Somvar Vrat (सोमवार व्रत) — the Monday fast dedicated to Lord Shiva — is one of the most widely observed weekly fasts in Hinduism. The word "Somvar" literally means "Day of the Moon (Soma)," and since the Moon adorns Lord Shiva's head, Monday is considered especially sacred to Mahadev.
Why Monday for Shiva?
In Vedic astrology, Monday is ruled by the Moon (Chandra). According to the Shiva Purana, when Chandra Dev was cursed to lose his light, he sought refuge in Lord Shiva. Moved by his devotion, Shiva placed the crescent moon on his forehead, eternally protecting it from the curse. Since then, Monday became the day most connected to Shiva's grace.
Three Types of Somvar Vrat
1. Sawan Somvar Vrat Observed on Mondays during the month of Shravan (July-August). This is the most powerful Shiva worship period. Devotees walk barefoot to Shiva temples carrying Kanwar (sacred water from the Ganga).
2. Solah Somvar Vrat (16 Monday Vrat) Observed for 16 consecutive Mondays. Especially popular among unmarried women seeking a good spouse, as the Katha centers around Goddess Parvati's devotion to Shiva.
3. Regular Weekly Somvar Vrat A simpler weekly fast observed throughout the year.
How to Observe Correctly
Morning:
- Wake before sunrise and take a bath
- Visit a Shiva temple or worship at your home Shiva Linga
- Offer Bilva (Bael) leaves, milk, water, and white flowers
- Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times using a Rudraksha mala
Food Rules:
- One meal a day (preferably after sunset)
- Only fruits, milk, and vegetarian food without onion and garlic
- Some devotees observe a complete Nirjal (waterless) fast
Evening:
- Attend the Shiva Aarti at a temple
- Listen to or read the Somvar Vrat Katha
- Break the fast after the evening Aarti
Benefits of Somvar Vrat
- For Unmarried Seekers: Blessings of an ideal life partner (Shiva-Parvati's love is the divine ideal)
- For Married Couples: Harmony, understanding, and longevity of the marriage
- For Students: Shiva as Dakshinamurthy bestows wisdom and concentration
- For Health: Physical and mental detoxification
- For Spiritual Growth: Direct connection with Shiva's transformative energy
The Shiva Mantra for Monday
"Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe, Mahadevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat" (Shiva Gayatri Mantra — chant 11 or 108 times)