Somvar Vrat Katha (सावन सोमवार व्रत कथा)

Once upon a time, there was a wealthy merchant who had everything—wealth, a beautiful home, and a loving wife—but no children. Saddened by their childlessness, the couple decided to pray to Lord Shiva with deep devotion and started observing the Monday fasts (Somwar Vrat) during the holy month of Sawan.

Pleased by their devotion, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared before them and granted them a boon—a son. Soon, a son was born to them. However, Lord Shiva had warned them that the child would only live for 12 years.

Time passed, and the child grew. As he neared his 12th year, the parents, fearful of the prophecy, sent him to Kashi (Varanasi) with a guru. On the way, they stopped at a royal wedding where the groom’s family had insulted the bride’s side. The boy, being wise and well-mannered, recited sacred mantras and completed the wedding rituals for the distressed bride’s family.

Later, when the groom’s party found out that a 12-year-old had completed the ceremony, they were angry. But at that moment, Yamraj (the God of Death) arrived to take the boy’s soul, as his destined time had come.

However, due to his good deeds, blessings from Lord Shiva, and the power of Sawan Somwar fasting, Lord Shiva intervened. He appeared and granted the boy a long life, saying that those who observe the Somwar Vrat with devotion will be blessed with health, happiness, and longevity.