The term vrata, meaning “vow” or “votive ritual,” refers to a specific type of Hindu religious observance. A vrata is, essentially, “a religiously sanctioned votive observance, that is, a rite performed at a particular time with a particular desire in mind” (McGee, 1987, 17). Alternatively, vrata may be defined as a type of vow or promise directed toward a deity and associated with a ritual practice (McDa…
Vratas(5,565 words)
Cite this page
Tracy Pintchman, “Vratas”, in: Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Edited by: Knut A. Jacobsen, Helene Basu, Angelika Malinar, Vasudha Narayanan. Consulted online on 24 April 2018 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2212-5019_beh_COM_2030080>
First published online: 2012
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