ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”



India is a holy country and birthplace of innumerable gods and goddesses.

Different festivals of different cultures find their best place in the heart of Indians and this is what makes it Incredible India.

For ages people of this country, particularly the Hindus celebrate various rituals and observe fast to worship different God for their spiritual, physical, and economical upliftment. Somvar (Monday) Vrat is one of such popular rituals and considered very auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva.

According to teachings of Hindu mythology, every Monday of a lunar calendar is an auspicious day which is dedicated to the Supreme Lord Shiva.

Somvar Vrat, Monday fast is one of the most popular Vrat in Hinduism. Devotees worship Lord Shiva on Mondays and observe a complete or partial fast to get His blessings for a peaceful living.

A number of legends advocate that merciful Shiva is the supreme Lord and observing 16 consecutive Mondays fast which is popularly known as solah somvar vrat brings miraculous positive changes to the life of a devotee.

Solah Somvar Vrat: Solah Somvar Vrat (16 Monday fast) is one of the most popular Hindu rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Vrat (fast) is not restricted and can be observed by anyone irrespective of their age and gender.

In India, it is popularly observed by those facing difficulties in getting married and to find a suitable life partner.

Procedure to follow: One can ideally begin the fast on the first Monday of the bright half of Shravan, Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Kartika, or Margsheersha months of the lunar calendar and continue for the next 16 Mondays.

He/she must take a vow of observing fast for 16 consecutive Mondays with devotion and complete faith towards the almighty and not give it up carelessly in between.

Early morning routine: The vrat begins with waking up early in the morning and taking a holy bath, one should add black Til-Sesame seeds in this water. If possible, sprinkle Ganga Jal in your house to purify the atmosphere.

Performing the puja:

• To perform the puja at home, clean and decorate the puja room with flowers and light a lamp with cow ghee and incense stick.

• Set an idol of Lord Shiva or a Shivalinga in a peaceful corner then pray to Lord Ganesh first.

• Begin the puja with an Abhishek to the Shivalinga. Offer water mixed with Ganga Jal, followed by Panchamrit made by mixing of milk, honey, sugar, ghee, and curd and then pour water again.

• Apply Sandal paste onto the Shivling and offer white flowers, bilva leaves, Dhatura flower, fruit, and rice.

• After the resolution, one must read Monday vrat Katha with pure heart and devotion.

• To conclude the puja in the evening, perform Aarti using a ghee lamp and offer flowers and water to the Shivalinga and to the Moon God.

• Visit a temple of Lord Shiva during the day or in the evening for darshan and prayer.

Vrat food: Most of the devotees choose to drink only water throughout the day, while some can choose to eat a one-time meal in the afternoon upon completion of the puja. They can eat fruits, milk, curd or buttermilk or a dish made of sabo dana.

Mantras to chant during the day: It a compulsion to read the Solah Somvar Katha (Story) every Monday during puja followed by any of the following mantras:

1. Panchakshri Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya

One of the most powerful mantras to praise Lord Shiva. Chanting Om Namah Shivaya 108 times every day helps in developing concentration and provides divine energy.

2. Shiva Gayatri Mantra

Om Tat Purushaya Vidmahe, Mahadevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rudra Prachodayat.

Regular chanting of this mantra eliminates all kinds of fear and keeps anxiety at bay.

3. Rudra Mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya.

This powerful mantra is recited to get the blessing of the merciful Lord and considered effective for the fulfilment of one’s desires. 4. Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim pustivardham,

Urwarukmivbandhanaan Mrityormuksheey mamritaat.

Hindu scriptures describe that reciting this powerful mantra for 108 times, keeps the devotee free of all diseases and provides health, wealth, and vitality.

5. Mantra / Prayer for Aarti

Karpur Gauram Karunavataram, Sansara Saram Bhujagendra Haram Sada Vasantam Hridayaaravinde, Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami.

Benefits / Significance: According to Shiva Purana, observing this Vrat helps to bring success in career, business, and relationship and also brings peace of mind, good health, longevity. Observing fast during Solah Somvar with devotion and faith will help a person to get his/her life partner.

Couples facing a hard time in their marital relationship would experience peace and harmony. Offering Dhatura flower and fruit to Shivling and chanting of divine mantras on each day of Vrat would bless one with progeny.

Somvar Vrat Katha (story): A legend from Shiva Purana narrates the benefits of observing Solah Somvar Vrat. Once upon a time Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati decided to visit the famous city of Amravati. On their way, they saw an attractive Shiva temple and decided to spend some time there.

One day, Parvati notices Lord Shiva in a playful mood, and they started playing a dice game. Meanwhile, the priest of the temple had come there.

Parvati turned towards him and with the excitement of the game asked him- please foretell who will win this game?

The priest was not prepared for such a question abruptly said, Lord Shiva will win the game, but Goddess Parvati won the game.

She was angry with the priest due to his unreasonable answer and cursed the priest that he will become a leper.

In due course, the priest became a leper and spent a painful life.

After some years of that incident, some fairies visited that temple and come to know the whole story from the priest.

After hearing his painful story, one of the fairies suggested the priest to observe Monday fast for sixteen weeks without break.

On the seventeenth Monday, prepare the prasad with flour mixed with ghee and jaggery and distribute this prasad among the devotees, members of your family, and take some yourself. You will be free from this leprosy with the power of this fast.

The fairies disappeared and the priest followed the instructions. Soon, he gained normal health.

Goddess Parvati was surprised to see the priest in normal health condition when they visited that temple again.

She enquired and the priest narrated the whole story. Parvati was happy knowing the secret power behind Solah Somvar Vrat and She also decided to observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks.

Surprisingly on the seventeenth Monday, her beloved son Kartikeya, who was displeased with her, appeared and said, O my dear mother which power attracted me to come here, then She narrated him the whole story.

According to Bhavishya Purana, all other fasts of a year cannot even touch the glory of the one-sixteenth division of this Solah Somvaar Vrata. People who worship Lord Shiva on Monday always succeed in their endeavours.

This fast should be observed for attaining spiritual and physical health, luck, and reputation. Childless people can get children and the unmarried can get a partner of choice.

The positive vibes of this Vrat will surely eradicate all sorts of fear and sorrow from one’s life. It is believed that those who observe a vrat sincerely and with utmost faith get rid of all sorts of troubles and live a blissful life.

What are the perfect rules of 16 Somvar Vrat?

Sixteen Mondays fasting is the remedy for the desired life partner for boy or girl.

How to do Savan sixteen Mondays fast with these 16 rules

According to the scriptures, 16 Monday fast is of the most important fast as a powerful remedy for fulfilling the physical worldly wishes of natives. If any sorrowful boy or girl worships Lord shiva & do these sixteen Monday fasts, they will get the desired life partner according to their wish. Well, this fast can be practiced by people of all ages and all classes, it is easy to observe the fast, but it is very important to follow certain rules of the world in the fasts being done to fulfill the desire, otherwise, the desired fruit is not obtained.

16 rules of sixteen Monday fast

1- It is compulsory for a married man/woman to follow the rules of brahmacharya before fasting on sixteen Mondays.

2- Wake up before sunrise and add a pinch of black sesame to the water and after taking a bath, offer turmeric mixed water to the sun.

3- Now worship Lord Shiva, first of all, place the Shivling in a copper vessel.

4- Though pure Ganga water or Ganga water is added to normal water to offer Lord Shiva, but for fulfilling special desires, offer cow milk, curd, ghee, honey, gram lentil, mustard oil, black sesame, etc.

5- After offering all described items, chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’,& worship Shiva-Parvati with white flowers, white sandalwood, rice, panchamrit, betel nut, seasonal fruit, and Gangajal.

6- During the Abhishek, along with the worship method, mental chanting or pronunciation of mantras has also been considered very important. Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Shiva Panchakshari Mantra, or other Shiva’s chants, hymns, etc.

7- After worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, do read the 16 Monday fast story.

8- After offering aarti, offer bhog prasad and take it yourself after dividing the prasad among the family.

9- On the fasting day, if possible, take the food without salt, sugar, and tasteless.

10- Do not sleep at all during the day.

11- Set the same time of worship every Monday till sixteen Mondays.

12- Take the same prasad or meal at the same time until sixteen Mondays.

13- Among the offerings, Gangajal, Tulsi, Clove, Churma, Kheer and Laddus, etc., choose one according to your ability and accept it.

14- Eat the food items by sixteen Mondays and sit in the same fixed place, do not move everywhere while taking prasad or eating food.

15-Sixteen Mondays give some gift to a married couple every Monday. Remember, give a gift to the same couple by sixteen Mondays. (Gift can be Fruits, clothes or sweets) etc.

16- Do not let the rules and times of Prasad and Puja set by sixteen Mondays be fragmented, and be pure with mind, contemplation, speech, deeds

Solah Somvar Vrat 

One of the mainstream fasts celebrated by Hindus to please Lord Shiva is the Solah Somvar Vrat. The most fortunate day for worshipping Lord Shiva is Monday. Lord Shiva is one of the main Hindu gods among the Supreme Trinity of Vishnu, Brahma, and Mahesh. For 16 consecutive Mondays, this fast is observed. 

The first Monday of the month of Shravan marks the start of this solah somvar vrat, which lasts for 16 weeks. Whoever worships Lord Shiva with a pure heart or observes the Solah Somvar Vrat may experience good fortune. If your devotion is pure and unshakable, all your sincere desires will be realised within a fair amount of time. 

Significance Of 16 Somvar Vrat

• The meaning of Vrat is that a person may face fewer obstacles in life if they worship Lord Shiva with complete dedication. 
• Lord Shiva may also grant them the health and prosperity they seek. You might also find contentment and serenity in your mind with its aid.
• People with weak Moons in their birth charts should observe Solah Somvar Vrat to benefit from the Moon. 
• For their mother’s health, people can also follow the Solah Somvar Vrat.
• Anyone who wishes to worship Lord Shiva may observe this fast. 
• However, it is mostly observed by single women who have trouble finding their ideal life partner.

Origin of solah somvar vrat 

The tale of the Solah Somvar Vrat in the Samvat year is centred around the stunning duo of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Lord Shiva once made the decision to take Maa Parvati to Mrityu-lok. They stopped at a Shiva temple they had passed while travelling to spend some time.

Later, Maa Parvati discovered Lord Shiva to be amused and asked him to play the game of Chaupar with her. Before the temple priest showed up, the couple got to work on their game.

When Maa Parvati turned to face the priest, she enquired about his ability to predict the match’s outcome. In response to Maa Parvati’s query, the Brahmin answered, “Lord Shiva will win the game,” without seriously considering it.

Interestingly, Maa Parvati was declared the game’s victor. When Goddess Parvati saw this, she became enraged and assumed the priest had predicted the wrong winner. The priest was then cursed and turned leprous as a result.

Fairies then travelled to Earth and acquired knowledge of the cursed priest. One of the fairies then advised him to keep 16 Monday fasts. On the final Monday of the month, they encouraged him to sacrifice jaggery to Lord Shiva. Additionally, they instructed him to provide these offerings to his family members.

The priest complied with the fairies’ requests. He soon began to feel better and was in good health. The priest’s good health caught Maa Parvati off guard when she and Lord Shiva returned to the temple.

After that, the priest told the entire tale, impressing Maa Parvati. And as a result, she also decided to observe 16 Monday fasts.

Benefits Of solah somvar vrat

Spiritual Benefits 

• According to legend, the 16 Somvar Vrat aids in the purification of the devotee’s soul by destroying their bad karma and sins.
• One’s spiritual practice and relationship with God can be strengthened and deepened by the discipline and commitment necessary to observe the 16 Somvar Vrat.
• Achieving inner peace and tranquillity via fasting and praying during this vrat might be helpful for one’s overall spiritual development.

Material Benefits 

• All the obstacles in your married life are removed and aid you in leading happy married life.
• Observing this fast could lead to marriage with the desired partner. 
• Those facing delays in their marriage also observe this fast to get rid of obstacles.
• You are blessed with health and prosperity.
• You may also experience success and growth in your career.

Why Is It Important To Fast For Solah Somvar During Sawan?

It is auspicious to honour and adore Lord Shiva during the holy month of Sawan, also called Shravan Maas. Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction and transformation, is thought to be incredibly responsive to the prayers and devotions of his devotees at this time. The Sawan Somwar Fast is regarded as the most significant, and it is said that if it is kept for 16 Mondays, Lord Shiva will give you all of your heart’s desires. The devotee can concentrate on prayer and meditation and develop a stronger relationship with the holy by forgoing food and other physical gratifications. Anyone who wishes to worship Lord Shiva may observe this fast.

Fasting Rules Of 16 Somvar Vrat

• Starting on the first Monday of Shravan Month, observe a 16-day fast as part of the solah somvar puja vidhi.
• Get up early, take a bath, and put on clean clothing.
• Visit the Lord Shiva shrine in the area.
• Send up genuine prayers to Maa Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva.
• Perform Rudraabhishek on the Shiva idol. Offer unbroken rice, Panchamrit, Chandan, fruit, and itra to the gods when conducting the rites.
• Before reciting the mantras 108 times, one can also give Lord Shiva Bel Phal, Bel Patra, and marijuana leaves.
• Recite the Solah Somvar Katha close to your house temple.
• Next, observe fast with a proper lunch or dinner or some fruits.
• Avoid eating frequently, or avoid consuming salty meals.
• Keep the fast for another 16 Mondays.
• Complete the entire puja on the 16th Monday and recall Lord Shiva in your prayers.

Procedure of Puja

• Go to the temple and clean the idol by pouring water and placing the other items for puja. Add flowers to the picture and place diyas near the idol.
• Before lighting the lamp with sesame oil, clean the altar. Then chant and present Lord Shiva with flowers as an act of worship. Offer nuts, betel leaves, fruits, coconut, and the sweet dish to Lord Shiva. If you can make the sweet dish at home, that’s good.
• The 16 somvar vrat katha must next be said, and the puja must be finished with an aarti. 
• Light a lamp around Lord Shiva in the evening as well.

16 Somavar Katha

A moneylender and his wife once had a very religious and dedicated life. They prayed to the Lord to provide them with a child because they were without children. The couple received a boy child as a gift from Lord Shiva. Unfortunately, the boy’s father was well aware that he had just 12 years left to live.

The moneylender forced the boy to lead a committed and frugal life. The child travelled to Kashi with his uncle to finish his studies during his twelfth year. They passed the wedding of a wealthy businessman’s daughter as they travelled. The bridegroom had one eye that was blind. The child was asked to be the groom once the bride’s family learned of it. 

The boy went to Kashi to finish school after getting married. One day, when his life was coming to an end, he was abruptly faced with death. Lord Shiva granted the youngster a second chance at life to show his gratitude for all of the good deeds and dedication of the residents of the merchant’s home. The boy married his bride and returned to his family, where they all lived happily ever after.

Conclusion

Finally, it was discovered that Solah Somwar Vrat has numerous advantages for us. One can overcome their hurdles by keeping the fast for 16 consecutive Mondays and receiving Lord Shiva’s unique blessings. People who sincerely pray to Lord Shiva are said to have a better chance of having their wishes come true. Your smallest offering to Lord Shiva might not be in vain. 

Solah Somvar Vrat – Righteous way to perform puja vidhi of Lord Shiva

The holy month of Shravan also known as Saawan is here, and it’s time to worship the kind-hearted Lord Shiva. In India, where festivals are celebrated with zeal and devotion, one such festival is celebrated for an entire month by offering prayers to the deity and seeking his blessings

Monday Fast Significance

Monday is said to be an auspicious day of Lord Shiva. Devotees line up at Shiva mandirs or temples on this day to get blessings and boons from the Lord, who is known to remove great difficulties from the lives of devotees. 16 Monday Vrat or Solah Somvar Vrat is one of the most revered fasts in Hinduism that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hindus regard Lord Shiva as a powerful God, and observing fasting for 16 Mondays consecutively, can bestow several blessings on them

When to start 16 Somvar Vrat?

Solah Somvar Vrat starts from the 1st Monday of Shukla Paksha in Shravan month and is believed to be extremely fruitful. One can observe fast up to 4 to 5 Mondays continuously. A person who is willing to do more can continue fasting up to 16 consecutive Mondays.

Why is 16 Somvar Vrat observed?

The 16 Monday Vrat happens to be the most prevailing one in India. It has to be held for 16 Mondays successively to offer reverence and please Lord Shiva for seeking his blessings. Anyone who wishes to gain blessings from the deity may observe this fast. Mostly, unmarried women observe this Vrat to get blessings of blissful marriage with an ideal partner. Observing this fast during Shravan month is of immense benefit. Similar to other fasts and festivals, devotees pray, conduct puja vidhi, and read the 16 Somvar Vrat Katha.

Solah Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi

The 16 Somvar puja vidhi can be followed with ease. Before starting the puja, one must pledge to follow the Vrat with true devotion and authenticity.

1. For performing puja, wake up early in the morning, take a bath and arrange all samagri for 16 Somvar Vrat (ingredients for Solah Somvar Vrat puja).
2. Next, visit the temple of Lord Shiva. If this is not possible, one can perform puja at their home as well. Start with cleansing the deity’s idol with water and decorate the altar with flowers.
3. Clean the place of worship and light diya with oil. After this, offer flowers along with chanting prayers to Lord Shiva.
4. Offer betel leaves, coconut, nuts, fruits, and sweet dishes to mark the end of the puja. People usually offer sweet dishes prepared at home.
5. Next, the recitation of 16 Somvar Vrat Katha is done and the puja is concluded with arti.

Light a lamp in front of Lord Shiva in the evening. Fast should be observed throughout the day. Unmarried women should read the marriage story of Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi to get blessings.

16 Somvar Vrat Katha or Story

Once there lived a moneylender and his wife, both were distinctly religious and devoted in their life. They didn’t have the happiness of a child and prayed to the Lord to bless them with one. Lord Shiva was appeased by their prayers and blessed them with a baby boy. Unfortunately, the boy was meant to live for only 12 years, and this was known to his father.

The moneylender taught his son to live a highly modest and devoted life. On the year he was going to turn 12, he was sent to Kashi with his uncle to finish his academic career. They witnessed a marriage ceremony. The bride was the daughter of a businessman, but the groom suffered from blindness in one eye. After discovering this, the bride’s family requested the money lender’s son to marry her.

After marrying the bride, both went to Kashi, and the boy completed his studies as decided. But his destiny was close and one day he came to face his death. The money lender’s family had prayed unmeasurably to Lord Shiva. Seeing their devotion, the Lord was touched and hence as a boon, blessed their son with longevity. The boy and his wife happily returned home and lived with their family with great bliss.

Happy 16 Somvar Vrat and may Lord Shiva bless everyone with prosperity and happiness in life.

Solah Somvar Vrat for Lord Shiva

Methods of Solah Somvar vrat Fasting is very simple. Monday fasting or observing fast during Monday is very simple, there isn’t much colossal rituals attached to this vrat. But the person who does this vrat should be pure from his heart. On every fasting day he or she should wake up early in the morning and start his routine activities after worshiping Lord Shiva. For worshiping Lord Shiva you can install idol or picture of Lord Shiva at pooja ghar (shrine place) at home. Ideal, you can install Shivalinga in your shrine place. Remember! Pooja ghar should be in North-East of direction of your home. And face of Shivalinga should be in North direction. With devotion offer Bel Patra, Roli, chawal, flowers, Dhoop, Dip, Diya, chandan, Dhatura, Milk, Curd, Camphor, Kaner phool, Janeu, and blessed food to Lord Shiva. Decorate or keep these all material in a pooja thali (plate).

Remember! Red Kumkum or Sindoor is not offered to Lord Shiva. After taking bath, you can begin your Monday fast and offer all collected materials one by one to Shivalinga. And after doing Shiva Pooja, read or hear Somvar Vrat Katha, as hearing Somvar Vrat Katha is important part of Monday fast. Chant Mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’ throughout the day. And late in the evening after again worshiping Lord Shiva you can have a one time sweet meal without salt. Eating fruits like banana, apple, papaya is also good in Monday fast.

When to begin Monday Fast? It is believed that Monday fasting will be very fruitful if started from first Monday of Shukla Paksh of Shravan month (June-July). Four or five Monday fasting can be done in a go . And as per willingness the person can continue this fast till 16 weeks of Monday starting from Shukla Paksh ( waxing period of moon) of Shravan month. Solah Somvar vrat also can be started in the month of Kartik mas. But simple Monday fast can also be started from first Monday of Shukla Paksha of Hindi Months – Chaitra, Baisakh, Kartik and Margshirsha.

As per the above methods, After performing the pooja to Lord Shiva, the story below could be read in the morning during the Pooja. You can wear white colour clothes if you would like to. It is very good to perform a abhisheka to Lord Shiva in a temple on every Monday during the sixteen week Solah Somvar vrat for Lord Shiva’s blessings. During the fast you can have water, fresh fruits, milk as per your vow and fasting capabilities. Some people who can sustain fast just on eating a Tulsi patta. Light a lamp with ghee. Bilva leaves, white colour flowers can be offered to Lord shiva

In the evening at Pradosh kaal you can perform one more Pooja to Lord Shiva and read the evening Katha offer Prasad. Have your Part of Prasad and have your food. Apart from the prasad, after the fast you can have a sweet meal, which means food without salt. You can have sabudana khichdi or Sabudana kheer/Payasam either on Tuesday or Wednesdays, once in a week to energize yourself and keep your body cool and healthy.

English version for Sixteen Weeks Monday Fast : Once Lord Shiva visited the famous city of Amravati. Parvati also accompanied him. On their way, they saw a beautiful Shiva temple and decided to spend some time there. One day, Parvati found Lord Shiva in a playful mood. She said to him, Oh my Lord, let us have a dice game. Lord Shiva obliged her and the game started. Meanwhile, the priest of the temple had come there. Parvati turned towards him and said Please foretell who will win this game? The Brahman gave no serious thought to her question and abruptly said, Lord Shiva will win the game.

Incidentally Parvati won the game. She was angry because the Brahman had told a lie. Lord Shiva tried to pacify her, but she cursed the Brahman that he be a leper. In due course, the Brahman became a leper and spent a miserable life. After some time a few fairies descended on the earth and pitied the fate of the priest. On asking him, the priest narrated the whole episode. One of the fairies said, You observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without break. On the seventeenth Monday, prepare some holy food or Prasad with flour mixed with ghee and gur. Distribute this prasad among the members of your family and take some yourself. You will be free from this leprosy.

The fairies disappeared and the priest followed the instructions. Soon, he regained his normal health. Once Lord Shiva and Parvati again visited that temple. Parvati was surprised to see the priest. He was his normal self. She enquired about this feat and the priest narrated the whole story. Parvati was happy, she also decided to observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. Incidentally, on the seventeenth Monday, when she broke her fast, her beloved son Kartikeya, who was displeased with her, appeared and said, 0 dear mother what is that power with which you have called me?

What is the mystery? Parvati said, 0 my dear son, all this miracle is due to observing Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without interruption. Karthikeya Brahman friend had been in a foreign land for quite some time. Kartikeya said, I shall observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks for happy reunion with my friend. He observed the 16 weeks fasts as per rules and to his great surprise his friend returned hale and hearty. The friend enquired about the miracle and Kartikeya told him the modalities to be observed for Monday fast. The Brahman friend was very curious about his marriage.

He decided to observe the Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. On the seventeenth Monday, the Brahman friend went to a city. The ruler of the city decided to marry his daughter to a person on whose neck his well-decorated elephant would put the garland. The Brahman joined the show. Incidentally, the elephant garlanded him. The ruler of the city gave him his daughter and also a lot of money. The couple departed the next day and were back in their home. On the honeymoon night, the bride said,

0h my dear, how is it that the elephant ignored all the princes and garlanded you? How did you succeed on the auspicious moments? The bridegroom said, I observed fasts on sixteen Mondays. Monday is Lord Shivas day. It is due to his blessings that I got a beautiful wife like you. My friend Kartikeya revealed this secret to me. The bride too decided to observe fasts on sixteen Mondays for a beautiful son full of knowledge. Her devotion bore fruit and she gave birth to a beautiful son. As the son grew up, he said to his mother, 0 my dear mother, what is the mystery behind my birth? Please reveal it to me. The mother told him how she observed Monday fasts. The son also decided to observe the fasts to gain a kingdom for his parents. Incidentally, an old kings messengers from a nearby State came there in search of a beautiful and learned bridegroom for the princess.

They proposed the princess hand for him and he readily agreed. The king expired after sometime and the boy became the king. The newly-made king continued his fasts for the next sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, he arranged a large prayer party at a temple. All the arrangements were made well in advance. The king requested the queen to accompany him to the temple for breaking the fast after taking prasaad from the priest. The queen refused to go with him. The king had to go alone. The king heard an oracle who echoed, 0 king, turn out the queen from the palace or destruction will fall upon you. The king returned to his palace.

He summoned a conference of his ministers and told about the oracle. All of them were taken aback, as it was due to that princess that he became the king of the state. They agreed to his proposal only with a heavy heart. The queen was ultimately turned out. The queen left the palace bare footed and in worn-out clothes. She was thirsty and fatigued. She met an old lady who had a load of spun spindles on her head. She was going to the city. She felt pity on her and asked to help her in selling the yarn because she did not know the art of selling. The queen took that load on her head.

Incidentally, strong wind blew away the spindles which disappeared in the dusty wind. The queen felt sorry and the old lady asked her to go away. The queen went to an oil mans house and sought shelter. The oilman obliged her, but as she stepped in, all of his oil pots developed cracks and the oil began to flow on the ground. The oilman immediately turned her out. The queen was now disheartened. She went to the bank of a river to quench her thirst. As she touched the water, the water dried up.

She then went to a deep jungle and saw a tank of water. As she went down the stairs and touched the crystal dear water, it became muddy. She cursed her fate and put a few drops of the muddy water in her mouth. She was now tired and wanted to take rest under a shady tree. As she went near the tree its leaves began to fall and soon it became leafless. The cowherds saw this incident and told the whole story to the priest of a nearby temple. The priest called for the woman. He was surprised to see that the woman had royal features. He consoled her and provided her with all the facilities.

But after some days, he also got fed up with her because whatever the woman touched became impure — may it be milk, food or water. One day, the priest said, 0 lady, what curse has fallen upon you? You reveal the mystery. The woman told him how she rejected a proposal to attend Monday fast prayer. The priest understood the whole thing. He knew it was Shivas curse. He said, 0 dear lady, you observe fasts on sixteen Mondays and Lord Shiva will absolve you of your sins. The woman realised her mistake and observed the Monday fasts for sixteen Mondays.

On the seventeenth Monday, the king said to himself, My queen left my palace long ago. Her condition must be very miserable. He called for his courtiers and ordered them to search out the queen. The courtiers reached the temple where the queen was residing. The priest refused to hand over the queen to them and said, Let the king himself come to receive her. The courtiers went to the king and related the whole story. The king was happy to hear the news.

He went to the temple and requested the priest to return his queen to him. The king admitted that he deserted the queen to avoid Lord Shivas wrath. The priest trusted the kings words and the queen returned to the palace. She was given a royal welcome. The king distributed money among the needy and arranged food for the hungry. The king and queen now regularly observed fasts on sixteen Mondays each year and lived a very happy life. After their death they found abode in Lord Shivas city, Shivpuri. Since, then it is believed that a person who observes fasts on sixteen Mondays, gets all pleasures and enters Shivpuri after his death.

Somvar Vrat Katha Pradosh Kaal Evening story: Story associated to Monday Fast Katha (Story) of Monday fast (Somvar vrat) goes this way:-Once upon a time, a rich moneylender used to live in a place. He had wealth and material comforts. But only one pain troubled his heart that he was without the children. He and his wife desperately wanted any child who can continue their progenies. But there was no child in his destiny. He was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and routinely used to visit Shiv temple on every Monday. One day Goddess Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva) requested Lord Shiva about hearing prayers of that devotee. Observing profound devotion of that devotee,

Lord Mahadev blessed and offered him a baby-boy. But that offering was with one condition that the child will survive till 12 years only. After the birth of that child, everyone was truly happy except that moneylender because he knew that his boy had only 12 years of life. After 11 years, the moneylender thought to send his child to the home of maternal uncle in Kashi for completion of education. Moneylender was aware about the death of his child. But he never broke his devotion towards Lord Shiva. He, in fact, advised his child and child’s maternal uncle to offer yagya, pooja to Lord Shiva.

Maternal uncle and that boy started their journey towards home. And in all shrines possible and offered yagya, pooja and gave donation to Brahmin. In their journey they saw a marriage ceremony. And because the groom in the ceremony had defect in one eye, fortunately this boy became groom and got married to a girl of a rich businessman. But that boy had to go with maternal uncle for completion of education so he went to Kashi. One day when maternal uncle was arranging a sacred ceremony for yagya, pooja and for giving donation to Brahmin, that boy felt ill. And because of his illness, his maternal uncle told him to take rest and slip at room.

But as the boy had completed his 12 years of age, he had gave-up his life. When maternal uncle saw him dead he was in pain but thought of completing the sacred ceremony first. Fortunately, Mata Parvati and Bhagwan Shiv were passing through their home and saw all relatives crying. As the boy, his parents, and maternal uncle had immensely shown great devotion towards Lord Shiva and did enormous pious work, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati offered life to that boy, once again. And this way that boy returned back home with his bride. Finding him alive his parents were glad and thanked to Mahadev.

Likewise, if any person heartily does Monday fast or worship of Lord Shiva they get immense blessings of Mahadev. Lord Shiva certainly accomplishes all wishes of his devotees. The Solah Somvar fast happens to be the most popular vrat observed for 16 consecutive Mondays to impress the deity and seek his blessings. This fast can be observed by anyone, who wants to worship Lord Shiva. However, it is majorly observed by unmarried women, who face problems in getting married to their desired life partner. This Solah Somvar vrat begins from the first Monday of Shravan month continues till 16 weeks. Much like other fasts, devotees offer prayer, follow rituals and recite the Solah Somvar vrat katha.

Fasting procedure of Solah Somvar Vrat. The Solah Somvar fast is very easy to follow. One must take a vow to follow the vrat for 16 Mondays with a pure heart and devotion. The vrat begins with waking up early in the morning and taking bath and doing puja of Lord Shiva. Do it for 16 consecutive Mondays to impress the deity and seek his blessings. This fast can be observed by anyone, who wants to worship Lord Shiva. However, it is majorly observed by unmarried women, who face problems in getting married to their desired life partner. This Solah Somvar vrat begins from the first Monday of Shravan month continues till 16 weeks. Much like other fasts, devotees offer prayer, follow rituals and recite the Solah Somvar vrat katha.

Then decorating the picture with flowers and divas. Next, clean the altar and light the lamp with gingelly oil. Then chant and offer prayers with flowers to Lord Shiva. Then you can end the puja by offering betel leaves, nuts, coconut, fruits and the sweet dish. It is good if you can prepare the sweet dish at home. Next, you must recite the 16 Somvar vrat katha and conclude the puja with an arati. Then in the evening lighting, a lamp around Lord Shiva is essential. One must keep fast throughout the day and can eat prasad and fruits after completion of puja.

Indians believe in miracles. Miracles can happen. It is our own mind which make positive and negative impact in our life. Scientifically Fasting is good for health. It will give your body metabolism time to rejuvenate. I think in ancient times, Rishis and Preachers use human psychology to convey a message. Solar Somvar Could be reason of changing human mood and save food at difficult times. If you believe in certain things you should Try it. You Never know Miracles can happen. Om Namah Shivay

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha : सोलह सोमवार व्रत कथा

Monday fasts or Solah Somvar vrats are kept for 16 consecutive Mondays. These fasts are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha : सोलह सोमवार व्रत कथा

A devotee can start Solah Somvar Vrat on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in any month. But devotees usually begin the fasting in Shravan or Kartik month. Solah Somvar Vrat is observed by women to get good husbands and many also observe it when they are blessed with a good married life. It is also believed that observing this Vrat will help in getting one’s wishes fulfilled.

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha : सोलह सोमवार व्रत कथा In Hindi

एक समय श्री महादेव जी पार्वती जी के साथ भ्रमण करते हुए मृत्युलोक में अमरावती नगरी में आये, वहां के राजा ने एक शिवजी का मंदिर बनवाया था। शंकर जी वहीं ठहर गये। एक दिन पार्वती जी शिवजी से बोली- नाथ! आइये आज चौसर खेलें। खेल प्रारंभ हुआ, उसी समय पुजारी पूजा करने को आये। पार्वती जी ने पूछा- पुजारी जी! बताइये जीत किसकी होगी? वह बाले शंकर जी की और अन्त में जीत पार्वती जी की हुई। पार्वती ने मिथ्या भाषण के कारण पुजारी जी को कोढ़ी होने का शाप दिया, पुजारी जी कोढ़ी हो गये।

कुछ काल बात अप्सराएं पूजन के लिए आई और पुजारी से कोढी होने का कारण पूछा- पुजारी जी ने सब बातें बतला दीं। अप्सराएं बोली- पुजारी जी! तुम सोलह सोमवार का व्रत करो। महादेव जी तुम्हारा कष्ट दूर करेंगे। पुजारी जी ने उत्सुकता से व्रत की विधि पूछी। अप्सरा बोली- सोमवार को व्रत करें, संध्योपासनोपरान्त आधा सेर गेहूं के आटे का चूरमा तथा मिट्‌टी की तीन मूर्ति बनावें और घी, गुड , दीप, नैवेद्य, बेलपत्रादि से पूजन करें। बाद में चूरमा भगवान शंकर को अर्पण कर, प्रसादी समझ वितरित कर प्रसाद लें। इस विधि से सोलह सोमवार कर सत्रहवें सोमवार को पांच सेर गेहूं के आटे की बाटी का चूरमा बनाकर भोग लगाकर बांट दें फिर सकुटुम्ब प्रसाद ग्रहण करें। ऐसा करने से शिवजी तुम्हारे मनोरथ पूर्ण करेंगे। यह कहकर अप्सरा स्वर्ग को चली गई।

पुजारी जी यथाविधि व्रत कर रोग मुक्त हुए और पूजन करने लगे। कुछ दिन बाद शिव पार्वती पुनः आये पुजारी जी को कुशल पूर्वक देख पार्वती ने रोग मुक्त होने का कारण पूछा। पुजारी के कथनानुसार पार्वती ने व्रत किया, फलस्वरूप अप्रसन्न कार्तिकेय जी माता के आज्ञाकारी हुए। कार्तिकेय जी ने भी पार्वती से पूछा कि क्या कारण है कि मेरा मन आपके चरणों में लगा? पार्वती ने वही व्रत बतलाया। कार्तिकेय जी ने भी व्रत किया, फलस्वरूप बिछुड़ा हुआ मित्र मिला। उसने भी कारण पूछा। बताने पर विवाह की इच्छा से यथाविधि व्रत किया। फलतः वह विदेश गया, वहां राजा की कन्या का स्वयंवर था। राजा का प्रण था कि हथिनी जिसको माला पहनायेगी उसी के साथ पुत्री का विवाह होगा। यह ब्राह्‌मण भी स्वयंवर देखने की इच्छा से एक ओर जा बैठा। हथिनी ने माला इसी ब्राह्‌मण कुमार को पहनाई। धूमधाम से विवाह हुआ तत्पश्चात दोनों सुख से रहने लगे। एक दिन राजकन्या ने पूछा- नाथ! आपने कौन सा पुण्य किया जिससे राजकुमारों को छोड हथिनी ने आपका वरण किया। ब्राह्‌मण ने सोलह सोमवार का व्रत सविधि बताया। राज-कन्या ने सत्पुत्र प्राप्ति के लिए व्रत किया और सर्वगुण सम्पन्न पुत्र प्राप्त किया। बड़े होने पर पुत्र ने पूछा- माता जी! किस पुण्य से मेरी प्राप्ति आपको हुई? राजकन्या ने सविधि सोलह सोमवार व्रत बतलाया। पुत्र राज्य की कामना से व्रत करने लगा। उसी समय राजा के दूतों ने आकर उसे राज्य-कन्या के लिए वरण किया। आनन्द से विवाह सम्पन्न हुआ और राजा के दिवंगत होने पर ब्राह्‌मण कुमार को गद्‌दी मिली। फिर वह इस व्रत को करता रहा। एक दिन इसने अपनी पत्नी से पूजन सामग्री शिवालय में ले चलने को कहा, परन्तु उसने दासियों द्वारा भिजवा दी। जब राजा ने पूजन समाप्त किया जो आकाशवाणी हुई कि इस पत्नी को निकाल दे, नहीं तो वह तेरा सत्यानाश कर देगी। प्रभु की आज्ञा मान उसने रानी को निकाल दिया।

रानी भाग्य को कोसती हुई नगर में बुढ़िया के पास गई। दीन देखकर बुढि या ने इसके सिर पर सूत की पोटली रख बाजार भेजा, रास्ते में आंधी आई, पोटली उड गई। बुढि या ने फटकार कर भगा दिया। वहां से तेली के यहां पहुंची तो सब बर्तन चटक गये, उसने भी निकाल दिया। पानी पीने नदी पर पहुंची तो नदी सूख गई। सरोवर पहुंची तो हाथ का स्पर्श होते ही जल में कीड़े पड गये, उसी जल को पी कर आराम करने के लिए जिस पेड के नीचे जाती वह सूख जाता। वन और सरोवर की यह दशा देखकर ग्वाल इसे मन्दिर के गुसाई के पास ले गये। यह देखकर गुसाईं जी समझ गये यह कुलीन अबला आपत्ति की मारी हुई है। धैर्य बंधाते हुए बोले- बेटी! तू मेरे यहां रह, किसी बात की चिन्ता मत कर। रानी आश्रम में रहने लगी, परन्तु जिस वस्तु पर इसका हाथ लगे उसी में कीड़े पड जायें। दुःखी हो गुसाईं जी ने पूछा- बेटी! किस देव के अपराध से तेरी यह दशा हुई? रानी ने बताया – मैंने पति आज्ञा का उल्लंघन किया और महादेव जी के पूजन को नहीं गई। गुसाईं जी ने शिवजी से प्रार्थना की। गुसाईं जी बोले- बेटी! तुम सोलह सोमवार का व्रत करो। रानी ने सविधि व्रत पूर्ण किया। व्रत के प्रभाव से राजा को रानी की याद आई और दूतों को उसकी खोज करने भेजा। आश्रम में रानी को देखकर दूतों ने आकर राजा को रानी का पता बताया, राजा ने जाकर गुसाईं जी से कहा- महाराज! यह मेरी पत्नी है शिव जी के रुष्ट होने से मैंने इसका परित्याग किया था। अब शिवजी की कृपा से इसे लेने आया हूं। कृपया इसे जाने की आज्ञा दें। गुसाईं जी ने आज्ञा दे दी। राजा रानी नगर में आये। नगर वासियों ने नगर सजाया, बाजा बजने लगे। मंगलोच्चार हुआ। शिवजी की कृपा से प्रतिवर्ष सोलह सोमवार व्रत को कर रानी के साथ आनन्द से रहने लगा। अंत में शिवलोक को प्राप्त हुए। इसी प्रकार जो मनुष्य भक्ति सहित और विधिपूर्वक सोलह सोमवार व्रत को करता है और कथा सुनता है उसकी सब मनोकामनाएं पूर्ण होती हैं और अंत में शिवलोक को प्राप्त होता है।

॥ बोलो शिवशंकर भोले नाथ की जय ॥

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha : सोलह सोमवार व्रत कथा In English

Somvar Vrat – Monday Fasting Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva     Upvaas, or fasting, in Hinduism is mainly observed for the fulfillment of a vow. Upvas is also referred as ‘Vrats.’ But ‘Vrat’ has a wider meaning and it is not just curtailed to the fasting observed for material or other gains. Each day in a week is dedicated to one or more of the gods in the Hindu pantheon. A particular deity is appeased by the devotee on a particular day. Thus Monday is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is believed that goddess Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva and observed Solah Somvar fasts with immense devotion. Ever since then unmarried girls started keeping this fast and asking Lord Shiva to bless them with a life partner like himself.  You might have seen that devotees visit Shiv mandirs on Monday. This is because Monday is the day dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that by observing the Solah Somvar fasts with full devotion and dedication, Lord Shiva blesses the devotees and fulfills their wishes as well.

Devotees will start Solah Somvar Vrat  from the Shukla Paksha of any month. Apart from this, many devotees usually start their fast from Shravan or Kartik month.

The legand of this fast is related to the curse of the Moon. According to the Hindu epics, Moon is the son-in-law of the king Daksha. Daksha married his all daughter to the Moon but Moon only loves Rohini due to this all daughters of Daksha went to his father and complaint against the Moon. To heard the sorrow of his all daughters he cursed the Moon that his body will fade day by day. When the Moon was started fade he tell his problem to the Lord Shiva then he suggest him to take Solah Somvar Vrat. After that Moon started take the fast of Solah Somvar and finally he was free from the curse of Daksha.

Rules of Solah Somvar Vrat

Solah Somvar Vrat is starts from the sunrise and ends at the sunset. So devotees should have to complete their daily routine at sunset then worshipped ShivaLinga with milk, curd, gangajal, honey, sugar and water. Next step is read Solah Somvar Vrat Katha or listen the story of Solah Somvar Vrat. In this fast devotees have to take meal only one time after the sunrise worship. Some devotees take this fast without opt water but some devotees consume water, coconut milk, fruits during fast.

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha

Once Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati visited the famous city Amravati. On their way, they find a beautiful Lord Shiva temple, made by the king of the city Amravati. To see the beauty of the temple they decide to stay some time there. One day, Goddess Parvati notice that Lord Shiva was in playful mood so she offer to play dice game. They started playing dice game suddenly the priest of the temple come there. In the excitement of the game Godeess Parvati asked to the priest “who will win the game of the dice”, the priest was not prepare for any question because of by mistaken he said that Lord shiva will win the game but Parvati won the game. After won the game, she felt angry on the priest. Lord Shiva tried to  calm her but she gave him a curse of being leper. Due to the curse of Godess Parvati he became leper and lived a miserable life. After some years of that incident several fairies came to the temple and asked the reason to the priest of his misery then he narrate all the episode. To hear his story one fairy asked him to perform Solah Somvar Vrat continuously and tell her the rule of the fast. She asked him , on the seventeenth Monday, prepare the Prashad or holy food with ghee, gur with mixed flour and distribute this prasand among devotees, family members and take some yourself. Through the blessing of this fast you will be free from the leprosy. Later all the fairies was disappeared and proest perform all the rituals of the Solah Somvar vrat. Soon he recovered his normal health by the positive energy of the fast.

Once Lord Shiva and Parvati again visit to that temple when Pravati saw that priest healthy she was surprised and asked him the secret of his health then the priest narrate her all the story. To hear the glory of the Solah Somvar Vrat she felt very happy and also perform the fast. After completing 16^th vrat her son Kartikeya, who was displeased with her, was presented in front of her. He asked to the Parvati that which power attracts him and please him then Parvati narrate her all the story.

To listen the power and glory of the Solah Somvar vrat he also perform that fast to reunion with his Brahmin friend, he also gets the result and soon he meets with his Brahmin friend. Kartikaye, a friend asked him the reason of that miracle then kartikaye tell him that he wants to meet him so he perform Solah Somvar vrat. As a result, they meet unexpectedly, Brahmin friend also impressed by that vrat and he decided to take fast. Brahmin also follows all the rules and regulation of the fast and on the day when he completed his fast he was passed by the city. The king of the city performs the swayamver of his daughter but he asked that the elephant decides the groom for his daughter and gave a garland to the elephant. That Bramin was curious about that Sayamvar so he decided to see that when he reached on the Swayamver that elephant garlanded him so the king of the city married her daughter to him. After some time the king was expired and that Brahmin became the king of that city. On the first night, Princess asked him why elephant garlanded him and leave all the Prince who are invited in the Swayamvar. To hear the request of his wife he reveals that the miracle of Solah Somvar vrat.

The wife of Brahmin also impressed to hear the glory of Solah Somvar vrat and started performing fast. By the blessing of the Lord Shiva she gave birth to  a beautiful and intellectual son. When that boy became young she asked his mother to narrate the story of his birth. The mother reveals that she took the fast of Solah Somvar to get him then the boy also perform these fast to get the other kingdom for their parents. Incidentally, an old king of near state also searching a groom for her daughter and send his messenger for a perfect groom for her daughter. To see that boy he asked the king about him and king married her daughter to him. After some time the king was died and that boy was became the king but that boy regularly performs Solah Somvar vrat. On the day of the 17^th Monday that boy arranged a large pooja on the temple and ordered his wife to accompany him on the pooja rituals but she denied. The king performed all the rituals single suddenly he heard a sound or an akashwani to leave his wife. To heard that sound he took a conference of the minister and tell them his problem because he made king due to the queen but their ministers suggested him to leave the queen. So king ordered the queen to leave the palace, she left out bare foot and in worn-out clothes. She was thrisy and hungry but due his misfortune she was not able to eat and drink something. If she touched water or food all thing become rotten she started to cursed his fate.

A potter man felt pity on her and asked her to help him and he will provide food in the exchange of food but when she carry the pots a fast wind blew came and all pots was fall down. The queen felt sorry and potter asked him to go away. Then she reached in a oilman’s house but her misfortune follow her the all the pots that are full of oil break and oilman’s asked him to go away. Now she went in a dark forest, she saw a river but when she reach to the bank river to quench her thrist all the river was dried up. Then she saw a water tank but when she touch the water all water turned muddy then she drink that muddy water. For rest she searched shaddy tree but all sheddy tress became leafless when she sit down to take rest.

The cowherds saw all the incident and told all the incident to the temple priest. Then the priest called him and surprised to see their royal ettiqutes. After that she started lived with that priest but soon she fed up with her life because all things turn impure by her touch. Then the priest asked the reason of her misfortune she narrate all the story. To heard all the story the priest suggested her to take Solah somvar Vrat to please Lord Shiva. When she completed the rituals of the Solah Somvar vrat, her husband remember her and send his messangers to search her. When they find the queen they requested to the priest to send her with them but the priest refused their request. At last king came and asked the priest that he was his husband, he leaves her on the order of Lord Shiva but know Lord Shiva anger was turned into peace so he came here to receive her. The priest believed in the word of the king and return the queen. The queen gets a large welcome party. The king distributes money, food, clothes to the needy people and perform Pooja rituals.

After all these incidents both performs Solah Somvar Vrat Katha and live happily in their kingdom. When they died both enters Shivpuri, the home of the Lord Shiva. It is said that those devotees who takes the fast of Lord Shiva will enter Shivpuri after the death.

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 Sawan Somvar : Important Dates, Vrat Vidhi, History and Everything You Need to Know About it

The month of monsoon, or Sawan, is a very propitious month for Hindus, and they devote the whole month to worshiping Lord Shiva. Sawan ka mahina is just around the corner, and this year Sawan Somwar  will begin on July 4 and end on August 31. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the auspicious month of Sawan falls in the fifth month, and this justifies another name for it, Shravan ka mahina.

Shravan Somwar  Start Date And End Date

After 19 years, this year again, the Sawan Somvar  will be marked for two months due to the Malamas or Adhikmas – the 3-year extra month which falls between the months of October and February.

July 4,  – Beginning of Sawan month

July 10,  – First Sawan Somwar  (First Monday and the first day of Shravan)

July 17  – Second Shravan Somwar

July 24  – Third Shravan Somwar

July 31  – Fourth Shravan Somwar

August 7,  – Fifth Shravan Somwar

August 14,  -Sixth Shravan Somwar

August 21,  – Seventh Shravan Somwar

August 28,  – Eighth Shravan Somwar

August 31,  – Last day of Sawan month

The Mondays of this month, also known as Sawan ka Somwar, are very important as the devotees of Lord Shiva observe a fast on this day, as it is said to bring happiness and prosperity in their life. They also visit the temple and offer milk and fruits to Lord Shiva. This fast is known as Sawan Somwar Vrat.

Ber, or the Jujube Fruit, is said to be the most liked fruit by Lord Shiva, and this is why it is a crucial part of the offerings made by the devotees on Sawan Somwar .

Not only Mondays but Tuesdays or Mangalwar are also very special for this month as they are dedicated to the beloved wife of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and devotees observe the Mangal Gauri Vrat on this day!

Though the Sawan is just observed for a month, the Sawan Somvar Vrat or Fast is kept for 16 consecutive Mondays by the devotees, starting from the first Monday of Sawan.

If you are planning to practice the Sawan Somvar Vrat Vidhi this year, then here is how you should go about it.

Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha

The story dates the day Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva came to spend time on earth from Kailash. On their way, they found a Lord Shiva temple. Due to the tiresome journey, the divine couple thought of taking a halt. Goddess Parvati was quite delighted by being at the temple and urged Mahadev to play the game of dice, which they continued to play for hours.

When Goddess Parvati asked the Priest to guess the winner of this game, he said, ‘Lord Shiva’, but in the end, Goddess Parvati triumphed easily. As the Priest’s predictions proved wrong, the Goddess furiously cursed him, making him a leper. In desperation, the priest began to wander around and eventually came across two devatas who asked him about his situation. They suggested the priest perform the Solah Somvar Vrat continuously for 16 Mondays. The priest got cured by adhering to these instructions.

When Goddess Parvati saw this, she curiously asked the priest about it. He mentioned how the Solah Somvar fast helped him cure. Amazed by this, Goddess Parvati observed the vrat herself to find that Kartikeya, her son, who departed from her, came back on the 16th day of the fast. It seemed as if the vrat had some divine power, and hence, after this incident, the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha.

Sawan Somwar  Vrat Vidhi:

This fast is no rocket science, and you should do it with an open heart, as there are no strict rules to follow. You are doing this purely for your well being, and there is no ill effect to it.

Here is the detailed vrat vidhi that you need to follow on Sawan Somwar .

On the first Sawan Somwar , begin the vrat by waking up early in the morning, taking a bath and then visiting the temple with puja samagri or the offerings for Lord Shiva, that usually comprises of Raw Milk, Honey, Ghee, Dahi, Sugar, Saffron, Sandalwood, Bel Leaves, Rudraksha, Flowers, Ber fruit, etc. On the Sawan Somwar , if you are planning to pray at your home, then make sure you wash the idol of Lord Shiva and then decorate it with flowers as well as light a diya.

After the offerings are presented, devotees chant, offer mantras or prayers and recite ‘Om Namah Shivay’. Then the puja is concluded by offering sweets to Lord Shiva, preferably cooked at home, and the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha is recited followed by Shiva Aarti.

Later in the evening, a diya is lit for Lord Shiva.

Make sure you do not consume any kind of food during the whole day, but you can eat prasad and fruits after the completion of puja.

Sawan Shivratri, translated as ‘the great night of Shiva’, is also observed during this holy month, and this year will fall on July 16, Sunday. This day is considered much significant by Lord Shiva devotees, which is why they fast and worship the Shiva Linga.

As per the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha, it is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on this day, and hence it is celebrated all across the nation with a lot of enthusiasm.

Benefits of Observing Sawan Somwar

The benefits of fasting on Sawan Somwars are:

• Sawan is considered a favorable time to worship Lord Shiva, and the devotees who worship him during this period achieve inner peace, spiritual growth, spiritual freedom, and transformation. 
• It is said that the desires of the devotees who observe fast and perform the rituals on Sawan Somwar get fulfilled.
• Worshipers practicing spirituality and self-purification during this period can purify their body, mind, and soul. 
• The unmarried people looking for marital bliss should observe fast on this day to find their desired life partner. If the married couples observe this fast together, their bond strengthens, and they get blessed with a satisfying and harmonious relationship.
• Worshipers who fast on this day get protection from negative energies and achieve success in their endeavors.
• The devotees are blessed with sound health, and their ailments get healed when they observe fast on Sawan Somwars.

A few add-ons for Sawan Somvar:

Apart from the above mentioned processes and notes, there are a few more things that a lot of devotees like to follow, it’s not a compulsion, and you should only do as much as your health and lifestyle allows. 

1. Many devotees sprinkle Holy Gangajal all over their house after Sawan Somvar Puja Vidhi as it is a symbol of purity and is said to attract prosperity and happiness.
2. Some devotees also take a bath before their evening prayer and follow the whole procedure similarly.
3. Devotees also like to meditate after their Sawan Somvar pooja Vidhi is concluded. 

This is all you need to know about the holy Sawan ka mahina and Sawan Somwar Vrat Vidhi. If you are planning to practice this fast, mark the Sawan Somwar  start date and end date and do not go too hard on yourself and only do as much as your lifestyle allows. You should do this fast purely for your well being and not have any selfish intent in your mind.

Solah Somvar Vrat

Fasting, or observing vrat, is a common technique followed by the Hindu followers for worshipping Lord. There are a number of Gods believed to have special powers for fulfilling special desires of the devotees. Hence, devotees take up fasting in order to get their wishes fulfilled along with seeking the blessings of their Lord. One such significant vrat, or fast, practiced by Hindus is the 16 Somvar (Monday) Vrat, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This fast is usually observed by girls and women on the prospects of getting a good husband, just like Lord Shiva and being blessed with a happy married life. The Solah Somvar Vrat is observed for 16 consecutive Mondays. Check out the following lines to know about the story of Solah Somvar Vrat and the rules for observing it.

Story Of Solah Somvar Vrat
The legend goes like Lord Shiva and Parvati visited the city of Amravati and stopped by a beautiful Shiva temple. Incidentally, Lord Shiva was in a playful mood. Hence finding this, Parvati thought of playing a dice game and the game started. Meanwhile, the temple priest appeared and on asking who would win the game, the priest abruptly answered Lord Shiva would win it. However, Parvati won the game and got annoyed as the Brahman had lied. Parvati cursed him to be a leper. Eventually, the Brahman became a leper and started leading a miserable life. Some time later, few fairies descended on earth and visited the priest on seeing his pitiful fate. The Brahman narrated the entire story to them.

One of the fairies asked the Brahman to observe fasts on sixteen consecutive Mondays without a break and on the seventeenth Monday, prepare Prasad, or holy food, from flour, ghee and gur, and distribute it amongst the family members. As explained, the priest observed the fasts and to his surprise, he was back to his normal health again. After sometime, Lord Shiva and Parvati visited the same temple and were amazed to see a healthy priest. On enquiring, the priest recited the whole story. Excited, Parvati too thought of observing the fast and in due course, got reunited with his beloved son, Kartikeya. Similarly, other such incidents began to happen after observing fasts on 16 consecutive Mondays.

The Solah Somvar Vrat can begin in any month on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). However, devotees prefer fasting in Sharvan or Kartik month. Most devotees even opt for the Chaturmas period for observing this Solah Somvar Vrat. Though the fast begins at sunrise and ends at sunset, some followers prefer observing a 24-hour fast while only consuming water or tender khopra, or coconut. You can also have nuts, milk and fruits during the fasting day. On completing 16 weeks, special pujas, or prayers, are held in the honor of Lord Shiva.

Somvar Vrat Katha – Monday Fasting Story in Hinduism

Somvar Vrat, or fasting on Monday, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the day, devotees the fast listen to Somavar Vrat Katha. The story associated with Monday fasting narrates the experience of a devotee who observed the Somvar Vrat. There are a couple of stories associated with Fasting on Monday and this is one of them.

Once there was a wealthy merchant. He was an ardent Lord Shiva devotee. But after several years of marriage he had no children. He observed Monday fast to get a child. Soon Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared in his dream and blessed him with a son but Lord Shiva said that the child will only live for 12 years.

After a year, the merchant’s wife gave birth to a child and everyone was happy. But the merchant was still sad as he knew that the child only had 12 years of life.

Even after the birth of the child, the merchant continued to perform the Somvar Vrat. He distributed cloths and fed the poor and needy.

When the son reached the age of eleven, the merchant asked his brother-in-law to take the boy to Kashi (Varanasi) and study Holy Scriptures and perform puja for one year.

On the way the merchant’s son and his uncle reached a kingdom where the marriage ceremony of the princess was taking place. But by an accident the groom had lost an eye. The groom’s parents were not ready to tell the truth to the king and they were searching for a boy to perform the role of the temporary groom for the marriage ceremony.

The groom’s parents were attracted by the grace of the merchant’s boy and asked him to be the temporary groom. After long persuasion, the boy agreed to play the role of the temporary groom.

All the people were happy to see the handsome groom and the marriage ceremony was carried out as per tradition. The bride was so happy that she had married a handsome boy. The merchant’s son also was so happy to be with the bride.

Before leaving the merchant’s son wrote the truth in a scarf and gave it to the new bride – that he had replaced the original groom who lost an eye and he was on his way to Kashi. After reading the letter, the bride was not ready to leave with the original groom.

The merchant’s son reached Kashi and performed pujas and rituals to Lord Shiva. They also gave donations to the poor.

At home, the merchant was continuing with his Shiva puja and rituals. He realized that the last day of the 12th year had arrived. He prayed to Lord Shiva the whole day.

At Kashi, the merchant’s son while praying had a chest pain and he fell down and died immediately.

Goddess Parvati who witnessed this event could not tolerate what had happened and pleaded with Shiva to help his devotee. She said that the merchant had sent his son to Kashi to your abode thinking that he will be rescued. He is a true devotee and his prayers cannot go unanswered.

Lord Shiva smiled and said that he was just testing the merchant. There are devotees who approach me only to fulfill their wishes but the merchant was different all his prayers and thoughts were directed to me during prosperity and adversity. He never complained even after knowing the faith of his son and he continued performing all the rituals and donations with renewed vigor. The merchant by sending his son to Kashi had accepted the fact that death is the ultimate truth and he had agreed to the divine will. He never protested but readily accepted the divine will and continued worshipping me and performed Somvar Vrat which is so dear to me. How can I not help such a devotee?

Lord Shiva soon appeared near the merchant’s son in the guise of a saint and sprinkled some water from River Ganga. The son woke up as if he had taken a nap at an unusual time.

The merchant’s son and his uncle thanked Kashi Vishwanath and started their return journey as a year was completed.

On the return journey the son reached the kingdom where his temporary marriage had taken place. The kingdom no longer looked the same. There was sadness all around. On enquiry the boy found out that the princess had walked out of her marriage. The princess stopped talking and is confined to her room. The king and all the people were saddened after this incident.

Soon the boy reached the palace and said to the king what had happened. On hearing the arrival of her husband, the princess came out of her room and was overjoyed to see him.

Soon messengers were sent to the merchant’s family and they all arrived at the kingdom. The king announced that the merchant’s sown would be the next king.

Goddess Parvati who was witnessing the event realized that all this wealth and happiness was the result of the Somvar Vrat performed by the merchant.

Somvar Vrat Dec  Date, Vidhi, Rituals, Fast Breaking Time

Somvar Vrat is a fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva. The vrat is observed on Mondays to please the Lord and get one’s wishes fulfilled.

Though the fasting can be observed on any Monday, there is mention of auspicious Mondays in the Hindu calendar for the vrat.

Somvar Vrat Rituals:

The vrat begins with the sunrise on Monday. The observer of the vrat wakes up early in the morning and meditates about Lord Shiva.

After taking a holy bath, the devotee offers prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The vrat observer wears white clothes.

Special puja is performed by anointing the Shivling with Panchamrit, which is a mixture of honey, curd, milk, ocimum leaves and curd, along with other special substances.

Devotees also offer Vibhuti and Bael leaves to Lord Shiva as these are considered to be the favourites of the Lord.

Special food offerings (Naivedya) are also prepared and offered to appease Lord Shiva. White flowers are also offered on the Shivling.

In the evening, Somvar Vrat Katha is read by the observer of this vrat. The devotees chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ on the Somvar Vrat day.

The observer of the vrat can fast completely or take a single meal after midday. Partial fast can also be observed by having sabudana khichdi or fruits.

The devotees end their fast on the next day after performing rituals and prayers of the morning.

The prasad is then distributed among other devotees and also offered to the poor and needy.

Devotees observing the vrat can either visit Lord Shiva temple in the morning and evening or offer prayers at home.

This vrat can be observed by all. Unmarried girls observe this vrat to get good husbands while married women observe the vrat for peaceful family life.

Sawan Somvar Vrat : Significance, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat and Mantras in Hindi

SAWAN SOMVAR VRAT : The month of Sawan is considered extremely auspicious for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. According to holy scriptures, it is believed that those who observe fast on Mondays during Sawan are blessed by Lord Shiva himself. As per the Hindu calendar, the month of Sawan is just around the corner and here we have detailed all the important details about Somvar Vrat that you need to know.

Somvar Vrat significance

Mondays hold a unique belief in the holy month of Sawan and while some people observe nirjala vrat, others eat light sattvic meals throughout the day. A number of legends advocate that observing 16 consecutive Monday fasts, known as Solah Somvar vrat, attracts tremendous positive energy.

It is popularly observed by unmarried women to receive a suitable life partner. Apart from the Solah Somvar vrat, the Monday fast is not restricted to a particular gender. Shiva devotees from all across the world deem this month as utterly important.

Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi

Wake up in Brahma Muhurta to worship Lord Shiva. Offer belpatra, doob, kusha, lotus, neelkamal, jawaphool kaner, and rye flowers to the holy deity. Meditate and chant the mantras mentioned below.

Somvar Vrat Mantras to chant

Monday Fast & Solah Somvar Vrat Katha

Monday Fast is solely dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bhagvan Shiv is also recognized with names Mahadev, Shankar, Umapati, Rudra, Bhole Nath, Bhole Bhandari, and so on. Mahadev is the supreme Lord for Hindus. Millions of Hindus admire this Lord from the depth of their hearts with extreme devotion. Every Monday you notice a massive crowd of devotees in shrine place or temples of Mahadev, because Monday is very dear to Mahadev.

People who is facing obstacles in married life or facing delays in marriage can observe Monday fast. Fasting on Mondays is also beneficial for accomplishing the wish of getting a desired partner. Monday fast can be observed in three ways-simple Monday fast, Som Pradosh Vrat, and Solah somvar vrat (Monday fast for sixteen weeks). Most devotees also observe fast during four or five Mondays of Shravan month. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva during Shravan month is very auspicious. And observing Monday fast and reciting Solah Somvar Vrat Katha during Shravan month can make Lord Shiva happy for the sure. As Shravan month is deeply dear to Mahadev. It is believed that Mata Parvati deeply wanted to marry to Lord Shiva, and thus she did solah somvar vrat with immense devotion to get Mahadev.

Methods of Monday Fasting

Monday fasting or observing fast during Monday is very simple, there isn’t much colossal rituals attached to this vrat. But the person who does this vrat should be pure from his heart. On every fasting day he or she should wake up early in the morning and start his routine activities after worshiping Lord Shiva. For worshiping Lord Shiva you can install idol or picture of Lord Shiva at pooja ghar (shrine place) at home. Ideal, you can install Shivaling in your shrine place. Remember! Pooja ghar should be in North-East of direction of your home. And face of Shivalinga should be in North direction. With devotion offer Bel Patra, Roli, chawal, flowers, Dhoop, Dip, Diya, chandan, Dhatura, Milk, Curd, Camphor, Kanher phool, Janeu, and blessed food to Lord Shiva. Decorate or keep these all material in a pooja thali (plate).

Remember! Red Kumkum or Sindur is not offered to Lord Shiva.

After taking bath, you can begin your Monday fast and offer all collected materials one by one to Shivalinga. And after doing Shiva Pooja, read or hear Somvar Vrat Katha, as hearing Somvar Vrat Katha is important part of Monday fast. Chant Mantra ‘OM NAMAH SHIVAY’ throughout the day. And late in the evening after again worshiping Lord Shiva you can have a one time sweet meal without salt. Eating fruits like banana, apple, papaya is also good in Monday fast.

When to begin Monday Fast?

It is believed that Monday fasting will be very fruitful if started from first Monday of Shukla Paksh of Shravan month (June-July). Four or five Monday fasting can be done in a go . And as per willingness the person can continue this fast till 16 weeks of Monday starting from Shukla Paksh ( waxing period of moon) of Shravan month.

But simple Monday fast can also be started from first Monday of Shukla Paksha of Hindi Months – Chaitra, Baisakh, Kartik and Margsheersh.

Somvar Vrat Katha: Story associated to Monday Fast

Katha (Story) of Monday fast (Somvar vrat) goes this way:-

Once upon a time, a rich moneylender used to live in a place. He had wealth and material comforts. But only one pain troubled his heart that he was without the children. He and his wife desperately wanted any child who can continue their progenies. But there was no child in his destiny. He was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and routinely used to visit Shiv temple on every Monday. One day Goddess Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva) requested Lord Shiva about hearing prayers of that devotee. Observing profound devotion of that devotee, Lord Mahadev blessed and offered him a baby-boy. But that offering was with one condition that the child will survive till 12 years only. After the birth of that child, everyone was truly happy except that moneylender because he knew that his boy had only 12 years of life. After 11 years, the moneylender thought to send his child to the home of maternal uncle in Kashi for completion of education. Moneylender was aware about the death of his child. But he never broke his devotion towards Lord Shiva. He, in fact, advised his child and child’s maternal uncle to offer yangya, pooja to Lord Shiva. Maternal uncle and that boy started their journey towards home. And in all shrines possible and offered yagya, pooja and gave donation to Brahmin. In their journey they saw a marriage ceremony. And because the groom in the ceremony had defect in one eye, fortunately this boy became groom and got married to a girl of a rich businessman. But that boy had to go with maternal uncle for completion of education so he went to Kashi. One day when maternal uncle was arranging a sacred ceremony for yagya, pooja and for giving donation to Brahmin, that boy felt ill. And because of his illness, his maternal uncle told him to take rest and slip at room. But as the boy had completed his 12 years of age, he had gave-up his life. When maternal uncle saw him dead he was in pain but thought of completing the sacred ceremony first. Fortunately, Mata Parvati and Bhagawan Shiv were passing through their home and saw all relatives crying. As the boy, his parents, and maternal uncle had immensely shown great devotion towards Lord Shiva and did enormous pious work, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati offered life to that boy, once again. And this way that boy returned back home with his bride. Finding him alive his parents were glad and thanked to Mahadev.

Likewise, if any person heartily does Monday fast or worship of Lord Shiva they get immense blessings of Mahadev. Lord Shiva certainly accomplishes all wishes of his devotees. Om Nahah Shivay! Jai Mahadev!

Somvar Vrat

Once there lived a wealthy merchant in a city. He always had immense wealth and prosperity. However, despite all the worldly possessions, he remained sad because he had no son. He regularly observed Monday fast to have a son. He went to the Shiva temple and worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati there with full faith. Goddess Parvati was extremely pleased with his devotion and implored Lord Shiva saying, “My Lord, this wealthy merchant is your faithful devotee. He regularly observes Monday fast but still he has no son. Please fulfil his desire.” Hearing the implorings of Parvati, Lord Shiva said, “Let your desire be fulfilled. I grant him a boon. He will be the father of a son, but he will live for twelve years only”. Fortunately, this wealthy merchant could hear their conversation. As time passed on, the merchants wife gave birth to a beautiful son. He celebrated his sons birth with great pomp and show and distributed food, clothes and money among the poor. All prayed for his sons long and happy life. But the merchant was still sad because he knew that his son would not live beyond twelve years and that Yama, the god of Death, spares none. Knowing what the situation was, the merchant started observing the Monday fast with greater zest but there was no let up in the worship of Lord Shiva. At the age of eleven, the merchants son looked quite smart and mature. All desired that he should be married to a beautiful girl. The merchant’s wife also wanted her sons marriage. She insisted for it again and again but the merchant did not agree to this proposal. He sent for his brother-In-law and said, “Accompany my son to Kashi. Arrange for his best spiritual knowledge. Take enough money from my treasure. Arrange devotional gatherings on your way to Kashi at every halt and distribute alms among the   beggars.” The merchant’s son started his journey for Kashi with his maternal uncle. They arranged devotional gatherings and distributed clothes at every halting camp. They also arranged best eats for the Brahmans and made enough offerings to them. One day they made a halt at a capital of a king. The marriage of the King’s daughter was to take place that day. The marriage party had already reached the city. The bridegroom’s party was terribly disturbed because the bridegroom was blind, of one eye. They were in search of a beautiful boy to replace him.

The bridegroom’s father sent his men in search of a beautiful boy. The men spotted the merchant’s son who was camping in an inn with his maternal uncle. The bridegroom’s father was a rich person. He said to the boy’s maternal uncle, “My prestige is at stake. I need a handsome bridegroom in place of my one-eyed son. I shall give enough wealth if your ward agrees to have a temporary marriage with the kings daughter. He shall be free immediately after the marriage ceremony is over.” The merchant’s brother-in-law convinced the boy for a temporary marriage. The bride’s party praised their luck when they saw a handsome bridegroom with the marching band at the head of the marriage procession. The merchant’s son and the kings daughter were, thus, married around the holy fire. At the time of departure, the merchant’s son picked his brides scarf and wrote, “Now we are husband and wife. I am not the son of a king. I am the son of a rich merchant. I was on way to Kashi for spiritual studies. Your real bridegroom is blind on one eye.” The bride noticed her bridegroom writing something on the scarf. She could not read his message at that time. When the marriage party was about to depart, the bride read the message. She was shocked to know the reality. She refused to accompany with the one-eyed bridegroom. The marriage party returned without a bride. The boy reached Kashiji and devoted himself fully to spiritual studies. His maternal uncle arranged devotional gatherings in the name of Lord Shiva and gave donations everyday for the well-being of his sister’s son. On the last day of the twelfth year, the merchant’s son felt pain in the chest. His maternal uncle was performing the religious rites as per his routine. As he went inside the room, he found the boy dead. He was full of grief, but kept silent as the Brahmans would not accept food from such a house. With courage, he completed his routine.

When his routine was over, he started crying. Many people gathered around him and shared his grief. Fortunately, Lord Shiva and Parvati were also passing by that house. When Parvati heard the cries, her motherly compassion got aroused. She was a mother, after all. Having known the facts, she said to Lord Shiva, “My dear Sire, please ask Yama to return his life. Yama is always at your command. Please do this favour to me. You are the protector of all creatures.” Lord Shiva agreed to this because of the family’s devotion towards him and sprinkled water from the holy river Ganga on the dead body. The boy got up as if he was making an excuse for sleep. The spiritual education of the merchant’s son was over. They started their journey homeward. They arranged spiritual discourses and distributed aims among the needy throughout their way. Now, they were back in the city where this boy was married. The king recognized the boy immediately. He took him to his palace with full honor and on an auspicious day, he arranged to happy departure for his daughter. He also gave adequate dowry. The merchant’s son reached his city along with his bride. His father could not believe it. He was sitting on the roof of a big mansion with his wife, waiting for his son. They had decided that they would not come down until their son supported them himself; otherwise they would commit suicide.

Therefore, finding him alive, his parents were glad and thanked Mahadev.

Som Pradosh Vrat

‘Pradosh’ means ‘the dusk of the early night’ or ‘evening tide’. This fast is observed in the evening twilight, and so it is called Pradosh Vrat. It is observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight. It is practiced to propitiate Lord Shiva, in order to obtain his blessings and boons leading to fulfillment of one’s cherished desired and spiritual upliftment.Those who practice it with unflinching faith and devotion are bound to possess wealth, health, happiness.

Solah Somvar Vrat – 16 weeks Monday fast

Once Lord Shiva visited the famous city of Amravati. Parvati also accompanied him. On their way, they saw a beautiful Shiva temple and decided to spend some time there. One day, Parvati found Lord Shiva in a playful mood. She said to him, Oh my Lord, let us have a dice game. Lord Shiva obliged her and the game started. Meanwhile, the priest of the temple had come there. Parvati turned towards him and said Please foretell who will win this game? The Brahman gave no serious thought to her question and abruptly said, Lord Shiva will win the game. Incidentally Parvati won the game. She was angry because the Brahman had told a lie. Lord Shiva tried to pacify her, but she cursed the Brahman that he be a leper. In due course, the Brahman became a leper and spent a miserable life. After some time a few fairies descended on the earth and pitied the fate of the priest. On asking him, the priest narrated the whole episode. One of the fairies said, “You observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without break. On the seventeenth Monday, prepare some holy food or Prasad with flour mixed with ghee and gur. Distribute this prasaad among the members of your family and take some yourself. You will be free from this leprosy.” The fairies disappeared and the priest followed the instructions. Soon, he regained his normal health.

Once Lord Shiva and Parvati again visited that temple. Parvati was surprised to see the priest. He was his normal self. She enquired about this feat and the priest narrated the whole story. Parvati was happy, she also decided to observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. Incidentally, on the seventeenth Monday, when she broke her fast, her beloved son Lord Kartikeya, who was displeased with her, appeared and said, “Oh dear mother what is that power with which you have called me? What is the mystery?” Parvati said, “Oh my dear son, all this miracle is due to observing Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without interruption.” Kartikeya’s Brahman friend had been in a foreign land for quite some time. Kartikeya said, “I shall observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks for happy reunion with my friend.” He, then, observed the 16 weeks fasts as per rules and to his great surprise, his friend returned hale and hearty.  The friend enquired about the miracle and Lord Kartikeya told him the modalities to be observed for Monday fast. The Brahman friend was very curious about his marriage. He decided to observe the Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. On the seventeenth Monday, the Brahman friend went to a city. The ruler of the city decided to marry his daughter to a person on whose neck his well-decorated elephant would put the garland. The Brahman joined the show. Incidentally, the elephant garlanded him. The ruler of the city gave him his daughter and also a lot of money. The couple departed the next day and were back in their home. On the honeymoon night, the bride said, “Oh my dear, how is it that the elephant ignored all the princes and garlanded you? How did you succeed on the auspicious moments?” The bridegroom said, “I observed fasts on sixteen Mondays. Monday is Lord Shiva’s day. It is due to his blessings that I got a beautiful wife like you. My friend Kartikeya revealed this secret to me.” The bride too decided to observe fasts on sixteen Mondays for a beautiful son full of knowledge. Her devotion bore fruit and she gave birth to a beautiful son. As the son grew up, he said to his mother, “Oh my dear mother, what is the mystery behind my birth? Please reveal it to me.” The mother told him how she observed Monday fasts. The son also decided to observe the fasts to gain a kingdom for his parents.

Incidentally, an old kings messengers from a nearby State came there in search of a beautiful and learned bridegroom for the princess. They proposed the princess hand for him and he readily agreed. The king expired after sometime and the boy became the king. The newly-made king continued his fasts for the next sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, he arranged a large prayer party at a temple. All the arrangements were made well in advance. The king requested the queen to accompany him to the temple for breaking the fast after taking pras ad from the priest. The queen refused to go with him. The king had to go alone. The king heard an oracle who echoed, “Oh king, turn out the queen from the palace or destruction will fall upon you.” The king returned to his palace. He summoned a conference of his ministers and told about the oracle. All of them were taken aback, as it was due to that princess that he became the king of the state. They agreed to his proposal only with a heavy heart. The queen was ultimately turned out. The queen left the palace bare footed and in worn-out clothes. She was thirsty and fatigued. She met an old lady who had a load of spinned spindles on her head. She was going to the city. She felt pity on her and asked to help her in selling the yarn because she did not know the art of selling. The queen took that load on her head. Incidentally, strong wind blew away the spindles which disappeared in the dusty wind. The queen felt sorry and the old lady asked her to go away. The queen went to an oilman’s house and sought shelter. The oilman obliged her, but as she stepped in, all of his oil pots developed cracks and the oil began to flow on the ground. The oilman immediately turned her out. The queen was now disheartened. She went to the bank of a river to quench her thirst. As she touched the water, the water dried up. She then went to a deep jungle and saw a tank of water. As she went down the stairs and touched the crystal dear water, it became muddy. She cursed her fate and put a few drops of the muddy water in her mouth. She was now tired and wanted to take rest under a shady tree. As she went near the tree its leaves began to fall and soon it became leafless. The cowherds saw this incident and told the whole story to the priest of a nearby temple. The priest called for the woman. He was surprised to see that the woman had royal features. He consoled her and provided her with all the facilities. But after some days, he also got fed up with her because whatever the woman touched became impure, may it be milk, food or water. One day, the priest said, “Oh lady, what curse has fallen upon you? You reveal the mystery.” The woman told him how she rejected a proposal to attend Monday fast prayer. The priest understood the whole thing. He knew it was Shiva’s curse. He said, “Oh dear lady, you observe fasts on sixteen Mondays and Lord Shiva will absolve you of your sins.” The woman realised her mistake and observed the Monday fasts for sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, the king said to himself, “My queen left my palace long ago. Her condition must be very miserable.” He called for his courtiers and ordered them to search out the queen. The courtiers reached the temple where the queen was residing. The priest refused to hand over the queen to them and said, “Let the king himself come to receive her.” The courtiers went to the king and related the whole story. The king was happy to hear the news. He went to the temple and requested the priest to return his queen to him. The king admitted that he deserted the queen to avoid Lord Shiva’s wrath. The priest trusted the kings words and the queen returned to the palace. She was given a royal welcome. The king distributed money among the needy and arranged food for the hungry. The king and queen now regularly observed fasts on sixteen Mondays each year and lived a very happy life. After their death they found abode in Lord Shivas city, Shivapuri. Since, then it is believed that a person who observes fasts on sixteen Mondays, gets all pleasures and enters Shivapuri after his death.

Most devotees also observe fast during four or five Mondays of Shravan month. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva during Shravan month is very auspicious and observing Monday fast and reciting SolahSomvarVrat Katha during Shravan month can make Lord Shiva happy for sure. This is because Shravan month is deeply dear to Mahadev as it is believed that Goddess Parvati deeply wanted to marry to Lord Shiva, and thus she did solah somvar vrat with immense devotion to get Mahadev.

Solah Somvar Vrat Timing

It is believed that Monday fasting would be very fruitful if started from the first Monday of Shukla Paksh of Shravan month (June-July). Four or five Monday fasting can be done in a go. And as per willingness the person can continue this fast till 16 weeks of Monday starting from Shukla Paksh (waxing period of moon) of Shravan month.

However, simple Monday fast can also be started from first Monday of Shukla Paksha of Hindi Months – Chaitra, Baisakh, Kartik and Margsheersh.

What is Solah Somvar Vrat

‘Solah Somvar Vrat’ is a Hindu religious fast observed by women who are married, for the healthy and long life of their husbands. It is typically observed on 16 consecutive Mondays of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan (July/August) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this fast, women abstain from food and other worldly pleasures and perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva. The fast is considered highly auspicious and believed to bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the family. It is also thought to fulfil the devotees’ desires and bestow Lord Shiva’s blessings.

The word ‘Solah’ means 16, and ‘Somvar’ refers to Monday, making the name of the fast ’16 Monday fast.’

For more information on the common Hindu festivals and their celebrations, you can refer to the InstaAstro website. You can also download the InstaAstro app and ask our qualified astrologers answers to questions like ‘can we do Monday fast during periods’ and ‘how to keep solah somvar vrat during periods’!

Scroll down to read more about Solah Somvar Vrat or the 16 Monday fast in English!

How is the Solah Somvar Vrat observed?

The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset, during which women abstain from food and liquids. Instead, devout Hindu women spend the day in prayer and devotion to Lord Shiva, often visiting temples dedicated to the deity and participating in puja ceremonies. In some communities, it is also customary to sing hymns and chant mantras in honour of Lord Shiva. At the end of the fast, participants break their fast by eating a meal from pure and sanctifying ingredients, such as fruits, sweet potatoes, and bananas. The meal is typically shared with friends and family and is followed by a night of celebration and joy.

The special Solah Somwar Vrat is known to bring happiness, peace, fortune, and stability into the lives of observers and their partners. It is believed that Lord Shiva is particularly pleased by those who observe the fast and that he grants their wishes and blesses their lives in return.

Hence, the Solah Somvar Vrat is an important religious observance for Hindus, particularly those who follow the Shaivite tradition. Observing the fast with devotion and purity of heart is believed to bring blessings and fulfilment and is considered a powerful means of attaining spiritual growth and satisfaction.

Significance of the Solah Somvar Vrat

It is believed that keeping this fast brings positive energy into the life of the woman, her husband, and the entire family. Thus, women observe this fast with great sincerity and devotion, abstaining from food and other worldly pleasures for the whole day.

This fast does not only limit to food items, but also extends to abstaining from negative acts and thoughts. Women who observe this fast are expected to lead a pure and pious life, avoiding negative thoughts, anger, and other negative emotions. This helps them teach good habits, build positive relationships, and promote peace and harmony in the family. Besides the spiritual significance, Solah Somvar Vrat is also considered necessary for the husband’s well-being. The fast is believed to bring long life, good health, and prosperity to the husband. Moreover, by observing this fast, women can show their love and affection towards their husbands, strengthening their bond.

Items Used in Solah Somvar Vrat

During the fast, several items are used to perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva. Some of the common items used during the solah somvar vrat vidhi are:

1. Shivlinga: A Shivlinga, a symbol of Lord Shiva, is placed in the puja room and is worshipped with offerings of milk, honey, and water. This ritual is known as the ‘Rudrabhishek’ of Lord Shiva.
2. Flowers: Fresh flowers, particularly bel patra or bel leaves, decorate the Shivlinga and are offered during the puja.
3. Fruits: Fruits such as bananas, coconuts, and sweets are offered as prasad (sacred food) to Lord Shiva.
4. Incense sticks: Incense sticks purify the atmosphere and create a spiritual ambience during the puja.
5. Bells: Bells are rung during the puja to signal the start and end of the puja and to alert the deity of the devotee’s presence.
6. Akshat (rice grains): Akshat, or unbroken rice grains, are used to perform tilak (a religious mark on the forehead) and to offer as prasad to Lord Shiva.
7. Water: Holy water, also known as ‘Panchamrit’ is used to perform the puja and is offered to Lord Shiva as part of the ritual.
8. Coconut: Sometimes known as a symbol of ego, a coconut is broken open as an offering to Lord Shiva, symbolising the breaking of the ego.

These items are used during the Solah Somvar Vrat to perform the puja and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha

The Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is a Hindu mythological story associated with the observance of the 16 Mondays fast.

According to the story, a woman named Karthika was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. She had a strong desire to attain his blessings for her husband’s well-being and for a happy married life. Therefore, she observed the Solah Somvar fast with great devotion and purity of heart, abstaining from food and water during the day and offering prayers and worship to Lord Shiva in the evening. Her dedication and sincerity impressed Lord Shiva, and he appeared before her in a dream, granting her the blessings she sought for her husband.

Since then, the tradition of observing the Solah Somvar fast has become popular among Hindu women. It is believed that those who observe this fast with devotion and sincerity will be blessed with a happy and harmonious married life.

The Solah Somvar Vrat Katha holds a special significance in Hinduism and is observed by millions of women across India. The fast also serves as a reminder of the importance of devotion, purity of heart, and self-discipline in one’s life.

Sri Somavara Vrata

The Somavara Vrata or Monday Fasting as it is known is observed in the name of Lord Shiva. The word ‘Somvar’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Soma’ meaning Chandra, the Hindu God of Moon. Also Lord Shiva is referred as ‘Someshvara’ as He wears the crescent shaped moon on His matted hair.

The Somavara vrata is performed on Mondays to please Lord Someshvara and also get one’s wishes fulfilled. Even though this fast can be observed on any Monday, there is a mention of special Mondays in the Hindu calendar wherein doing Somavara vrata is considered to be more auspicious.The first Monday after New Moon of any month, especially the month of Phalgun (February/March). This month is known for the Shivratri festival. When no moon day or ‘Amavasi’ falls on a Monday, the day is help very propitious for observing Somavara vrata and it is called as ‘Somavati Amavas’.

The observance of Somvara vrata varies in different states of India. In Maharashtra, Gujarat and the northern states of India, the Mondays of the Hindu month of Shravan, that is from July to August, as per the Gregorian calendar, is considered chosen for fasting and is known as Shravan Somavara. In the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the Mondays falling in the Hindu month of Karthik is held sacred. While in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Mondays in the Tamil month of Karthigai (the months of November-December) is held auspicious and is observed as ‘Karthikai Somavaram’.

Rituals of the Somvara Vrata:

• The Somavara vrata starts from the sunrise on Monday. The observer of this vrata should get up at the dawn and meditate about the supreme Lord Shiva. Thereafter taking a holy bath, the devotees offer their prayers to Gracious Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The one who observes this vrata adorns a white colored dress.
• Special puja is performed that starts by anointing the Shivling of Lord Shiva with ‘Panchamritham’ that is a sanctified mixture of honey, curd, milk, ocimum leaves and curd, along with other special substances. Devotees also offer Bhasma (Vibhuthi) and Bilva Patra to Lord Shiva as these are considered to be the favourites of the lord. Naivedya or special food offerings is also prepared and offered to appease Lord Shiva. There is also a significance of offering white flowers on the Shivling.
• Later in the evening the Somavara vrata katha, the story narrating the vrata is read by the observer of this vrata. The devotees enchant the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ all through the day. The observer of the Somavara vrata can fast completely or may even take a single meal after midday. Partial fast can also be observed by taking sabudana khichadi or fruits.
• The devotees end their fast on the next day after performing the usual rituals and prayers of the morning. The prasadam is then distributed among other devotees and also offered to the poor or needy. Usually the devotees observing the Somavara vrata visit any Lord Shiva temple during morning and evening. If however, this is not possible, prayers can also be offered at their home.

Important Timings On Sri Somavara Vrata

The Somavara vrata is known to offer several benefits to its observers. This vrata can be observed by all. Young unmarried girls observe this vrata to get good husbands. Married couples also observe the vrata and pray the divine couple of Shiva and Parvati and ask for peaceful family life. It is said that the observer of Somavara vrata will be blessed to enjoy all the pleasures of the world and then finally attain moksh and reach Kailasam, Lord Shiva’s lok. As per the Hindu legend, God of Moon observed this vrata to acquire his moonness. Moon is also referred as ‘Soma’ and saluted Lord Shiva and prayed to Him to name this observance as the ‘Somavara vrata’. He also asked Lord Uma Maheshwara that whoever perform this sacred fast should be grated all materialistic pleasures and finally attain liberation. Lord Shiva fulfilled this boon. Sage Vashishta also performed this vratam and in return got arun thadi as his better half. A person observing the Somavara vrata will be granted the blessings of Shiva-Shakti sincerely.

Solah (16) Somvar Vrat Katha

ENGLISH VERSION for Sixteen Weeks Monday Fast

This story is connected with Monday fast. Monday fast is practiced to propitiate Lord Shiva and Parvati. The panchakshara Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” should be repeated on this day. The Monday fast is up to the third phase.

There are three types of Monday fast.
    1. Simple every Monday fast.
    2. Som pradosh fast
    3. 16 weeks Monday fast.

The rituals are same for all the three fasting. After doing the Shiva puja the story must be read or heard. The stories of Pradosh fast and 16 Mondays are separate and are given here.

16 Monday (Somvar) Vrat Rules

The Background of Monday Fast –

Monday is considered very auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees throng at Shiva temples on Mondays specially to get the blessings of the merciful Lord who can remove the difficulties of devotees and give all the desired boons. 16 Monday fast is one of the most popular vrat or fasting observances in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva is the supreme Lord and since observing fasting over 16 consecutive Mondays also known as solah somvar vrat is known to bestow several benefits to devotees.

For Whom and When – Soomvar Vrat

Though anyone desirous of getting the blessings of Shiva can observe 16 somvar vrat, this vrat is especially recommended for those who are facing difficulties in married life and also those who are looking to get married to the desired life partner. It is recommended to begin the 16 Monday fasting on the first Monday of Shravan Month (July-August). The vrat consists of fasting, puja to Shiva and reciting the 16 Monday fast story (Solah Somvar Vrat Katha).

Fasting Procedure of Somvar Vrat –

16 Somvar vrat is a very simple kind of observance. It is expected that the observer must keep his heart very pure and full of devotion. The vrat begins on the Monday morning.

Wake up very early on the day of Vrat (Monday) and complete your morning ablutions. After bath, visit the puja room and start the puja to Lord Shiva’s picture or idol or a Shivling.

Clean the altar, light the lamp with gingelly oil. Decorate the idol or picture with chandan and flowers. Chant Lord Shiva’s names and offer flowers.

At the end of the puja, offer betel leaves, nuts, coconut, fruits and the sweet dish that you have prepared at home.

Recite the 16 somvar vrat story and conclude the puja with the waving of camphor and prostrating before the altar.

After the puja, you need to keep fasting for the whole day. You might continue your regular routine whether it is household tasks or going to office.

In the evening, light the lamp in front of the altar and offer some prasad to Lord Shiva. After the evening puja, you can partake the prasad and some fruits if you want.

In this way, the vrat observance has to go on for sixteen Mondays.

16 Somvar Vrat (Monday Fast) Story:-

Once upon a time a money lender and his wife lived a highly pious and devoted life. They did not have children and prayed the Lord to bless them with a child. Lord Shiva blessed the couple with a boy child. Unfortunately, the boy had only 12 years of life about which the father had known already.

The moneylender made the boy live a highly devoted and austere life. On his twelfth year, the boy went with his uncle to Kashi to complete his education. On the way, they came across the marriage ceremony of the daughter of a big businessman. The groom was blind in one of the eyes. When the bride’s family discovered this, they requested the boy to be the groom. After marriage, the boy went to Kashi and completed his education. As his fate came to a close, one day suddenly he faced his death. Lord Shiva wanted to reward the goodness and devotion of all the people at the merchant’s home and therefore blessed the boy with life once again. The boy returned home with the bride he married and all of them lived happily thereafter.

Solah Somvar Vrat – Sixteen Monday fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva

Solah Somvar Vrat is observed for sixteen consecutive Mondays and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A devotee can start Solah Somvar Vrat on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in any month. But devotees usually begin the fasting in Shravan or Kartik month. Solah Somvar Vrat is observed by women to get good husbands and many also observe it when they are blessed with a good married life.

It is also believed that observing this Vrat will help in getting one’s wishes fulfilled.

Legend has it that moon (Chandra or Soma) was cursed by Daksha that his body will fade away. It is said that Chandra escaped from this curse after observing the Somvar Vrat.

Many devotees choose the Chaturmas period to observe the Solah Somvar Vrat.

Solah Somvar fasting begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Some devotees observe 24-hour fast and they only consume water or tender coconut or copra.

Some devotees opt for nuts, milk and fruits while fasting.

On the 17th Monday of the fasting, special pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva are held. Udyapan is performed on the day.

It must be noted that Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are several devotees who observe partial fast on all mondays or do special pujas or visit Lord Shiva temples on the day.

MONDAY FAST – VRAT KATHA, UDHYAPAN PUJA VIDHI & SIGNIFICANCE

Monday fast is an auspicious occasion to worship merciful Lord Shiva and ask his blessings. Devotees observe fast throughout the day to expand their devotional services.

Also, there is astrological and religious importance attached to this day. 16 Monday fast is one of the most famous Vrat in Hinduism devoted to Lord Shiva. 

Moreover, we believe that Lord Shiva is the greatest Lord, and observing fast over 16 continuous Mondays, also termed as solah som var vrat, can bestow many advantages to followers.

Monday Puja Vidhi

• As per the Monday fast procedure, the fast can be started on any of the auspicious months.
  
  
• Fast should be kept for five consecutive years or 16 Monday with full faith and determination.
  
  
• The person doing Upvas must get up early in the morning and complete his routine work.
  
  
• He should bath with pure water, and as per the Monday fast rule, one should add black Til-Sesame seeds in this water.
  
  
• After the bath, Ganga Jal should be sprinkled in the house to purify the atmosphere
  
  
• Set an idol or picture of Lord Shiva in a peaceful corner of North-East direction of the house
  
  
• Chant the mantra “ऊँ नम: शिवाय: (Om Namah Shivay) to worship Lord Shiva.
  
  
• Take resolution of the fast in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
  
  
• While taking the resolution, this mantra should be chanted –
  ‘मम क्षेमस्थैर्यविजयारोग्यैश्वर्याभिवृद्धयर्थं सोमव्रतं करिष्ये
  
  
• Worship Lord Shiva with white flowers, sandalwood powder, rice, Panchamrit, betel nuts, and holy water.
  
  
• After the resolution, one should read Monday vrat Katha.
  
  

Monday Vrat Katha

As per the Monday fast rules, after taking a resolution, one should read the Somvar Vrat Katha. Lord Shiva is the supreme God of Hindu. Let me share the brief of the story which devotees read on this divine day.

A moneylender and his wife lived a pious and devoted life. But they did not have children; they prayed the Lord to bless them with a child. Lord Shiva bestowed them with a child. Sadly, the child had only 12 years of life. And his father already knew this.

This boy lived a profoundly devoted and austere life. In his twelfth year, the boy went to Kashi to complete his education. On the way, he married a girl and became a groom. 

After the wedding, the boy went to Kashi and finished his education. As his fortune came to a close, one day abruptly, he faced his death. Lord Shiva rewarded the devotion of the family and hence bestowed the boy with a long life. The boy came home with the bride he wedded, and all of them lived happily after that.

Method of Udyapan of Monday Fast

• According to Monday Puja Vidhi, after the resolution and Vrat Katha, a devotee should do Aarati.
  
  
• Offer A Bhog and pray Shiva with Deep, incense stick and Ardhya.
  
  
• Repeat this Monday fast procedure on every fast day till you finish your Solah Soma var Vrat
  
  
• After the last fast of Solah Soom Var, Udyapan of Monday fast begins
  
  
• On the day of udyapan, a devotee should give Kheer and Puri to brahmins and children
  
  
• One should give donations as per the capacity on this pious day
  
  
• On Sunset time, worshipping Shiva at Pradosh Kaal is considered to be very pleasing for Lord Shiva
  
  

Monday Vrat Food

Solah Somavr Vrat is a very simple kind of observance. When a pure-hearted devotee observes a fast and worships Bholenath, God blesses him with all he asked for! Certain food is prohibited on this sacred day.

• You can eat fruits, fresh vegetables, meals made with sabudana (sago) and sendha namak, milk and milk products like curd, buttermilk during the fast.
  
  
• A few people eat just one meal a day. Having fresh milk and fruits are necessary for them
  
  
• It is required to withdraw foods prepared with salt, garlic, and onions.
  
  
• To remain fit during the fast, you must drink water and stay hydrated. Also, use dry fruits and nuts in your fasting meals
  
  
• Eating non-veg foods (meat, fish egg, etc.), mushroom, intoxicants (tobacco and liquor), and beverages (tea, coffee, cola, and other energy drinks) must be avoided.

Mythological Significance of Monday Vrat

According to our scriptures, Moon married all the 27 daughters of Daksha but became fond of one of them, Rohini, and started remaining close to only Rohini. Other wives became upset and complained about it.

The furious Daksha cursed Moon, and Moon started declining in the form. Moon realized his mistake, and rushed to Lord Shiva, for mercy. Shiva blessed him, and Moon began to increase in size. From then onwards, it remained waxing and waning, on consecutive fortnights.

Lord Shiva is known for his mercy and innocence. Monday fast on Sawan month can yield supreme results, as Sawan is known as Shiva’s month.

Monday Fast Benefits

Lord Shiva pleases with the observance of Somavar Vrat or 16 Monday fast and bestows the following blessings:

• Help attain wisdom-Shiva can bless us with the ultimate wisdom with this sacred fast. Devotees (Shaiva Panthi especially) observe a strict fast on this day for spiritual progress.
  
  
• Gain control over emotions and mind-Fasting can, and living a simple life makes us learn about how to control our senses.
  
  
• Monday Fasting For Marriage – As per our region, Monday fasting for husband – observing Solah Som Var Vrat can bless a compatible life partner to women
  
  
• Blessings of Moon-Shiva is known as the Moon God, fasting on Monday can bestow Moon energies to the devotee. Moon happens to be a ruler of our emotional side.
  
  
• So a rightly placed Moon, along with the Monday fast, can give fulfilling results. Strengthen your Moon ‘s place in the birth chart with this scared Vrat
  
  
• Do you know the placement of Moon in your horoscope? Monday Fast Reduces the effects of a poorly placed Moon, or debilitated Moon in your birth chart.
  
  

Pleasing this Moon God is easy with the help of Monday fasts. Don’t miss the divine chance of Solah Somvar Vrat to worship the Supreme Lord! May Bholenath bless you with a suitable life partner!

What should I do on 16th Somvar VRAT?

The solah somvar fast is very easy to follow. One must take a vow to follow the vrat for 16 Mondays with a pure heart and devotion. The vrat begins with waking up early in the morning and taking a bath. Then organizing the puja smagri and the ingredients required for the puja.

What can be eaten in 16 Somvar VRAT?

You can eat fruits, fresh veggies, meals made with sabudana (sago) and sendha namak, milk and milk products like curd, buttermilk during the fast. However, there are a few people who eat just one meal a day. Moreover, it is essential to avoid foods prepared with salt, garlic and onions.

What is the procedure for solah Somvar VRAT?

Solah Somwar Vrat Rules

1. Rise early (preferably during Brahma Muhurat) on Mondays.
2. Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
3. Then, do Dhyana (meditate) followed by Sankalpa (take a pledge that you would sincerely observe the fast).
4. Seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
5. Maintain celibacy on the day of fasting.

Can we do 16 Monday fast during periods?

As instructed by elders, the answer is yes, you can’t break routine of 16 weeks for vrat (for solah somwar specially) but you are not allowed to do puja. For that someone else on your behalf can do the puja and you can listen the story sitting separately.

How do you keep Shiva fast?

The devotees of Lord Shiva observe fast, eat only fruits, and drink water. They are, at the same time, are expected not to consume alcohol. Non-veg, as well as food items containing ginger and garlic, are also avoided. All over the country, they visit temples and chant mantras, including “Om Namah Shivaya”.

How do you keep Shiva fast on Monday?

Monday morning fast starts at sunrise on Monday. Those who follow this fast should wake up in the morning and meditate on Lord Shiva. After that, after offering a holy bath, devotees offer their prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Also, the one who makes the fast should wear a white dress on this day.

Can we kiss during fast?

Yes, you can hug and kiss your partner during Ramadan. Since Muslims are normally allowed to hug, kiss, and have sex, they can continue doing so when the fast is over for the day. Islam doesn’t approve of extra-marital sexual relationships, but if you normally do that anyway you are expected to abstain during Ramadan.

Can we kiss during fasting in Hinduism?

– It is allowed for one to hug or kiss his spouse as long as they do not indulge in sexual intercourse. – One must not be in a state of janaba while observing his fast. Janaba refers to the state of ritual impurity due to sexual intercourse or seminal discharge.

How do you fast for Lord Shiva?

How can make Sawan month fast?

On every Monday of Sawan month, devotees keep Sawan Somvar Fasting and worship Lord Shiva. On Monday of Sawan month, wake up in Brahma Muhurat, take bath and wear fresh cloth. If you can, go out and collect Vilva or Bel Patra, Datura fruits and flowers, and raw milk to be used later for Puja.

Can we do Ganesh pooja during periods?

If mahayagna can be performed by menstruating women, there can be no ban on their temple entry during their monthly periods. Menstruation is a natural biological process that need not be considered as an impurity. Women come to temples not to conduct poojas but to offer prayers and participate in poojas.

How do you pray to Lord Shiva on Mondays?

Shiva Puja Vidhi

1. Light an oil lamp and place it on the altar in your home.
2. Do Dhyana (meditation).
3. Chant ‘OM Namah Shivaya’ as many times as you can.
4. Invoke Lord Shiva.
5. Begin the puja by performing the abhishekam of the Shiva Lingam or the idol of Lord Shiva.
6. Gently dab the idol with a fresh piece of cloth.

What to do after a Shiva Puja?

After the puja, you need to keep fasting for the whole day. You might continue your regular routine whether it is household tasks or going to office. In the evening, light the lamp in front of the altar and offer some prasad to Lord Shiva. After the evening puja, you can partake the prasad and some fruits if you want.

How to do the 16 somvar vrat Puja?

Recite the 16 somvar vrat story and conclude the puja with the waving of camphor and prostrating before the altar. After the puja, you need to keep fasting for the whole day. You might continue your regular routine whether it is household tasks or going to office.

What is Shodashopachara Puja?

Shiva Pujan Vidhi Lord Shiva is worshipped with all sixteen rituals along with chanting of Puranik Mantras during Shivaratri and other ocassions related to Lord Shiva. Worshipping Gods and Goddesses with all 16 rituals is known as Shodashopachara Puja (षोडशोपचार पूजा). 1.

Why do people throng to Shiva temples on Monday?

Devotees throng at Shiva temples on Mondays specially to get the blessings of the merciful Lord who can remove the difficulties of devotees and give all the desired boons. 16 Monday fast is one of the most popular vrat or fasting observances in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Monday Fast – Lord Shiva Fast | Solah Somvar Vrat ( Monday Fast Story)

Fast on Monday is observed to please Lord Shiva. In Monday fast, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped.  All men and women can observe this fast. Observing the fast in systematic manner is beneficial. According to the scriptures, fasting period of this Vrat is between sunrise and sunset. As food is taken at night, the fast is also called as Nakta Vrata.

Starting of Monday Fast

Monday fasting is considered auspicious if started from first Monday of Shukla Paksha or Shravan month. Proedure of this fast is similar to the Vrata observed in Shravan Masa for God Bhole Nath. In this month, specially the Parthiv(terrestrial) Shiva Lingam is worshipped.

If a person is not able to start this fast from Shravan month, then he can start it on the first Monday of Shukal Paksha in the following months:- Chaitra Masa, Baishak Masa, Kartik month or the Margshirsh month( as per Hindu calendar). Out of these, Shravan Masa is considered the most auspicious time. This month is most dear to Lord Shiva. All sins of a person are destroyed, if he starts the Monday fasting from Sharavan month.

Significance of Shravan Month

There is a mythological belief about the Monday fasting. This fast was observed first by Goddess Parvati in order to get Lord Shiva as her husband. by the auspiciousness of this fast she got Lord Shiva in form of her husband. That time the Monday fast was known to be kept by girls for getting their wish fulfilled of their choice husband.

The fast is important for getting blessing of Lord Shiva and worshipping him. Mainly this fast is dedicated to family and society. The fast gives a lesson to live life with love, faith, brotherhood and socialization. The 16 Monday fasting (Solah Somwar) is considered the most favorable out of all the fast of Lord Shiva.

This fast can be observed by both men and women. This fast is kept by unmarried girls for a happy and peaceful life. The fast of 16 Mondays is kept by married girls for the longevity of their husbands, safety of child and happiness of brother. Monday fast is kept by men for getting child, wealth and prestige. 

Method of Monday Fast

The fast is started in any of the auspicious month as stated above. This fast should be kept for five years or 16 Monday with full faith and confidence. The person doing Upvas should get up early in the morning and complete his routine work. The water used for bathing should contain black Til.

After bathing, Ganga Jal should be sprinkled all over the house. Place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva in a peaceful corner of Ishan Kon (North- East direction) of the house and chant the mantra “ऊँ नम: शिवाय: – Om Namah Shivay”. The resolution of this fast should be taken infront of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with white flowers, sandalwood, rice, Panchamrit, betel nuts, fruits, holy water. While taking the resolution, the following mantra should be chanted.

‘मम क्षेमस्थैर्यविजयारोग्यैश्वर्याभिवृद्धयर्थं सोमव्रतं करिष्ये | Mum Khsemstharyavijayarogyashwaryabhirvadhyayarth Somvratam Karishye’

After taking the resolution and doing Puja, Vrat Katha should be heard. Then, the Aarti should be performed and Prasadam is to be distributed. Avoid using salt in meal.

While the Udhyapan (conclusion) of fast, white things should be donated, like rice, white clothes, sweets (Barfi) milk, curd, silver etc. This fast is also done for mental peace. After the full day fasting, person should have a vision of Lord Shiva in the Shiva temple. At the time of sunset, food materials made of milk should be used in offerings. 

Lord Bholenath should be offered the Bhog, and after worshipping with incense stick, deep, the Moon God is given the Ardhya. And, the mantra mentioned above should be chanted. After the completion of Solah Somvar Vrat, on the day of Udhyapan, Brahmans and children should be given Kheer, Puri, sweets etc and donations as per the capacity of an individual. On sunset, worshipping of Lord Shiva in Pradosh Kal is considered the most favorable.

Results of Monday Fasting

On regular observation of Monday fast, blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is always on the person. Life is full of health. And, the person gets rid of all the sins.

Astrological Significance of Monday Fasting

Monday Vrat should be observed by those people who have moon in weak position in their Kundali, or moon is not able to give favorable results. For the best results of moon, the fast of Monday should be observed. Also, to remove pessimism and increase mental happiness, this fast is observed. Lord of lunar eclipse is God Shiva. Because he holds the moon on his head.

Out of all the planets, moon is the closest to earth, Hence, it effects our life and mind. So, the people whose birth sign, birth Nakshatra is of moon, they must observe the fast of Monday. This Vrat is also observed for health of mother and maternal happiness.

Monday Vrat Story 

Once upon a time Lord Shiva went to the famous city of Amravati with Goddess Parvati. There, they saw a beautiful Shiva temple and decided to stay in it. 

One day Parvati asked God Shiva to play a game of dice. By the time, a priest had come in the temple. Parvati asked him to foretell the winner of game. The Brahman without paying much attention at ones answered Lord Shiva’s name. By chance Parvati won the game. She got angry on the lie of Brahman.And, cursed the Brahman with leprosy.

The Brahman became a leper. After few days some fairies descended on the earth. And, asking the Brahman for the reason of his condition. Priest narrated the whole incident. Then, a fairy said, him to observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks continuously (Solah Somvar). The priest followed the word of fairy. Soon, he regained his normal health.

Once again, Lord Shiva and Parvati came to that temple. Goddess Parvati was surprised by looking at the Brahman. She asked the secret behind his normal condition. Parvati was happy, she also decided to observe this fast for his son Karthik. On the 17th Monday, her son Karthik,, who was ones unhappy with her, came back.

Karthik got surprised and asked the mystery of his changed nature. Parvati explained him the magic of observing the fast of Solah Somvar. Kartikeya’s also decided to observe the fast.And, his wish got fulfilled. Then his Brahman friend enquired about this fast and observed it.The Brahman observed the fast of 16 Mondays and went to a foreign country where a king had organised a Swayamvar (practice of choosing a life partner, from among a list of suitors, by a girl of marriageable age) 

As per the ruler of city decided to marry her daughter to the person on whom the female elephant would put the garland.By the grace of Lord Shiva, the female elephant had put the garland in Brahmans neck. The king married his daughter to him. 

Bride asked the Brahman about this miracle. He explained her the greatness of Monday fasting for continuously 16 weeks. She decided to observe the fast. Her dedication became fruitful. She gave birth to son, who later became the ruler of the kingdom by observing this fast.

Aarti of Lord Shiva 

Jaye Shiv Omkara, Bhaj Shiv Omkara
Brahma, Vishnu, Sadashiv Ardhangii Dhara|| Om Har Har Har Mahadev||
Ekannan, Chaturanna, Panchanna Raje
Hansannan, Garudasan, Vrishwahan Saje||Om Har Har…
Do Bujh Char Chaturbujh, Dasbujh te Sohe
Teeno Rup Nirakhta, Tribhuvan Jan Mohe|| Om Har …
Ashmala, Vanmala, Rundmala Dhari|
Tripurari, Kansari, Karmala Dhari|| Om Har…
Shewtambar, Pitambare, Baghamber angaye
Sankadik, Garudadik, Bhukadik Sangaye||Om Har Har..
Kar ke Madhya Kamandalu, Chakr Trishuldhari
Sukhkari, Dukhari, Jaag Palankari|| Om Har Har…
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Janat Aviveka
Parvakshar Mai Shobit Ye Teeno Eka||Om Har Har…
Trigun Sawami Ji Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gave
Kahat Shivanand Sawami, Manwanchit Fal Pave|| Om Har Har..

Aarti of Lord Shiva in Hindi 

जय शिव ओंकारा, भज शिव ओंकारा।
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव अद्र्धागी धारा॥ ॐ हर हर हर महादेव॥
एकानन, चतुरानन, पंचानन राजै।
हंसासन, गरुडासन, वृषवाहन साजै॥ ॐ हर हर ..
दो भुज चारु चतुर्भुज, दशभुज ते सोहे।
तीनों रूप निरखता, त्रिभुवन-जन मोहे॥ ॐ हर हर ..
अक्षमाला, वनमाला, रुण्डमाला धारी।
त्रिपुरारी, कंसारी, करमाला धारी॥ ॐ हर हर ..
श्वेताम्बर, पीताम्बर, बाघाम्बर अंगे।
सनकादिक, गरुडादिक, भूतादिक संगे॥ ॐ हर हर ..
कर मध्ये सुकमण्डलु, चक्र शूलधारी।
सुखकारी, दुखहारी, जग पालनकारी॥ ॐ हर हर ..
ब्रह्माविष्णु सदाशिव जानत अविवेका।
प्रणवाक्षर में शोभित ये तीनों एका। ॐ हर हर ..
त्रिगुणस्वामिकी आरती जो कोई नर गावै।
कहत शिवानन्द स्वामी मनवान्छित फल पावै॥ ॐ हर हर ..