About Solah Somvar Vrat
Solah Somvar Vrat is observed for sixteen consecutive Mondays and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A devotee can start Solah Somvar Vrat on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in any month. But devotees usually begin the fasting in Shravan or Kartik month. Solah Somvar Vrat is observed by women to get good husbands and many also observe it when they are blessed with a good married life. It is also believed that observing this Vrat will help in getting one’s wishes fulfilled.During this fast sixteen consecutive Mondays are devoted to Lord Shiva. However, married women and males also observe this fast, but for different reasons. Married women observe it for long married life, and men for happy and peaceful life.
Solah somvar vrat can be started in any month during the Shukla Paksh phase (bright lunar fortnight). Some devotees even opt for the Chaturmas period for observing this solah somvar vrat. The fast begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Generally partaking of one-time meal is allowed, but some like to observe fast for complete 24 hours. You can have nuts, milk and fruits during the fasting day, still some believe to observe the fast empty stomach. Read later part of this article for more details. Let’s begin with narrating the historical significance of this vrat first. Following is a Katha, which solidifies the belief of devotees, also the reason behind to observe this fast.
Sixteen Monday Vrat Katha
Solah Somvar Vrat Pooja Procces
Devotee is expected to wake up early in the morning, and take bath. After that, devotee should go to Shiva temple. If you are unable to go temple then you can perform puja at home too. On all Mondays,detailed puja is performed with 16 offerings to Lord Shiva. Recital of Katha is also a part of puja. During the fast devotees are allowed to eat fruit, milk, thick sweet roti (naivedyam, prepared of jaggery), but, consumption of salt is strictly prohibited. Naivedyam is a Shiv prasad which is equally divided into three parts, before offering it to god. From three parts, one part is offered to the god, one part is distributed among friends and relatives and the third part is eaten by the devotee. You can eat a complete meal after breaking your fast in the evening. On the 17th Monday, the devotee offers a mahapuja to Shiva at a Shiva temple. You can also contact the local priest for more specific details pertaining to this fast.
This fast is done to please Lord Shiva, the god who can easily be pleased. It is said one who observes this fast gets his/her wish fulfilled in no time. Once you start the fast, then it is essential to complete 16 Mondays, otherwise you may be deprived of receiving shiv shakti blessings to boost your luck.
Solah Somvar Vrat Legends
As per the Hindu scriptures, it is believed that it was during the month of Saavan when the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the milk ocean) took place. While churning the ocean by gods and demons, a lot of things came out. One of the most deadliest thing was poison (Halahala). For saving the world from the bad effects of poison, it was swallowed by Lord Shiva, as no one else could do it.
Thus, Lord Shiva acted as the savior of the universe by consuming the poison. Since then, he is also worshiped as Neelkanth. Hence, the month of Savan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus, worshiping Lord Shiva during the days of Sawan Somvar is given utmost importance.
Now that we know what the real story behind worshiping Lord Shiva is during Savan Somvar Vrat, let’s see what significance is held by the Savan Somvar for the people throughout the country.
Pictures of Solah Somvar Vrat
