In the context of Hinduism and Hindu mythology, vrata denotes a religious practice to carry out certain obligations with a view to achieve divine blessing for fulfillment of one or several desires. Etymologically, vrata, a Sanskrit word, means to vow or to promise. Vratas - self-control - form the core of the practices of Jainism. Sādhus and sād...
in Jainism, a religious vow. See Jaina vrata.
vow; women especially take vows, often related to fasting. Vows are also taken at initiation.
penance