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 sādhvīs (monastics) follow the five mahavratas "great vratas" while śrāvakas and śrāvikās (layfolk) follow the five anuvratas "minuscule vratas".