Everything You Should Know About 16 Somvar Vrat Or Monday Fast
In India, fasting and rituals dedicated to various gods and goddesses are believed to bring prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. One significant tradition is the Monday fast, or Somvar Vrat, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every Monday in the Hindu lunar calendar is considered sacred for worshipping Lord Shiva.
Devotees observe Somvar Vrat by fasting partially or completely to seek His blessings for a peaceful life. The 16 consecutive Monday fasts, known as Solah Somvar Vrat, are particularly revered. This ritual is believed to enhance marital bliss or help find an ideal life partner.
Starting the 16 Somvar Vrat during the month of Shravan is considered especially auspicious. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati observed this vrat and, through her devotion, married Lord Shiva.
This article will cover the significance of Monday fasting, the history of the 16 Somvar Vrat, and the proper way to observe it.
Story of Solah Somvar Vrat
Once, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were wandering and visited a Shiva temple in Amravati. One day, while playing a game of Chausar, Parvati asked the temple priest who would win. The priest, a devotee of Lord Shiva, predicted Shiva’s victory. However, Parvati won and, angered by the wrong prediction, cursed the priest with leprosy.
Years later, an Apsara visiting the temple advised the priest to observe the 16 consecutive Monday fasts (Solah Somvar Vrat) to cure his leprosy. Following her instructions, the priest worshipped Lord Shiva for 16 Mondays and was eventually healed.
When Parvati learned of the vrat’s benefits, she observed it and saw positive changes in her family, including her son Kartikeya’s return. Kartikeya, impressed by the vrat’s power, shared it with a Brahmin friend who later found a bride through divine intervention. The princess, impressed by her husband’s story, also observed the vrat and was blessed with a son.
This vrat’s blessings continued to pass on, bringing prosperity, marital harmony, and success to those who observed it. The Solah Somvar Vrat is believed to fulfill all desires and bring immense positive transformation.
Benefits of Solah Somvar Vrat
The 16 Monday fast, or Solah Somvar Vrat, is one of the most revered rituals in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here are some key benefits of observing this vrat:
Spiritual Benefits of 16 Somar Vrat
Enhanced Wisdom: Observing Monday fasts is believed to increase wisdom and insight.
Purification of the Soul: The vrat helps cleanse the devotee’s soul, removing sins and negative karma.
Emotional Balance: Many devotees experience better emotional regulation and a balanced outlook by following the 16 Somvar Vrat.
Spiritual Discipline: The commitment required for this vrat deepens one’s spiritual practice and strengthens their connection with God.
Astrological Impact: Monday fasting is thought to enhance the positive influence of the Moon in one’s astrological chart (Kundli).
Inner Peace: Fasting and prayer during the 16 Mondays can foster inner peace and contribute to overall spiritual growth.
Other Benefits of 16 Somar Vrat
This vrat can remove obstacles in married life, ensuring a happy and fulfilling relationship.
Observing the Solah Somvar Vrat is believed to help devotees marry the person of their choice.
Couples facing delays in marriage often observe this fast to eliminate barriers.
The vrat is said to promote good health and bring financial abundance.
Observing the Monday fast may lead to career growth and success.
Procedure of 16 Somvar Vrat
Visit the temple and clean the idol with water while arranging the puja items. Decorate the idol with flowers and place diyas nearby.
Ensure the altar is clean before lighting a sesame oil lamp.
Chant prayers and offer flowers to Lord Shiva as a symbol of devotion. Present offerings such as a homemade sweet dish, nuts, coconut, fruits, and betel leaves.
Conclude the puja by performing the aarti and reciting the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha.
At sunset, light lamps around Lord Shiva’s idol as a final gesture of reverence.
What to Eat in 16 Somvar Vrat
Observing the Solah Somvar Vrat involves simple dietary practices. According to the rules, certain foods are restricted during this holy fast dedicated to Lord Shiva:
You can consume milk, fresh vegetables, dishes made with sendha namak (rock salt), sabudana (sago), and dairy products like buttermilk and curd.
Some devotees prefer eating only one meal a day. For them, fresh milk and fruits are essential.
Exclude foods prepared with onions, garlic, or regular salt.
Avoid mushrooms, tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks, and non-vegetarian items such as meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Adding nuts and dry fruits to your fasting meals provides essential nutrients and energy.
FAQ’s
What can we eat on 16 Mondays fast?
You can eat fresh fruits, milk, buttermilk, curd, fresh vegetables, sabudana (sago), dishes made with sendha namak (rock salt), and nuts. Avoid onions, garlic, regular salt, non-vegetarian food, and beverages like tea or coffee.
What are the benefits of fasting on 16 Mondays?
Fasting on 16 Mondays brings spiritual growth, purifies the soul, and improves emotional balance. It also helps in overcoming marital issues, finding an ideal partner, promoting good health, and enhancing prosperity.
How many Mondays to fast for Lord Shiva?
You should fast for 16 consecutive Mondays as part of the Solah Somvar Vrat.
