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| Solah Somvar Vrat Katha |
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Solah Somwar Vrat is observed for sixteen consecutive Mondays and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A devotee can start Solah Somvar Vrat on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in any month. But devotees usually begin the fasting in Shravan or Kartik month. Solah Somvar Vrat is observed by women to get good husbands and many also observe it when they are blessed with a good married life. It is also believed that observing this Vrat will help in getting one’s wishes fulfilled.
Legend has it that moon (Chandra or Soma) was cursed by Daksha that his body will fade away. It is said that Chandra escaped from this curse after observing the Somvar Vrat.
Many devotees choose the Chaturmas period to observe the Solah Somvar Vrat.
Solah Somvar fasting begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Some devotees observe 24-hour fast and they only consume water or tender coconut or copra.
Some devotees opt for nuts, milk and fruits while fasting.
On the 17th Monday of the fasting, special pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva are held.
It must be noted that Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are several devotees who observe partial fast on all mondays or do special pujas or visit Lord Shiva temples on the day.
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If you are seeking something specific from the God, it is advisable to observe a vrat (religious ritual) of 16 Mondays. Observed in honour of Lord Shiva, it can be started on any Monday of the bright fortnight of the months of Vaishakh, Shravan, Kartik or Magh. A fast is observed on next 16 Mondays and the udyapan of the vrat (conclusion) is performed on the 17th Monday.
Every Monday, a detailed puja is performed with 16 offerings. Although the devotee is allowed to eat food cooked without salt, crystal sugar or thick sweet roti (bread), many observe a strict fast. A naivedyam of crystal sugar or roti (thick sweet bread) is prepared for Lord Shiva. Before offering it to the god, the naivedyam is divided into three parts. One part is offered to the god, one part is distributed amongst friends and relatives and the third part is eaten by the devotee. On the 17th Monday, the devotee offers a mahapuja to Shiva at a Shiva temple. Flowers of golden champak, bilva, lotus, bakuli and punnag are essential for this puja . |
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This is optional, but highly recommended as it brings closeness between Lord Shiva and you. You can also mention in your Sankalpa/vow that at the end of this fasting, on the 17th Monday you will offer a Shivlingam Puja, praising Lord Shiva to come and to reside with you in form of His symbol - the Shivalingam in your home or office and also offer a Havan (fire ritual) with at least 108 or 1008 offerings in to the fire. I have consecrated Shivalingams made of Ice, to Silver, Gold, Crystal, Shaligram up to Parad (made of solidified Mercury) ones.
I have performed more than 1500 Shivlingam Pujas and Havans in my life time so far. This whole Puja takes approximately 5 hours to complete.
In your Sankalpa, you can mention any of your desire. Please be reasonable, do not use harsh words, do not make a vow to subjugate someone, just make a peaceful sankalpa/vow.
After you have dropped the Sankalpa or vow. Sit and meditate on Lord Shiva. Start focusing on your third eye between your eye brows. Chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaye". Do not count your chanting. There is no need to count your chanting. Just chant, become the chant! Chant this mantra with no limits. Do not chant that you have to catch a bus to go to work. Just be, sit, focus on your breathing and upon vision on your third eye. Just chant slowly and with total surrender. Take your time to chant. Do not allow outside influence affect your peace. Just be.
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