Monday (Somvar) Vrat Guide
Duration: 1 day, every Monday (or 16 consecutive Mondays: Solah Somvar Vrat) · When to observe: Every Monday; Shravan month Mondays are especially sacred
Blessings from Lord Shiva, good marriage prospects, removal of obstacles, spiritual growth
Duration
1 day, every Monday (or 16 consecutive Mondays: Solah Somvar Vrat)
When to observe
Every Monday; Shravan month Mondays are especially sacred
Fasting type
Flexible fastPresiding deity
Lord Shiva
Purpose
Blessings from Lord Shiva, good marriage prospects, removal of obstacles, spiritual growth
What you can eat
- One meal in the evening
- Fruits throughout the day
- Milk and milk products
- Sabudana
- Regular food if doing partial fast
What to avoid
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol
- Onion and garlic on fast days
Always consult your family tradition — regional customs vary.
Rituals & Practices
- 1
Morning Shiva puja with Bel patra (wood apple leaves)
- 2
Offer milk, water, and honey on Shivling (Abhishek)
- 3
Recite Shiva Panchakshara Mantra 108 times
- 4
Listen to Shiv Purana or Somvar Vrat Katha in the evening
- 5
Keep a lamp lit with sesame oil throughout the day
How to Break the Fast
After sunset puja, prasad first then meal. Common prasad: rice kheer, fruits.
Vrat Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय (Om Namah Shivaya)
Chant 108 times on the day of the vrat
Practical Tips
Shravan (July–August) Mondays are the most powerful for Shiva worship
Unmarried girls observe this vrat for a good husband
Wear white or light-coloured clothes on Monday
Bilva (bel) patra is most sacred to Shiva — even one leaf counts