16 Somvar Vrat: Significance & Puja Rituals
In India, Saawan, or the month of Shravan, is one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and usually falls between July and August. This year’s Saawan is here, and devotees are all set to celebrate the Solah Somvar Vrat. Solah Somwar fast is observed on sixteen consecutive Mondays in Shravan month. These fastings have a tremendous spiritual significance in Hindu culture.
It is a belief that engaging in Solah Somwar Vrat and dedicating worship to Lord Shiva results in good health, wealth, and happiness. If you also want to observe these fasts, then read this article for a detailed guide on Solah Somwar Vrat’s significance, when to start, and more.
Benefits and Significance of Solah Somvar Vrat
Observing the 16 Somvar Vrat is believed to bring success in career, business, and relationships. According to Shiv Purana, Solah Somwar Vrat also helps in bringing peace, prosperity, good health, and longevity. If a devotee observes Solah Somwar with faith and devotion, they are believed to get a suitable life partner.
This fast is also observed by couples facing difficulty getting peace and harmony in their marriage. It is also believed that offering Lord Shiva with Dhatura flowers and fruits and chanting mantras will bless the devotee with a child.
When to Start The 16 Somvar Vrat?
It is best to start the Solah Somvar Vrat in the month of Shravan (July-August) as this is the Shukla Paksha, which is the waxing phase of the moon and is very beneficial for praying to Lord Shiva. Sawan in 2024 will begin on July 22nd and conclude on August 19th.
However, devotees can begin the vrat on any Monday of their choice, but they mustn’t break it for any number of weeks; they have to complete it on sixteen continuous Mondays only.
Procedure to Follow for Puja
Here is how to do Solah Somvar Vrat puja:
- Morning Rituals: Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Ideally, white clothes are preferred.
- Preparation of the Puja Ingredients: Set up a small table with an idol or picture of Lord Shiva. Decorate it with fresh flowers, preferably white or yellow.
- Offering to Lord Shiva: Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks. Offer fruits, milk, and bel patra (bilva leaves) to the Shivalinga.
- Abhishek (Bathing the Shivalinga): Perform the Abhishek with water mixed with Ganga Jal, followed by Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, sugar, ghee, and curd). Pour water again over the Shivalinga.
- Puja and Prayers: Apply sandalwood paste, offer flowers, and chant Shiva mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Conclude the puja with an aarti in the evening.
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Fasting Rules and Vrat Food
On the day of the Vrat (fast), many devotees choose to drink only water throughout the day. However, some devotees may have a one-time meal after the morning puja and rituals are completed. The foods allowed in the Solah Somvar Vrat include fruits, milk, buttermilk, curd, sweets made of pure milk and sugar, and dishes made of Sabudana.
Here are the basic rules of Solah Somvar Vrat:
- Wake up early and take a bath.
- Avoid eating salt and grains.
- Consume fruits, milk, and fasting-approved foods.
- Maintain dedication and purity of mind and body.
- Continue this routine for 16 consecutive Mondays.
The 16 Somvar Vrat Katha
Reading the Solah Somvar Katha (Story) every Monday during the puja is a requirement. Here is the 16 Somvar Vrat Katha:
Long ago, there was a pious moneylender and his wife who prayed to Lord Shiva and Gauri for a child. In return for their loyalty, Lord Shiva granted them their wish of a buy but he was born with a life expectancy of 12 years.
When the boy was on the verge of reaching his twelfth birthday, his father decided that it was time for him to return to Kashi with his uncle to finish school. During their journey, they got a chance to visit a wedding ceremony.
The groom was found to be blind with one eye. After knowing this, the bride’s family requested the moneylender’s son to marry their daughter because of their debts, and the boy accepted because he pitied her.
After marrying the bride, both went to Kashi. The boy continued to pursue his education further. As the time of the death of his son was nearing, the moneylender and his wife offered deep prayers to Lord Shiva. Through this devotion, Lord Shiva blessed the boy for a long life, changing his fate. He went back with his wife, a beautiful lady, and lived a happy married life.
Conclusion
The Solah Somvar Vrat is a powerful ritual that offers numerous benefits. By observing this vrat with devotion and faith, devotees can seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for a fulfilling life.
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