Somvar Vrat
Fasting and performing rituals in devotion to various deities is a cherished tradition believed to invite prosperity, health, and spiritual well-being. Among these, the Monday fast—dedicated to Lord Shiva—is especially significant. Every Monday in the Hindu lunar calendar is considered sacred and is reserved for the worship of the Supreme Lord Shiva. Somvar Vrat, or the Monday fast, holds a special place in Hinduism and is widely observed by devotees.On this day, followers either partially or fully fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, seeking His blessings for a peaceful and fulfilling life. One of the most powerful forms of this ritual is the Solah Somvar Vrat—a 16-consecutive Monday fast—believed to bring remarkable positive transformations in one’s life. This vrat is commonly observed for marital harmony or to be blessed with a desirable life partner.
Somvar Vrat Katha
Long ago, a wealthy merchant and his devoted wife lived a comfortable life but remained childless. Longing for a child, they began observing Somvar Vrat, a Monday fast dedicated to Lord Shiva, with complete faith and devotion. They visited Shiva temples, offered prayers, and followed the fast sincerely.
Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the merchant’s dream and blessed them with a child. Soon, the couple was blessed with a son, who grew up wise, kind, and loved by all. When the boy came of age, his parents arranged a grand wedding.
Excited for his marriage, the boy forgot to offer his usual prayers to Lord Shiva. During the wedding journey, many misfortunes occurred—broken wheels, a sudden storm, and the groom fainting. A wise saint nearby explained these troubles were due to neglecting Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Realizing the mistake, the groom prayed to Lord Shiva and promised to resume Somvar Vrat with full devotion. Immediately, the storm ended, the groom recovered, and the wedding continued without trouble.
From then on, the groom observed the Monday fast faithfully and lived a life full of peace, happiness, and divine grace.
16 Somwar Vrat Katha – PDF (Instant Download)
Experience the divine blessings of Lord Shiva with our 16 Somwar Vrat Katha PDF, now available exclusively on Divine Store. This easy-to-read guide contains the complete 16 Somwar Vrat Katha, step-by-step vrat vidhi, and a detailed puja samagri list to help you perform your Monday fast with devotion and accuracy.
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God Worshipped
Lord Shiva
Day Observed
Monday (Somvar)
Associated Color
White or Light Blue
God Worshipped
Lord Shiva
Day Observed
Monday (Somvar)
Associated Color
White or Light Blue
Monday Pooja Kit for Lord Shiva
(Somvar Vrat)
- Lord Shiva idol or photo frame
- Copper kalash (filled with water)
- Shivling
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- Ganga jal
- Dhoop or agarbatti
- Camphor (Kapoor)
- Oil lamp (Diya)
- Cotton wicks
- Matchbox
- Bilva/Bel Patra (three-leaved sacred leaves)
- White flowers
- Fresh fruits (banana, apple, coconut, etc.)
- Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, etc.)
- Sweets (preferably homemade or milk-based)
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
- Haldi (turmeric) & Kumkum (vermilion)
- Pooja Thali
- Roli & Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
- Incense holder & diya stand
- Clean cloth for altar (preferably white)
- Small bell
- Holy book or Shiva Chalisa / mantra book
Importance of Somvar Vrat
Somvar Vrat is a sacred fast observed on Mondays to honor Lord Shiva. It symbolizes devotion, discipline, and spiritual growth. Especially powerful during the month of Shravan, this vrat is believed to bring divine blessings, peace, and fulfillment.
Benefits of Somvar Vrat
Observing Somvar Vrat is said to attract prosperity, good health, and mental peace. Unmarried devotees seek a suitable life partner, while married couples observe it for harmony. It also helps overcome obstacles and strengthens one’s spiritual journey.
Procedure of Monday Fast Puja
Visit the temple and gently wash Lord Shiva’s idol with clean water.
Arrange all puja items and decorate the idol with fresh flowers.
Place diyas near the idol and ensure the altar is clean.
Light a sesame oil lamp as part of the ritual.
Offer flowers while chanting mantras with devotion.
Present offerings like homemade sweets, dry fruits, coconut, betel leaves, and fresh fruits.
Perform aarti and recite the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha to complete the puja.
At sunset, light additional lamps around Lord Shiva’s idol as a final offering.
Mantras to chant during the day
Panchakshri Mantra
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Meaning: 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.
Shiva Gayatri Mantra
“Om Tat Purushaya Vidmahe, Mahadevaya Dhimahi,Tanno Rudra Prachodayat.”
Meaning: Regular chanting of this mantra eliminates all kinds of fear and keeps anxiety at bay.
Rudra Mantra
“Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya.”
Meaning: This powerful mantra is recited to get the blessing of the merciful Lord and considered effective for the fulfilment of one’s desires.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
“Om Trayambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim pustivardham,
Urwarukmivbandhanaan Mrityormuksheey mamritaat.”
Meaning: Hindu scriptures describe that reciting this powerful mantra for 108 times, keeps the devotee free of all diseases and provides health, wealth, and vitality.
Mantra / Prayer for Aarti
“Karpur Gauram Karunavataram, Sansara Saram Bhujagendra Haram
Sada Vasantam Hridayaaravinde, Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami.”
Food Items Do's and Don'ts for Somvar vrat or Monday Fast
What to Eat on Monday Fasting (Somvar Vrat):
Fruits & dry fruits
Milk, curd, paneer
Sabudana, makhana
Potatoes (boiled or roasted)
Kuttu or Singhara flour dishes
Rock salt (sendha namak)
Light sweets like kheer
Food Items to Avoid in Somwar Vrat
Regular salt
Grains, lentils
Onion, garlic
Spicy or heavy food
16 Somvar Vrat (Solah Somvar Vrat)
Duration: Observed for 16 consecutive Mondays.
Purpose: For fulfilling wishes, marital bliss, getting a desired life partner, and overall peace.
Belief: Maa Parvati observed this vrat and was blessed with Lord Shiva as her husband.
When to Start: Can begin any Monday, but Shravan month is most auspicious.
Vrat Katha: Reciting the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is essential after the puja.
Sawan Somvar Vrat
Duration: Observed on every Monday of Shravan month (usually 4–5 Mondays).
Purpose: Devotees fast and offer prayers to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for prosperity and spiritual upliftment.
Belief: Shravan is the holiest month for Lord Shiva; even a single fast during this month is highly fruitful.
Rituals: Includes Abhishekam with water, milk, and offerings of Bel Patra and fruits.
Followed By: Both men and women for health, wealth.
The 16 Somvar Vrat, also known as Solah Somvar Vrat, is observed on sixteen consecutive Mondays in honor of Lord Shiva. It is believed to bring marital bliss, health, and spiritual growth. Though it’s most powerful when it starts in Shravan month. In 2025, Shravan begins on July 7—an ideal day to start.
16 Somvar Vrat Benefits
Here are the Solah Somvar Vrat Benefits-
Fulfills heartfelt wishes
Brings harmony in relationships
Improves mental peace and health
Attracts Lord Shiva’s blessings
Solah Somvar Vrat Rules
Here are the Solah Somvar Vrat Rules-
Worship Lord Shiva with water, milk & belpatra
Chant “Om Namah Shivaya”
Eat satvik food once a day
Read the Somvar Vrat Katha with devotion
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do sawan somvar vrat?
Begin the day with a bath and wear clean clothes. Visit a Shiva temple or perform puja at home by offering water, milk, bilva leaves, and chanting mantras. Observe a fast (nirjala or with fruits/milk) and conclude with Shiva aarti and vrat katha in the evening.
What is the name of Monday fasting?
The Monday fast is called Somvar Vrat, dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva.
How to do 16 Monday fast for Lord Shiva?
Observe a fast every Monday for 16 consecutive weeks. Start the day with prayers and puja to Lord Shiva, consume satvik food or fast completely, and conclude each day by reading the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha.
What not to eat on Monday fast?
Avoid salty, spicy, and non-vegetarian food. Most devotees refrain from grains and consume only fruits, milk, or vrat-approved food like sabudana or kuttu.
What are the rules for fasting for Lord Shiva?
To observe a Monday fast for Lord Shiva (Somvar Vrat), start your day with a bath and clean the puja space. Offer milk, water, and bilva leaves to the Shiva Linga, and light a diya. Avoid onion, garlic, and non-veg food—stick to satvik meals or fruits. Recite or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha during the puja. End your fast after sunset with a simple prasad or light meal.