akshat should be placed on all four sides of the cloth. Punja Akshat should be kept in the center. Lord Vishnu should be invoked from the east direction, Sun from the south direction, Brahma from the west direction, Rudra from the north direction and Ishan from the center. Each Lord should be worshipped with Dhoop, Deep, Gandh, and Akshat. If it is not possible to perform this Puja on your own, then you can get it done from a Brahmin.

After the Pujan, Dakshina should be given to the Brahmins as per one’s capability. According to religious texts, food should be served to the Bharmin. A cow and an ox should also be given to the Brahmin along with Dakshina.

Ishan fast should be observed for a period of five years as per this procedure. While observing this fast on the Posha Shukla Chaturdashi Purnima, one cow and an ox should be donated in the first year, two cows and an ox should be donated in the second year, three cows and an ox should be donated in the third year, four cows and an ox should be donated in the fourth year and finally, five cows and an ox should be donated in the fifth year.

Ishan Fast Importance:Mahatamay

In Ishan Vrat, Ishan form of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Shivling Puja is performed. Lord Shiva’s blessings are received by observing this fast.

Surya Dev is also worshipped in Ishan Pujan. Surya Dev illuminates the whole world. It enlightens the soul. It brings an end to darkness and spreads auspiciousness in all directions. Surya Dev is also known as Khakolak. Khakolak is its aura. Lord Surya is worshipped to eradicate diseases. It shows the path for seeking salvation.

All the problems are resolved by reciting the Khakolak Mantra. It is believed, reciting ‘Om Namah Khakolkay’ Mantra, cures a person of all diseases. This Mantra can be recited at any time. Reciting this Mantra during this Vrat holds great importance.

Lord Vishnu too is worshipped during Ishan Vrat. This fast is concluded by worshipping Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu Mantras are chanted.

In this way, worshiping all the gods brings peace and auspiciousness from all directions. By worshipping and observing Ishan Vrat, the devotee gets manifold results. Similarly, if a person is suffering from Vastu Dosha, then observing Ishan Vrat can prove beneficial for him.

This fast should be observed under the supervision of a knowledgeable Brahmin and all the rules should be followed during the Pujan.