Somvar Vrat — Monday Fasting for Lord Shiva
Dedicated to Lord Shiva • Observed every Monday • Ideal during Shravan month
Overview
Somvar Vrat is observed on Mondays and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer among the Hindu trinity. Devotees who observe 16 consecutive Monday fasts — known as Solah Somvar Vrat — are believed to receive Shiva's blessings for a happy married life, good health, and fulfillment of desires. The word “Somvar” derives from “Som” (Moon), as Monday is ruled by the Moon in Vedic astrology, and Lord Shiva adorns the crescent Moon on his head.
Who Should Observe Somvar Vrat?
- • Devotees seeking Lord Shiva's blessings and spiritual growth
- • Unmarried men and women seeking a good, compatible spouse
- • Married couples seeking harmony and longevity in their relationship
- • Those with a weak or afflicted Moon (Chandra) in their horoscope
- • Anyone facing health issues or recurring obstacles in life
Fasting Rules
- • Wake before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean white or light-colored clothes
- • Visit a Shiva temple or set up a Shiva Lingam at home for puja
- • Offer bilva patra, milk, water, and dhatura flowers to the Lingam
- • Fast type: Can be nirjala (waterless) or with fruits and milk only
- • Break the fast after evening puja at sunset or after moonrise
- • Strictly avoid salt, grains, rice, and wheat during the fast
- • Maintain a sattvic (pure) mindset — avoid anger, gossip, and negativity
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
- 1Clean the puja area and place a Shiva Lingam on a clean platform.
- 2Light a ghee diya and incense (dhoop).
- 3Offer Panchamrit abhishekam — pour milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee over the Lingam one by one.
- 4Offer bilva (bael) leaves, white flowers, and dhatura.
- 5Recite "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times using a Rudraksha mala.
- 6Read or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha.
- 7Perform aarti with camphor and distribute prasad.
Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya — Chant 108 times with a Rudraksha mala
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्
Shiva Gayatri Mantra — Recite for deeper spiritual connection
What to Eat & Avoid
Foods Allowed
- • Fruits (banana, apple, papaya, pomegranate)
- • Milk, curd, buttermilk
- • Sweet potato and potato (boiled or roasted)
- • Sabudana (sago) khichdi with rock salt
- • Kuttu (buckwheat) atta preparations
- • Singhara (water chestnut) atta roti
- • Dry fruits — almonds, cashews, raisins
- • Rock salt (sendha namak) only
Foods to Avoid
- • Grains — rice, wheat, barley, millet
- • Pulses and lentils (dal)
- • Regular (iodized) salt
- • Onion and garlic
- • Non-vegetarian food
- • Alcohol and tobacco
Benefits of Somvar Vrat
- • Harmony and longevity in married life
- • Well-being and protection of children
- • Relief from chronic health issues
- • Spiritual progress and inner peace
- • Mitigation of Chandra (Moon) dosha in the horoscope
- • Fulfillment of heartfelt desires through Shiva's grace
Solah Somvar Vrat (16 Mondays)
The Solah Somvar Vrat is a special observance of 16 consecutive Monday fasts. It is one of the most popular vrats in Hindu tradition, especially among unmarried women praying for an ideal husband and married women praying for their husband's long life.
When to start: The first Monday of Shravan (Sawan) month is considered the most auspicious day to begin. However, devotees can start on any Monday with a sankalp (solemn vow) before Lord Shiva.
Completion: On the 17th Monday, the devotee performs a special concluding puja (Udyapan) and feeds Brahmins or distributes food to the poor. The vrat katha is read aloud every Monday during the observance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat salt during Somvar Vrat?
You should avoid regular (iodized) salt. Rock salt (sendha namak) is permitted in most traditions. Those observing a strict nirjala fast avoid all food and water.
How many Mondays should I fast?
The most popular observance is Solah Somvar Vrat — 16 consecutive Mondays. Some devotees fast for the 4 Mondays of Shravan month. Others observe it lifelong every Monday.
Which month is best for starting Somvar Vrat?
Shravan (July–August) is considered the most auspicious month to begin Somvar Vrat. The first Monday of Shravan is the ideal starting day. However, the vrat can be started on any Monday with sincere devotion.