How to do 16 Monday fasting? A Complete Guide to Solah Somvar Vrat

According to the Bhavishya Purana, observing the 16 Monday fast (Solah Somvar Vrat) is believed to bring immense blessings that surpass the benefits of many other fasts. This ancient Hindu practice, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is performed to seek fulfillment of desires, including a good life partner, marital happiness, and spiritual peace.

Quick Summary

This guide details the complete process for observing the 16 Monday fasting, known as Solah Somvar Vrat, including the required rituals, dietary restrictions, prayers, and the concluding ceremony (Udyapan). It covers the significance for devotees, outlines a preparation checklist, and addresses common questions for a successful and spiritually rewarding experience.

Key Points

• Sankalp (Vow): The fast must be commenced with a sincere vow to observe it for 16 consecutive Mondays without interruption.

• Rituals for Worship: Morning puja includes bathing, wearing clean clothes, and performing Abhishek to a Shivlingam with Panchamrit and chanting Om Namah Shivaya.

• Dietary Rules: During the fast, consume only sattvik food, fruits (phalahar), or water (nirjala), and strictly avoid meat, alcohol, onion, and garlic.

• Vrat Katha: Reciting or listening to the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is an essential part of the ritual for each of the 16 Mondays.

• Udyapan Ceremony: Conclude the fast on the 17th Monday with a special puja, distributing prasad, and offering donations to Brahmans.

• Mental Purity: The fast requires not only physical restraint but also maintaining purity of thought, speech, and action throughout the day.

Understanding the Spiritual Significance of the 16 Monday Fast

The 16 Monday fast, or Solah Somvar Vrat, is a powerful ritual in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term 'Somvar' translates to Monday, which is considered Lord Shiva's day. The significance of observing this vrat for 16 consecutive Mondays is deeply rooted in folklore and religious texts like the Shiva Purana. Devotees undertake this fast to receive specific blessings and to attain spiritual and material well-being.

Historically, the 16 Somvar Vrat is associated with stories of devotees whose unwavering faith was rewarded by Lord Shiva. One famous tale involves Goddess Parvati, who is said to have observed this fast to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. This story is often cited by unmarried women who undertake the fast to find a suitable life partner. Others observe it for marital bliss, a healthy family, success, and prosperity. The discipline of a continuous 16-week commitment is seen as a testament to one's devotion, purifying the mind, body, and spirit.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Observing the Solah Somvar Vrat

1. Sankalp (Taking the Vow): On the first Monday, after your morning bath, take a vow (Sankalp) before Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to observe the fast with pure intention and dedication for 16 consecutive weeks.
2. Morning Rituals: Wake up early, bathe, wear clean clothes (preferably white), and clean your puja area. Place a photograph or idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
3. Puja Preparation: Arrange your puja plate (thali) with items for worship. Offer sacred items like Bilva leaves, white flowers, sandalwood paste, Akshat (unbroken rice), betel leaves, and fruits. Prepare Panchamrit by mixing milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar for the Abhishek.
4. Performing the Puja: Begin by offering Abhishek to the Shivlingam with water and Panchamrit. Chant mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Offer flowers and other items, light a ghee lamp (diya) and incense sticks, and then perform the aarti.
5. Reciting the Katha: After the morning puja, read or listen to the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha, a traditional story narrating the significance of the fast.
6. Observing the Fast: Throughout the day, fast according to your capability. Options range from a Nirjala fast (no food or water), Phalahar fast (fruits, milk, water only), to consuming a single, salt-free meal (Satvik food) after sunset.
7. Evening Worship: In the evening, perform a short puja again, light a lamp, and break your fast after offering prayers. Avoid heavy meals and stick to a simple, salt-free diet.
8. Udyapan (Conclusion): On the 17th Monday, perform a concluding ceremony. This involves a special puja, offering food to Brahmans, and giving donations. It marks the successful completion of the vrat.

Dos and Don'ts During the 16 Monday Fast

Dos (Actions to Perform)	Don'ts (Actions to Avoid)
Do wake up early and take a bath.	Don't consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Do wear clean, preferably white-colored clothes.	Don't use regular table salt; use rock salt (sendha namak) if needed.
Do chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the day.	Don't sleep during the daytime.
Do remain pure in mind, speech, and actions.	Don't consume heavy or oily meals when breaking the fast.
Do remain focused on devotion and spiritual thoughts.	Don't use turmeric or ketki flowers in your puja offerings.
Do choose your level of fasting (Nirjala, Phalahar, or Satvik).	Don't break the continuity of the 16 consecutive Mondays.

Benefits and Rewards of Solah Somvar Vrat

The 16 Monday fast is a revered practice for its tangible and intangible benefits. Devotees believe that sincere observance can lead to the fulfillment of desires and bring positive transformations into one's life. The spiritual discipline instills mental clarity, willpower, and inner peace. For those seeking a compatible life partner, it is a particularly significant vrat. Observing the fast is also believed to positively influence one's health and career, promoting overall well-being and success. The dedication to a continuous, disciplined ritual builds immense spiritual strength and resilience.

Conclusion: A Path to Spiritual Fulfillment

Observing the Solah Somvar Vrat is more than just a fast; it is a dedicated journey of 16 weeks to strengthen one's connection with Lord Shiva. From the initial Sankalp to the final Udyapan ceremony, each step is designed to purify the devotee's intentions and actions. By following the prescribed rituals, dietary guidelines, and maintaining a pure heart, devotees can seek blessings for marital happiness, prosperity, health, and profound spiritual peace. The consistency and devotion shown over these 16 Mondays demonstrate a deep commitment that is believed to attract divine grace and fulfill sincere wishes. As a powerful spiritual practice, it offers a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on inner peace, devotion, and a deeper connection to the divine.

For more in-depth spiritual insights into Hindu rituals, you can explore detailed resources at Pandit.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men also observe the 16 Monday fast?

Yes, both men and women can observe the 16 Monday fast (Solah Somvar Vrat). While it is traditionally popular with unmarried women seeking a good husband, it can be observed by anyone seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity, peace, or other wishes.

What happens if a Monday fast is missed during the 16 weeks?

If a Monday fast is missed, it should be made up. According to tradition, you must complete all 16 consecutive Mondays. If a fast is broken, it may be advisable to consult with a priest (Pandit) for guidance on how to continue or restart the fast.

What is the correct way to break the fast?

The fast is typically broken after the evening puja. After offering prayers and prasad to Lord Shiva, one can consume a light, sattvik meal, which means food without salt, onion, or garlic.

When is the best time to start the 16 Monday fast?

The most auspicious time to begin the Solah Somvar Vrat is believed to be during the first Monday of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Shravan. However, it can also be started during other auspicious periods.

What offerings are made to Lord Shiva during the fast?

Devotees typically offer Bilva leaves, white flowers, sandalwood paste, Akshat (unbroken rice), milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar (Panchamrit) during the worship.

Is it mandatory to visit a temple on Mondays during the fast?

While visiting a Lord Shiva temple is highly recommended, it is not mandatory. You can perform the full puja and observe the fast with the same dedication and sincerity at your home altar.

What is the significance of the Udyapan ceremony?

The Udyapan ceremony is a concluding ritual performed on the 17th Monday to mark the successful completion of the fast. It is a way of expressing gratitude to Lord Shiva and involves special prayers, offerings, and distributing food and donations.

What foods are allowed and disallowed during the fast?

Allowed foods often include fruits, milk, curd, nuts, and dishes made from sabudana or specific flours like kuttu or singhara. Disallowed foods include grains, lentils, onion, garlic, regular salt, and non-vegetarian items.