Somvar Vrat is observed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. Somvar means Monday. Monday’s are considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. The vrat is to be observed for 16 consecutive Mondays. So, it is also called Solah Somvar vrat. It is one of the most popularly observed vrats, and devotees do it for general well being in life. However, the vrat is especially observed to solve problems connected to marriage. It is believed that strict observing of the Somvar Vrat was one of the reasons why Goddess Parvati was able to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband.
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When should we start Somvar Vrat?
The Monday, which falls on the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, is the ideal time to start Somvar Vrat. The Vrat should be observed for 16 consecutive Mondays. Shravan month 2022 is from Saturday, 23rd July to Monday, 22nd August. In South India, instead of Shravan month, the month of Kartika (November-December) is considered most auspicious. If not in these months, the vrat can also be started on any Monday that falls on the Shukla Paksha or the bright phase of the Moon. The vrat should start in the morning with a holy bath and the worship of Lord Shiva. It is also important to clean your home and surroundings, especially the puja room, before starting the vrat.
How do you do a Monday fast?
The Monday that comes during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan, Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Kartika, or Margashirsha months is auspicious to start the vrat. The fasting begins with a holy bath early on Monday morning. Adding black til-sesame seeds to the water is recommended. Clean your place of residence, especially the place where you do your daily prayer. Decorate it with flowers. Light the lamp and incense sticks. Place an idol of Lord Shiva or Shivalinga here. Pray to Lord Ganesha, who is the lord to obstacles to ensure successful fasting. Perform abhishekam. Offer water to the Shivalinga or the Shiva idol. Then offer panchamrit, which is a mixture of milk, honey, sugar, ghee and curd. Pour water again. Apply sandal paste. Offer white flowers, bilva leaves, datura flowers, fruit and rice. After this, read the Monday vrat katha. In the evening, perform aarti to the shiva ling or idol and offer flowers. Visit a temple of Lord Shiva and offer prayers.
There are various stories depicting the importance of the Monday fast. The most famous is that of Goddess Paravati, who observed the 16 Monday fast or the Solah Somvar Vrat to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. Another story is about a priest who was cursed to be a leaper by Goddess Parvati. Now a leper, the priest overcame the curse by observing the Solah Somvar Vrat. Goddess Parvati also used the Monday fast to have her son Karthik, who was upset with her, come back to her. A brahmin friend of Karthik, having learned the merit of the fasting from Karthik, observed it. He was later chosen as the husband to the daughter of the ruling king during Swayamvara. Devotees read these stories as part of Monday fasting to get reminded of the virtue that comes with observing the fast.
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Can we do Monday fast during periods?
Fasting during period days does not count. Girls during periods are not to enter puja rooms or do worship. They can still carry on with the fasting. However, they will have to do an additional Monday fasting for every Monday under the period. For example, if one Monday in the 16 Monday fasting is missed due to periods, the person should carry out a 17 Monday fasting.
Does Solah Somvar Vrat work?
Solah Somvar Vrat is observed for general well being. It is specifically meant to solve problems related to marriage. Unmarried girls observe the vrat to get a good husband. The vrat is observed to invoke the pleasure of Lord Shiva. The Solah Somvar Vrat is known to be very effective, with plenty of testimonials supporting it. It is also known to remove pessimism and negative thoughts from the mind of the person.
What should we not do in Somvar Vrat?
Observing the vrat is all about cleansing the body and soul. So, in addition to dietary restrictions, one should also adhere to certain moral disciplines as well. Do not consume alcohol during the time of fasting. Do not shave or eat non-vegetables. Devotees also avoid ginger and garlic in food. Limit your diet to satvik food. Eggplants are also avoided as they are considered impure. Try to maintain a calm mind during fasting. Do not swear or curse. Do not use objectionable words or tones. Maintain a calm mind and be courteous to others.
What all can we eat on Monday fast?
Monday fast becomes effective when it is done for 16 consecutive Mondays. Therefore making a healthy diet choice during fasting is very important to build up strength to see the fasting through. Devotees eat satvik good during fasting. They eat fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products. Drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated. It is also good to eat nuts, dates and raisins during fasting. Boiled potatoes are another food item popular among devotees observing Monday fasting. It is essential to avoid food prepared with salt, garlic and onions. Pakodas, vadas and non-cereal dishes are also consumed by devotees. Some devotees restrict their meals to one time during fasting. The more rigorous method is to abstain from food and water during the period of fasting.
How can I fast for Lord Shiva on Monday?
Lord Shiva is one of the Trimurtis. He is the protector and the destroyer. He resides in Kailash and is blue-skinned with matted hair through which flows the holy river Ganga. Worshipping Lord Shiva bestows the devotee with health, power and peace. After taking a bath in the morning, you have to worship an idol of Lord Shiva or a Shivaling. You have to visit the temple of Lord Shiva and offer prayers. It is also recommended to chant the prayer ‘om Namah Shivaya during fasting. Fasting to Lord Shiva on Mondays helps the devotee attain wisdom, gain control over mind and emotions, and strengthen the Moon in the chart.
Why do girls do Solah Somvar Vrat?
Solah Somvar Vrat is a very effective method to overcome marriage related problems. If there is any dosha in marriage astrology, your marriage may get delayed. Observing the vrat is recommended for girls who are facing problems in marriage and who are looking for a perfect life partner. Mainly unmarried women observe the solah somvar vrat to gain a good husband like Lord Shiva. Married women also observe the vrat for long, happy married life and for good health for their husband. Observing the Solah Somvar Vrat also strengthens the Moon in the chart. The Moon is the energy behind emotions. A strong Moon will make the person optimistic with constructive thoughts.
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Solah Somvar Vrat significance
As per ancient scriptures, Solah Somvar Vrata is the greatest among all vrats. People who worship Lord Shiva on Monday succeed in realising their wishes. This Vrat is observed for attaining good luck, glory and reputation. It mitigates fears and sorrows in life. It ensures the long life of husbands. Couples not having children will get children by observing this fast. Somvar Vrat is also related to the Moon. The Moon is the lord of emotions and the symbol of peace. So, observing the vrat fills you with inner peace and relief from stress. It is also good for the eradication of eye-related problems. One can get rid of all sorts of troubles by performing this vrat with devotion.
Read about Akshaya TritityaSomvar vrat 2022 dates
The Solah Somvar Vrat or the 16 Somvar Vrat is observed for 16 consecutive Mondays. There is no fixed date to start the 16 Somvar Vrat other than the day being a Monday falling on the Shukla Paksha. But it is usual for the devotees to start the vrat on the first Monday during the month of Shravan. The Shravan Somwar Vrat dates for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand are as follows:- Shravan month start date: July 14, 2022
- First Monday or Somwar: July 18, 2022
- Second Monday: July 25, 2022
- Third Monday: August 1, 2022
- Fourth Monday: August 8, 2022
- Shravan month start date: July 25, 2022
- First Monday or Somwar: August 1, 2022
- Second Monday: August 8, 2022
- Third Monday August 15, 2022
- Fourth Monday: August 22, 2022
