About the Somvar Vrat (Monday Fast)
Monday (Somvar) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing the Monday fast pleases Lord Shiva quickly and fulfils the devotee’s wishes. Unmarried girls keep this fast to obtain a good husband, and couples observe it for the blessing of children, happiness, and prosperity. Below you can read the complete Somvar Vrat Katha (the story), its significance, and how to observe the fast.
Somvar Vrat Katha — The Story
Long ago, in a certain town, there lived a wealthy merchant. He lacked nothing in wealth, yet the sorrow of having no child troubled him always. Longing for a son, he observed a fast every Monday and worshipped Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, lighting a lamp at the Shiva temple and praying with deep devotion.
Seeing his devotion, Mother Parvati was pleased one day and said to Lord Shiva, “O Lord, this merchant is your true devotee and grieves for want of a child. Please fulfil his wish.” Lord Shiva replied, “O Parvati, in this world everyone receives fruit according to their deeds. Yet, pleased by his devotion, I grant him a son — but that son will live only twelve years.”
By Shiva’s grace, a beautiful son was born to the merchant. There was great joy, but the merchant knew his son would live only twelve years, so he neither rejoiced excessively nor slackened in his worship.
When the boy turned eleven, the merchant sent him to Kashi (Varanasi) for his studies with his maternal uncle, asking them to perform yajnas and give charity along the way. On their journey, uncle and nephew stopped in a town where a princess’s wedding was taking place. As it happened, the groom she was to marry was blind in one eye. The groom’s family thought to have this handsome boy stand in as the groom for the ceremony, and later take the real groom away.
The boy was made to sit as the groom and the marriage rites were performed. But the honest boy wrote on the princess’s veil (chunri): “You have been married to me, but I am not the true groom of this wedding. Your real husband is blind in one eye.” The princess read this and refused to go with the real groom.
The boy travelled on to Kashi and began performing yajnas with his uncle. In the twelfth year, on the day of the yajna, as Shiva had foretold, the boy’s life left his body. The uncle began to weep. Just then, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati were passing by. Hearing the lament, Parvati said, “O Lord, grant this boy life, or I shall remain sorrowful.” Remembering the merchant’s devotion, Shiva restored the boy to life and blessed him with a long life.
The revived boy returned home with his uncle, passing through the town where he had been married. The king recognised him and sent him off with great honour, along with his daughter. Meanwhile, the merchant and his wife had vowed that if they heard news of their son’s death, they too would give up their lives. But when they saw their son return safe and sound with his bride, their joy knew no bounds.
Lord Shiva appeared to the merchant in a dream and said, “O merchant, pleased by your Monday fast and devotion, I have granted your son a long life.” Thus, whoever observes the Monday fast and listens to this story with devotion has all their wishes fulfilled by the grace of Lord Shiva. Bolo Shiv Shankar Ki Jai!
Significance of the Fast
It is believed that observing the Monday fast pleases Lord Shiva quickly and removes the devotee’s troubles. Unmarried girls keep it to obtain a good husband, and couples observe it for children, prosperity, and a happy married life. The Mondays of the month of Shravan are considered especially fruitful.
🪔 How to Observe the Fast
- On Monday, bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes, and take a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast.
- Worship Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati; offer water, milk, bel leaves, dhatura, and white flowers on the Shivling.
- Fast through the day; you may take fruit and milk once if needed.
- Read or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha with devotion.
- In the evening, perform the aarti of Lord Shiva and take the prasad.
Read also: Hanuman Chalisa (in English)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Monday (Somvar) fast observed?
It is observed to please Lord Shiva; unmarried girls keep it for a good husband, and couples for children, happiness, and prosperity.
What can be eaten during the Monday fast?
A fast is kept through the day; if needed, fruit and milk may be taken once.
When should the Monday fast begin?
It is considered auspicious to begin on a Monday of the bright fortnight (shukla paksha); Mondays in the month of Shravan are especially fruitful.