Importance of Somvar Vrat: Astrology - Rituals - and Benefits

Somvar Vrat or Monday fasting holds significant importance in Hindu traditions. Let's explore the various aspects related to this auspicious practice:

The Importance and Myth of Solah Somvar Vrat

The significance of Solah Somvar Vrat - which spans over sixteen Mondays - is rooted in the enchanting tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In a samvat year - the divine couple embarked on a journey to Mrityu-lok (the world of mortality). Along the way - they chanced upon a Shiva temple and decided to spend some time there.

In a playful mood - Maa Parvati invited Lord Shiva to join her in a game of Chaupar - an Indian dice game. They began playing - unaware that the temple priest was yet to arrive.

Curious about the outcome - Maa Parvati asked the priest if he could predict the winner. The priest - not taking her seriously - hastily responded that Lord Shiva would emerge victorious. Surprisingly - it was Maa Parvati who won the game. Frustrated by the incorrect prediction - Maa Parvati grew angry and cursed the priest - who subsequently contracted leprosy.

News of the priest's condition reached the ears of the fairies - who descended to Earth to learn more. One fairy advised the priest to observe the 16 Monday fast and offer jaggery to Lord Shiva on the final Monday - distributing the offerings among his family members.

Following the fairy's instructions - the priest gradually regained his health - much to the surprise of Maa Parvati when she revisited the temple with Lord Shiva. Intrigued - she listened to the priest's account and was impressed. As a result - she too decided to observe the sixteen Monday fasts.

The significance of this vrat lies in the belief that through devoted worship of Lord Shiva - one can overcome life's obstacles and attain good health and desired wealth. It is also said to bring about mental peace and happiness.

Individuals with a weak Moon in their birth chart may benefit from observing the 16 somvar vrat - as it can yield positive results from the Moon's influence. Additionally - this vrat can be observed for the well-being of one's mother - promoting her good health.

How to Follow Solah Somvar Vrat?

To observe the solah somvar vrat vidhi - follow these steps:

1. Initiate the Vrat: Begin the vrat on the first Monday of the auspicious Shravan month and continue it for sixteen consecutive Mondays.
2. Prepare for the Day: Wake up early in the morning and take a refreshing bath. Dress yourself in clean attire.
3. Visit a Shiva Temple: Make a visit to a nearby Lord Shiva temple - symbolizing reverence and devotion.
4. Offer Prayers: Offer sincere prayers to Lord Shiva - Lord Ganesha - and Maa Parvati. Seek their blessings and express your gratitude.
5. Perform Rudraabhishek: Perform the sacred ritual of Rudraabhishek on the Shivling of Lord Shiva. During the ceremony - offer Panchamrit (a mixture of milk - curd - ghee - honey - and sugar) - unbroken rice - fruits - Chandan (sandalwood paste) - and itra (fragrance) to the deities.
6. Offer Bel Patra: Before reciting the mantras 108 times - offer Bel Patra (leaves of the wood apple tree) - bel phal (wood apple fruit) - and bhang leaves to Lord Shiva.
7. Recite Solah Somvar Katha: Read or listen the 16 somvar vrat katha near your home temple. Understand the significance of this vrat and let it inspire you.
8. Observe Fast: Throughout the day - maintain the fast by either consuming only fruits or having a proper lunch or dinner. Avoid eating frequently or consuming salty foods.
9. Continue the Vrat: Follow the vrat diligently for 16 Monday - without any interruptions.
10. Complete the Puja: On the sixteenth Monday - perform the entire puja with utmost devotion. Remember Lord Shiva in your prayers and seek his blessings.

By following these steps - you can observe the 16 somvar vrat katha and experience its spiritual significance. May Lord Shiva shower you with his divine grace and blessings.

For whom we need to do somvar vrat or Monday fasting and what is the importance?

• Sawan somvar is observed by individuals seeking blessings - fulfillment of desires - and the overall well-being of their family.
• It is particularly important for those facing obstacles in their personal or professional lives.
• The fast is believed to bring prosperity - harmony - and peace to one's life.

How many somvar vrat or Monday fasting is important or Shubh in astrology?

• Observing 16 consecutive somvar vrat or Monday fast is considered highly auspicious.
• It is believed to enhance one's luck - remove planetary afflictions - and strengthen the positive influences of the Moon.

Everything about somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• Somvar vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva - the deity associated with Mondays.
• Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath before starting the fast.
• They visit Shiva temples and offer prayers - flowers - fruits - and milk.
• Some also perform special rituals and recite mantras associated with Lord Shiva.
• The fast is typically observed from sunrise to sunset - abstaining from food and water.
• It is common to consume only light - sattvic meals during the vrat.

Significance

• Solah somvar vrat is believed to cleanse the mind - body - and soul.
• It is said to bestow blessings - fulfill wishes - and bring spiritual growth.
• The fast helps in seeking forgiveness - promoting self-discipline - and cultivating devotion towards Lord Shiva.

Fasting Rules

• Devotees should maintain a pure and calm mindset throughout the day.
• They should avoid consuming non-vegetarian food - alcohol - and tobacco.
• The use of foul language and indulgence in negative thoughts should be avoided.
• Charity - offering prayers - and performing acts of kindness are encouraged.

Rituals and Puja

• On the day of the fast - devotees visit Shiva temples and perform elaborate rituals.
• They offer water - milk - honey - bilva leaves - and other sacred items to Lord Shiva.
• Recitation of Shiva mantras and singing devotional songs is common during the puja.

Vidhi and Procedure of somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• To observe somvar vrat - devotees wake up early and take a bath.
• They dress in clean - traditional attire and visit the nearest Shiva temple.
• After offering prayers - they tie a sacred thread or raksha on their wrists.
• Devotees then listen to or recite stories and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Fasting begins after the morning rituals and continues till sunset.

Benefits and Advantage of somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• Sawan somvar vrat is believed to bring success - happiness - and prosperity.
• It promotes good health - emotional well-being - and spiritual growth.
• Devotees often experience a sense of inner peace and a stronger connection with Lord Shiva.

Mantras and Pooja Associated with somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Om Namah Shivaya mantra is considered highly auspicious.
• Devotees also recite the Rudra Ashtakam and the Shiva Chalisa during the vrat.
• Singing bhajans and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva is also a common practice.

History and Story of somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• According to ancient scriptures - observing somvar vrat pleases Lord Shiva and fulfills devotees' wishes.
• The story of King Daksha and his daughter Sati is often associated with the origin of this vrat.
• It is believed that by observing this vrat - one can overcome challenges and receive divine blessings.

Story of Somvar Vrat

Once upon a time - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were wandering in the mortal world. During their travels - they arrived in a city called Amaravati in the Vidarbha region. They decided to stay there because the city had a beautiful Shiva temple. One day - while conversing - Goddess Parvati suggested playing a game of chaupar (an ancient Indian board game) to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva agreed - and they started playing chaupar.

Meanwhile - the temple priest arrived to perform the daily evening prayer. Goddess Parvati asked the priest to predict the winner of their game. Being a devotee of Lord Shiva - the priest immediately exclaimed - "Lord Shiva will win!" As the game of chaupar concluded - Goddess Parvati emerged as the winner - while Lord Shiva lost. Enraged by the outcome - Goddess Parvati wanted to curse the priest. However - Lord Shiva intervened and explained that it was just a game of destiny - and the priest was not at fault. Despite Lord Shiva's intervention - Goddess Parvati decided to curse the priest - and he turned into a leper. He suffered from the curse for a long time.

One day - an apsara (celestial nymph) arrived at the temple to worship Lord Shiva and noticed the condition of the cursed priest. She inquired about the reason behind his leprosy - and the priest narrated the entire incident to her. The apsara advised him to observe a sixteen-Monday fast (Solah Somvar Vrat) to attain liberation from his affliction. The priest asked for the procedure of the fast. The apsara instructed him to take a bath on Mondays - wear clean clothes - prepare a sweet dish using half a kilogram of flour - divide the dish into three parts - worship Lord Shiva during the Pradosh period - and distribute one-third of the sweet dish as prasad (blessed food) to the devotees. This procedure should be followed until the sixteenth Monday. On the seventeenth Monday - the priest should prepare a delicacy made from one-fourth kilogram of wheat flour and offer it to Lord Shiva - distributing it among the people. By following this process - the curse would be lifted - and he would find relief. Delighted - the priest diligently observed the sixteen-Monday fast and finally got rid of his leprosy - leading a healthy life.

One day - when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati returned to the temple - they witnessed the priest in good health. Curious about his well-being - Goddess Parvati asked the priest about the secret behind his restored health. The priest informed them that he had observed sixteen-Monday fasts - which had cured him of his affliction. Goddess Parvati was pleased to hear about this fast and decided to observe it herself. As a result - their son Kartikeya returned home and became obedient. Kartikeya inquired about the transformation in his mother - and Goddess Parvati told him about the significance of the sixteen-Monday fast. Kartikeya was overjoyed to learn about it.

Kartikeya visited his long-lost Brahmin friend - who had gone abroad. He shared the details of the fast and suggested that his friend should observe it for a blissful marriage. Meanwhile - a king was making arrangements for his daughter's wedding. Many princes came to marry the princess - and the king set a condition that only the person whom the bride's necklace (varmala) would adorn could marry her. Coincidentally - the Brahmin friend was one of the suitors - and by the twist of fate - the bride's necklace fell around.

 

What to Eat in somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• During the vrat - devotees consume sattvic food items such as fruits - milk - nuts - and vegetarian meals.
• Some opt for a complete fast - abstaining from food and water for the entire day.

What to do for good result in somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• Maintain a positive attitude and perform acts of kindness and charity.
• Recite mantras - meditate - and engage in self-reflection.
• Stay dedicated to Lord Shiva and embrace the spiritual journey throughout the fast.

What not to do in somvar vrat or Monday fasting

• Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food - alcohol - tobacco - and other stimulants.
• Refrain from negative thoughts - gossip - and engaging in arguments.
• Focus on maintaining a calm and peaceful environment.

Alternative Methods to Please Lord Shiva

In addition to the Solah Somvar vrat - there are several other practices you can undertake to worship and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. During the auspicious month of Shravan - dedicated to Lord Shiva - performing these rituals can be highly beneficial.

1. Masik Shivratri: Observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha - Masik Shivratri commemorates the manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of the Linga during the month of Phalguna. On this day - devotees offer jal abhishek (ritualistic bathing of the Shiva Linga with water) and perform various rituals to please Lord Shiva. Many consider this occasion as an easy way to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva.
2. Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap: The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra holds immense significance and is frequently chanted by devotees. It is believed that reciting this powerful mantra can alleviate life's troubles and challenges. It is particularly effective for individuals facing health issues or those who are critically ill. The chanting of the Mahamrityunjay Jaap brings immediate relief and solace. Devotees of Lord Shiva firmly believe in the potency of this mantra.

By incorporating these practices into your devotion - you can further deepen your connection with Lord Shiva and experience his divine grace. Remember to perform these rituals with utmost sincerity and faith.

In conclusion - somvar vrat or 16 monday vrat holds immense importance in Hindu traditions. By observing this vrat with dedication - individuals can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva - experience spiritual growth - and find peace and prosperity in their lives.

FAQs:

1. Q: Can anyone observe somvar vrat or Monday fasting?
   • A: Yes - anyone who believes in Lord Shiva can observe this vrat.
2. Q: How long should one observe somvar vrat?
   • A: It is recommended to observe 16 consecutive somvar vrat for optimal results.
3. Q: What are the benefits of somvar vrat?
   • A: Somvar vrat is believed to bring success - fulfillment of desires - and overall well-being.
4. Q: Are there any specific mantras to be recited during the vrat?
   • A: Yes - chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Om Namah Shivaya mantra is highly auspicious.
5. Q: Can one consume food during somvar vrat?
   • A: Devotees can consume sattvic food items such as fruits - milk - and vegetarian meals during the vrat.