16 Somvar Vrat is a very auspicious fast for Lord Shiva. Monday is considered very auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees visit Shiva temples for his blessings of the merciful Lord who can remove the difficulties of devotees in Hinduism. 16 Monday fast is one of the popular vrat or fasting observed in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva is the supreme Lord and observing fast for him over 16 consecutive Mondays can give several benefits to the devotee.
For Whom and When Somvar Vrat is Kept
This is a complete sole decision to get the blessings of Shiva and anyone can observe 16 somvar vrat. This vrat is especially recommended for those who are in trouble in married life and also for those who are looking to get married. It is also recommended to begin the 16 Monday fasting on the first Monday of Shravan month in the month of July and August. The vrat consists of fasting and puja to Shiva. It also consists of reciting Solah Somvar Vrat Katha.
Fasting Procedure of 16Somvar Vrat
This is a very simple kind of observance. On this day, the observer must keep his heart pure and full of devotion. The vrat or fast begins on the Monday morning. If you’re observing this fast, wake up early on the day and complete your morning routine. After bath, visit the pooja room and start the pooja for Lord Shiva. Clean the altar and light a lamp with oil. If possible, try to decorate the idol picture with chandan flowers. At the end of Pooja, offer betel leaves, nuts, coconut, fruits and sweet dish prepared at home to the Lord Shiva and poor.
Recite the 16 Somvar vrat story and conclude the puja with waving of camphor. After the puja, try to keep fats for the whole day. If possible, you may continue your regular routine whether household or any other task. In the evening, lit the lamp and offer some Prasad to Lord Shiva. After evening puja, you can take some Prasad and fruits, if you want.
16 Somvar Vrat (Monday Fast) Story
Once there was a money lender. He and his wife lived a pious and devoted life. But they were childless and prayed the Lord to bless them with a child. Lord Shiva blessed the couple with a boy. But unfortunately, boy had only 12 years of life and his father knew this truth. The money lender made his boy a highly devoted person. When the boy entered the twelfth year, the boy went with his uncle to kasha to complete his education. On the way, they saw a marriage ceremony of the daughter of a businessman. The groom was blind with one eye. When the bride’s family discovered this truth, they requested the boy to be the groom. Then after marriage, the boy went to kashi and completed his education. As his fate was close, he suddenly met with death. But, Lord Shiva was very happy with the deed of the boy and he wanted to reward the goodness and devotion of all people at merchant’s home, therefore, the boy was blessed with life once again. The boy returned with the bride to his home and lives happily thereafter.
You can also wear Gauri Shankar Rudraksha for Lord Shiva’s Blessings