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Vrata or vrat denotes a rule, vow, observance, discipline, law or duty or more commonly an act of devotion, duty, commitment, spiritual practice, resolve or moral or mental discipline. Its purpose aid devotees materially, mentally and spiritually in the path to self-transformation and liberation. Ritualistically it means following or observing a law, discipline or strict code of conduct to propitiate a deity and means orderly conduct or discipline. It can be inferred that Vratas are meant to ensure the order and regularity of the world through self-discipline and righteous conduct and they are observed by people to either fulfill desires or express gratitude for fulfillment of their desires. At times they are also practiced to overcome suffering and adversity, neutralize the adverse effects of planets or evil forces, remove birth related defects or dosha, overcome infertility, beget children, cleanse the mind and body, express regrets as part of a penance, acquire spiritual power, help ancestors in heaven or a family member or child who is in distress, and so on and so forth. They bring order and discipline into ones life. It helps strengthen resolve and commitment to ones faith, while also very useful to practice self-cleansing and train the mind and body. Nowadays Ekadashi, Pradosh and Sankashti are more prevalent and popular among followers. While Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Pradosham to Lord Shiva and Sankashti to Lord Ganesha, each day has its own significance and deity.