By Dr. A.K. Tripathi | astrologertripathi.com
Introduction: The Sacred Science of Planetary Fasting
Have you ever wondered why your grandmother insisted on fasting every Tuesday or why millions observe Saturday fasts with unwavering devotion? The answer lies in one of Vedic astrology’s most powerful yet accessible remedial practices — planetary fasting or Graha Vrat.
Throughout my thirty-five years of astrological practice, I have consistently witnessed remarkable transformations in clients who adopted planetary fasting as part of their remedial routine. Moreover, this ancient practice requires no expensive rituals, no elaborate ceremonies, and no dependency on external practitioners. Instead, it empowers you to directly harmonize with planetary energies through conscious discipline.
In this comprehensive guide for 2026, I will therefore explain exactly which day corresponds to which planet, how to observe each fast correctly, and most importantly, who should undertake which planetary fast. Furthermore, I will share practical insights that distinguish effective fasting from mere food restriction.
Whether you are navigating a challenging Saturn period, seeking Venus’s blessings for relationships, or hoping to strengthen a weak planet in your birth chart, this guide will consequently serve as your complete roadmap to planetary fasting in 2026.
Part One: Understanding the Foundation of Planetary Fasting
Why Planetary Fasting Actually Works
Before diving into specific practices, it is essential to understand why fasting for planets produces results. Skeptics often dismiss this practice as superstition. However, the mechanism operates on multiple levels that deserve serious consideration.
The Physiological Dimension
Fasting triggers significant physiological changes in the body. First, it activates autophagy — the cellular cleaning process. Second, it shifts brain chemistry, often producing clarity and heightened awareness. Third, it demonstrates to your subconscious mind that you possess discipline and willpower.
Consequently, when you fast with planetary intention, these physiological benefits become directed toward specific life areas governed by that planet.
The Psychological Dimension
Furthermore, planetary fasting creates powerful psychological anchors. When you observe a fast every Saturday for Saturn, you essentially program your mind to align with Saturnian virtues — patience, discipline, and perseverance — on a weekly basis.
Over time, this consistent practice rewires neural pathways. As a result, the qualities associated with that planet become more naturally accessible to you.
The Energetic Dimension
Additionally, from the Vedic perspective, each day carries the energetic signature of its ruling planet. Therefore, fasting on that day creates receptivity to that planetary energy while simultaneously reducing karmic debt associated with that planet.
Dr. B.V. Raman, the legendary Vedic astrologer, wrote extensively about remedial measures: “Fasting undertaken with proper understanding and devotion creates a subtle but definite shift in one’s relationship with planetary energies. It is not mere abstinence but conscious alignment.”
The Seven Days and Their Planetary Rulers
The seven-day week directly corresponds to the seven classical planets of Vedic astrology. Understanding these correspondences forms the foundation of planetary fasting practice.
The Complete Day-Planet Correspondence
| Day | Planet | Sanskrit Name | Primary Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Sun (Surya) | Ravivar | Vitality, Authority, Soul |
| Monday | Moon (Chandra) | Somvar | Mind, Emotions, Mother |
| Tuesday | Mars (Mangal) | Mangalvar | Energy, Courage, Action |
| Wednesday | Mercury (Budha) | Budhvar | Intelligence, Communication |
| Thursday | Jupiter (Guru) | Guruvar | Wisdom, Expansion, Fortune |
| Friday | Venus (Shukra) | Shukravar | Love, Beauty, Prosperity |
| Saturday | Saturn (Shani) | Shanivar | Discipline, Karma, Longevity |
Each day therefore offers a unique opportunity to connect with specific planetary energies through conscious fasting practice.
Part Two: Complete Fasting Protocols for Each Planet
Sunday Fasting: Honoring the Sun (Surya)
Ruling Planet: Sun
Associated Deity: Lord Surya / Lord Vishnu
Recommended For: Weak Sun in birth chart, government-related issues, father’s health concerns, lack of confidence, eye problems, heart conditions
Who Should Observe Sunday Fasts?
Sunday fasting is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- First, career stagnation especially in government or leadership positions
- Second, troubled relationship with father or authority figures
- Third, health issues related to heart, eyes, or bones
- Fourth, lack of recognition despite hard work
- Finally, weak self-confidence or identity confusion
Additionally, those running Sun dasha or antardasha will find Sunday fasting especially powerful.
How to Observe Sunday Fast Correctly
Timing: Begin the fast at sunrise on Sunday and conclude it at sunrise on Monday. However, many practitioners observe from sunrise to sunset, which is also acceptable.
Food Restrictions: Traditionally, Sunday fasts involve consuming only one meal consisting of wheat-based preparations. Moreover, salt is often avoided or minimized. Some practitioners observe complete waterless fasts until sunset.
Recommended Foods:
- Wheat preparations (roti, daliya, wheat halwa)
- Jaggery-based sweets
- Fruits, especially oranges and pomegranates
- Milk and milk products
Foods to Avoid:
- Non-vegetarian items absolutely prohibited
- Excessively salty or spicy foods
- Alcohol and intoxicants
- Tamasic (heavy, stale) foods
Rituals to Enhance Sunday Fasting
To maximize the benefits of your Sunday fast, incorporate these practices:
- Morning Prayer: Offer water (Arghya) to the rising Sun while chanting Surya mantras
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Suryaya Namah” 108 times or the Aditya Hridayam
- Charity: Donate wheat, jaggery, red clothes, or copper items
- Color Therapy: Wear red, orange, or saffron colored clothing
Monday Fasting: Connecting with the Moon (Chandra)
Ruling Planet: Moon
Associated Deity: Lord Shiva / Goddess Parvati
Recommended For: Mental instability, emotional turbulence, mother’s health, sleep disorders, relationship with mother, fertility issues
Who Should Observe Monday Fasts?
Monday fasting proves especially beneficial for those experiencing:
- First, anxiety, depression, or emotional instability
- Second, sleep disturbances or recurring nightmares
- Third, troubled relationship with mother
- Fourth, fertility challenges or menstrual irregularities
- Finally, lack of mental peace despite external success
Furthermore, Monday fasting is highly recommended during Moon dasha periods or when the Moon is afflicted in the birth chart.
How to Observe Monday Fast Correctly
Timing: The fast begins at sunrise Monday and traditionally ends after evening prayers or the following sunrise. The Pradosh Kaal (twilight period) holds special significance for Monday fasts.
Food Restrictions: Monday fasts typically involve consuming white-colored foods once during the day. Many devotees observe this fast specifically for Lord Shiva and consume only fruits, milk, and simple preparations.
Recommended Foods:
- Rice and rice-based preparations
- Milk, yogurt, and milk sweets
- White fruits like bananas, coconuts
- Sabudana (tapioca) preparations
- Light, easily digestible foods
Foods to Avoid:
- Non-vegetarian food strictly prohibited
- Heavily spiced or fried items
- Garlic and onion (especially for Shiva devotees)
- Intoxicants of any kind
Rituals to Enhance Monday Fasting
Incorporate these practices for deeper connection:
- Shiva Worship: Visit a Shiva temple or worship at home with milk abhishekam
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Chandraya Namah” 108 times or “Om Namah Shivaya”
- Charity: Donate white items — rice, milk, white cloth, silver
- Color Therapy: Wear white or light-colored clothing
Tuesday Fasting: Channeling Mars Energy (Mangal)
Ruling Planet: Mars
Associated Deity: Lord Hanuman / Lord Kartikeya
Recommended For: Manglik dosha, lack of courage, property disputes, blood-related disorders, sibling conflicts, accidents proneness
Who Should Observe Tuesday Fasts?
Tuesday fasting is particularly powerful for individuals dealing with:
- First, Manglik dosha affecting marriage prospects
- Second, excessive anger or inability to control temper
- Third, property and land-related legal disputes
- Fourth, blood pressure issues or blood-related diseases
- Finally, frequent accidents or injury proneness
Moreover, those experiencing Mars dasha or facing Mars-related challenges in their chart benefit significantly from Tuesday fasts.
How to Observe Tuesday Fast Correctly
Timing: Begin at sunrise Tuesday and conclude after sunset or the following morning. Many practitioners specifically break their fast after visiting a Hanuman temple in the evening.
Food Restrictions: Tuesday fasts traditionally involve avoiding wheat and consuming only one meal. Red lentils (masoor dal) are specifically prohibited on this day.
Recommended Foods:
- Jaggery and jaggery-based sweets
- Fruits, especially red-colored ones
- Milk and simple dairy preparations
- Single meal of basic vegetarian food
Foods to Avoid:
- Wheat and wheat products
- Red lentils (masoor dal) strictly prohibited
- Non-vegetarian food absolutely forbidden
- Salt is often minimized or avoided
Rituals to Enhance Tuesday Fasting
Maximize your Tuesday fast with these practices:
- Hanuman Worship: Recite Hanuman Chalisa or visit Hanuman temple
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Mangalaya Namah” 108 times
- Charity: Donate red items — red cloth, red lentils (to others, not for self-consumption), copper, jaggery
- Color Therapy: Wear red or orange clothing
- Physical Activity: Engage in exercise or physical work, channeling Mars energy constructively
Wednesday Fasting: Sharpening Mercury Powers (Budha)
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Associated Deity: Lord Vishnu / Lord Krishna
Recommended For: Speech problems, business obstacles, educational challenges, skin diseases, nervous system disorders, communication issues
Who Should Observe Wednesday Fasts?
Wednesday fasting benefits those experiencing:
- First, stuttering, speech impediments, or communication difficulties
- Second, business losses or commercial failures
- Third, educational setbacks or learning difficulties
- Fourth, skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Finally, nervous system disorders or anxiety
Additionally, individuals in Mercury dasha or with afflicted Mercury in their birth chart should consider regular Wednesday fasting.
How to Observe Wednesday Fast Correctly
Timing: The fast extends from Wednesday sunrise to Thursday sunrise, though many observe sunrise to sunset.
Food Restrictions: Wednesday fasts are generally moderate, focusing on green-colored foods and avoiding heavy, tamasic items.
Recommended Foods:
- Green vegetables and leafy greens
- Moong dal (green gram) preparations
- Green fruits like grapes, green apples
- Light, easily digestible vegetarian meals
Foods to Avoid:
- Non-vegetarian items
- Heavy, fried foods
- Intoxicants
- Excessively processed foods
Rituals to Enhance Wednesday Fasting
Strengthen your Mercury connection through:
- Vishnu Worship: Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or worship Lord Krishna
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Budhaya Namah” 108 times
- Charity: Donate green items — green clothes, green vegetables, moong dal
- Color Therapy: Wear green colored clothing
- Intellectual Activity: Engage in learning, reading, or skill development
Thursday Fasting: Invoking Jupiter’s Blessings (Guru)
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Associated Deity: Lord Vishnu / Lord Brihaspati / Sai Baba
Recommended For: Marriage delays, financial difficulties, childlessness, lack of wisdom, liver problems, obesity, spiritual stagnation
Who Should Observe Thursday Fasts?
Thursday fasting is especially recommended for those facing:
- First, delayed marriage despite efforts
- Second, difficulty conceiving children
- Third, persistent financial struggles
- Fourth, lack of guidance or spiritual direction
- Finally, liver or weight-related health issues
Furthermore, Thursday fasting during Jupiter dasha or when Jupiter is weak in the chart produces remarkable results. This is considered one of the most auspicious fasts in Vedic tradition.
How to Observe Thursday Fast Correctly
Timing: Begin at sunrise Thursday and conclude after sunset or the following sunrise. The fast is often broken after evening prayers or temple visit.
Food Restrictions: Thursday fasts traditionally involve consuming yellow-colored foods and specifically avoiding salt in some traditions.
Recommended Foods:
- Chana dal (Bengal gram) and besan preparations
- Yellow fruits like bananas, papayas
- Turmeric-infused foods
- Kheer and yellow sweets
- Simple vegetarian meals with minimal oil
Foods to Avoid:
- Non-vegetarian items absolutely prohibited
- Some traditions avoid salt completely
- Banana is sometimes avoided by women seeking marriage
- Sour and excessively spicy foods
Rituals to Enhance Thursday Fasting
Deepen your Jupiter connection through:
- Temple Visit: Visit Vishnu temple or Brihaspati/Guru temple
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Gurave Namah” or “Om Brihaspataye Namah” 108 times
- Charity: Donate yellow items — turmeric, chana dal, yellow cloth, gold (if possible), books
- Color Therapy: Wear yellow clothing
- Service: Respect and serve teachers, elders, and brahmins
Friday Fasting: Attracting Venus Blessings (Shukra)
Ruling Planet: Venus
Associated Deity: Goddess Lakshmi / Santoshi Maa
Recommended For: Marital discord, lack of luxury, financial instability, reproductive health issues, beauty concerns, artistic blocks
Who Should Observe Friday Fasts?
Friday fasting proves beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- First, marital problems or lack of harmony in relationships
- Second, persistent financial struggles despite effort
- Third, reproductive health issues in both men and women
- Fourth, lack of beauty, charm, or social grace
- Finally, creative blocks in artistic pursuits
Moreover, those in Venus dasha or with afflicted Venus significantly benefit from regular Friday fasting. The famous Santoshi Maa Vrat falls on Fridays.
How to Observe Friday Fast Correctly
Timing: The fast begins at sunrise Friday and concludes after sunset or after evening worship.
Food Restrictions: Friday fasts, especially Santoshi Maa Vrat, have specific restrictions that must be carefully followed.
Recommended Foods:
- Jaggery and jaggery-based preparations (gur)
- Roasted Bengal gram (chana)
- Fruits (except sour varieties)
- Simple vegetarian meals
- Sweet preparations without sour ingredients
Foods to Avoid:
- Sour foods strictly prohibited (lemon, tamarind, pickles, curd)
- Non-vegetarian items absolutely forbidden
- Sour fruits like oranges, grapes
- Any preparation containing sourness
Important Warning: Consuming sour items during Santoshi Maa Vrat is considered highly inauspicious and believed to cause obstacles rather than blessings.
Rituals to Enhance Friday Fasting
Strengthen your Venus connection through:
- Goddess Worship: Worship Goddess Lakshmi or Santoshi Maa
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Shukraya Namah” 108 times or Santoshi Maa chalisa
- Charity: Donate white items — white clothes, sugar, rice, camphor, silver
- Color Therapy: Wear white or cream-colored clothing
- Beauty Practices: Engage in self-care, cleanliness, and aesthetic activities
Saturday Fasting: Appeasing Saturn (Shani)
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Associated Deity: Lord Shani / Lord Hanuman / Lord Bhairav
Recommended For: Sade Sati, chronic delays, career obstacles, chronic diseases, legal troubles, karmic debts, poverty
Who Should Observe Saturday Fasts?
Saturday fasting is perhaps the most commonly recommended remedial fast, especially for those experiencing:
- First, Sade Sati (Saturn’s seven-and-a-half-year transit over Moon)
- Second, chronic delays in all life areas
- Third, persistent career obstacles despite qualifications
- Fourth, chronic health conditions, especially bone and joint issues
- Finally, legal troubles and karmic repercussions
Additionally, those in Saturn dasha or facing Saturn’s challenging transits absolutely must consider Saturday fasting.
How to Observe Saturday Fast Correctly
Timing: Begin at sunrise Saturday and conclude after sunset, preferably after darshan at a Shani temple or Hanuman temple. Some practitioners extend until Sunday sunrise.
Food Restrictions: Saturday fasts are traditionally quite strict, reflecting Saturn’s disciplinary nature.
Recommended Foods:
- Black sesame seeds (til) and til-based preparations
- Urad dal (black gram) — khichdi or simple preparations
- Black salt
- Simple, one-meal consumption
- Some traditions allow only liquids until sunset
Foods to Avoid:
- Non-vegetarian items strictly prohibited
- Mustard oil is sometimes avoided; others specifically use it
- Excessive salt and spices
- Multiple meals — ideally single meal only
Rituals to Enhance Saturday Fasting
Appease Saturn effectively through:
- Temple Visit: Visit Shani temple or Hanuman temple (Hanuman is considered Saturn’s controller)
- Mantra Recitation: Chant “Om Shanaishcharaya Namah” 108 times or Shani Chalisa
- Charity: Donate black items — black sesame, black cloth, iron, mustard oil, urad dal
- Service: Serve the poor, disabled, elderly, and laborers
- Color Therapy: Wear black, dark blue, or purple clothing
- Oil Application: Apply mustard oil to a Shani idol or peepal tree
Part Three: Practical Guidelines for Effective Fasting in 2026
Determining Which Fast Is Right for You
Not everyone should observe every planetary fast. Instead, your specific birth chart determines which fasts will produce maximum benefit.
Analyzing Your Birth Chart for Fasting Recommendations
Consider fasting for planets that are:
- Weak by placement: Debilitated or in enemy signs
- Weak by aspect: Afflicted by malefics like Saturn, Mars, Rahu, or Ketu
- Lords of challenging houses: 6th, 8th, or 12th house lords
- Currently in difficult transit: Especially during dasha periods of weak planets
Conversely, fasting for already strong planets may create imbalance. Therefore, consult your birth chart before beginning any regular fasting practice.
General Guidelines for All Planetary Fasts
Regardless of which day you choose, certain principles apply universally:
Physical Preparation:
- Begin reducing meal portions a day or two before
- Stay hydrated before the fast begins
- Avoid heavy, difficult-to-digest meals the previous night
Mental Preparation:
- Set clear intention for your fast
- Maintain positive thoughts throughout
- Avoid anger, arguments, and negativity on fasting days
Breaking the Fast:
- Never break with heavy, greasy foods
- Start with light, easily digestible items
- Maintain prayerful attitude while breaking fast
Special Dates for Planetary Fasting in 2026
While weekly fasts are powerful, certain dates in 2026 carry enhanced planetary significance:
Solar Eclipse Periods (Surya-Related)
- Eclipses in 2026 create sensitive periods for Sun-related fasting
- Fasting on eclipse days follows different protocols
- Consult specific guidance for eclipse fasting
Shani Jayanti 2026
- Saturn’s birthday falls during Jyeshtha Amavasya
- This date carries exceptional power for Saturn remedies
- Extended fasting and worship recommended
Guru Purnima 2026
- July full moon dedicated to Jupiter worship
- Powerful day for Thursday fast observers
- Guru dakshina and charity especially auspicious
Navaratri Periods 2026
- Nine nights of goddess worship
- Venus-related fasting especially powerful
- Extended fasting protocols available
Part Four: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Fasting Without Understanding Why
Many people fast because “someone told them to” without understanding the underlying purpose. Consequently, their fasts become mechanical rituals without transformative power.
Solution: Before beginning any fasting practice, study your birth chart to understand which planets need strengthening. Moreover, learn about the specific planet’s significations so your intention remains clear.
Mistake 2: Excessive or Extreme Fasting
Some practitioners undertake multiple planetary fasts weekly, essentially starving themselves in the name of spirituality. However, this approach often backfires, creating health problems and resentment.
Solution: Start with one planetary fast weekly. Furthermore, ensure adequate nutrition on non-fasting days. Remember that the goal is balance, not deprivation.
Mistake 3: Neglecting the Inner Dimension
Fasting while maintaining anger, jealousy, or negativity defeats the entire purpose. The external discipline must accompany internal transformation.
Solution: On fasting days, consciously cultivate qualities associated with that planet. For instance, practice patience on Saturn days, generosity on Jupiter days, and courage on Mars days.
Mistake 4: Breaking Fast Incorrectly
Many practitioners carefully observe their fast but then break it with heavy, inappropriate foods. This shocks the digestive system and negates many benefits.
Solution: Always break fasts gently with light, easily digestible foods. Moreover, maintain prayerful attitude during the first meal after fasting.
Part Five: Integrating Fasting with Other Remedial Measures
Combining Fasting with Mantra Practice
Planetary fasting becomes significantly more powerful when combined with mantra recitation. Each planet has specific mantras that resonate with its energy.
Recommended Mantras for Each Planet
| Planet | Beej Mantra | Extended Mantra | Recommended Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Om Hraam | Om Suryaya Namah | 7,000 or 108 daily |
| Moon | Om Shraam | Om Chandraya Namah | 11,000 or 108 daily |
| Mars | Om Kraam | Om Mangalaya Namah | 10,000 or 108 daily |
| Mercury | Om Braam | Om Budhaya Namah | 9,000 or 108 daily |
| Jupiter | Om Graam | Om Gurave Namah | 19,000 or 108 daily |
| Venus | Om Draam | Om Shukraya Namah | 16,000 or 108 daily |
| Saturn | Om Praam | Om Shanaishcharaya Namah | 23,000 or 108 daily |
Combining Fasting with Charity
Charity (Daan) multiplies fasting benefits exponentially. Each planet has specific charitable items that resonate with its energy.
The principle is simple: What you give away connected to a planet reduces your karmic debt to that planet while simultaneously strengthening its positive expression in your life.
Combining Fasting with Gemstones
Some practitioners wear planetary gemstones on fasting days to enhance receptivity. However, gemstone prescription requires careful analysis — wearing inappropriate stones can intensify problems.
Important Note: Never wear gemstones for malefic planets without expert guidance. Fasting is generally safer than gemstones because it works through reducing karma rather than amplifying planetary energy.
Part Six: Scientific Perspectives on Fasting Benefits
Modern Research Supporting Fasting Practices
Contemporary science increasingly validates what Vedic seers knew millennia ago — fasting produces remarkable health benefits.
Autophagy and Cellular Renewal
Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi won the 2016 Nobel Prize for his research on autophagy — the body’s cellular cleaning process triggered by fasting. This process removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones.
Consequently, regular fasting practitioners often experience improved immunity, slower aging, and reduced inflammation.
Neurological Benefits
Research demonstrates that fasting enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoting new neural connections and improving cognitive function. Furthermore, fasting has shown promise in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Metabolic Improvements
Intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation markers, and optimizes metabolic function. These benefits align perfectly with traditional claims about fasting’s health effects.
Conclusion: Making Planetary Fasting Your Spiritual Ally in 2026
As we navigate 2026, planetary fasting offers a profound yet accessible tool for spiritual growth, karmic healing, and life improvement. Unlike expensive remedies or elaborate rituals, fasting requires only your commitment and discipline.
Throughout my decades of practice, I have witnessed countless individuals transform their relationship with challenging planetary energies through consistent, devoted fasting. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond the astrological — improved health, increased discipline, and deeper spiritual connection become natural byproducts.
However, remember that fasting is not punishment but partnership. You are not appeasing angry cosmic forces but rather harmonizing with universal energies that ultimately support your evolution.
As Shri K.N. Rao, one of modern India’s most respected astrologers, has observed: “Remedial measures work best when undertaken with understanding, faith, and consistency. A single fast observed with full awareness surpasses a hundred fasts observed mechanically.”
May your fasting practice in 2026 bring you closer to planetary harmony, inner peace, and the fulfillment of your highest potential.
References
- Raman, B.V. (1996). Astrology for Beginners. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. — Contains foundational guidance on planetary remedies including fasting protocols.
- Rao, K.N. (2004). Remedies in Astrology. Vani Publications. — Comprehensive coverage of various remedial measures with emphasis on practical application.
- Frawley, David (2005). Ayurvedic Astrology. Lotus Press. — Integration of Ayurvedic principles with astrological remedies including fasting guidance.
- Svoboda, Robert (1997). The Greatness of Saturn. Lotus Press. — Deep exploration of Saturn worship and remedies including Saturday fasting practices.
Dr. A.K. Tripathi is a renowned Vedic astrologer with thirty-five years of experience in birth chart analysis and remedial guidance. For personalized fasting recommendations based on your specific birth chart, visit astrologertripathi.com or schedule a consultation today.
