Fasting on Monday

Monday/ 16 Somvar fasts

People fast on Mondays to please Lord Shiva to get their wishes fulfilled. People fast for marriage, domestic happiness, relief from various diseases and other health issues, the gain of wealth, prosperity, and overall happiness.

About Significance of Fasting on Monday

The first day of the week Monday is dedicated Lord Shiva. Shiva is regarded as the Supreme Being with matted hair through which flows the holy river, Ganga. He is always depicted sitting on or wearing tiger skin, a snake around his neck, a three branched trident considered as his weapon and a damru.

It is said that he is the easiest to be pleased. People fast on Mondays to please Lord Shiva to get their wishes fulfilled. The various purposes for which people fast are marriage, domestic happiness, relief from various diseases and other health issues, gain of wealth, prosperity and overall happiness.

The facts related to 16 somvar :

This is started from Monday preferably from the Shukla Paksh ( bright period of moon).These fasts are considered most fruitful if started in the month of sharavan (July-August). This period is considered auspicious as this was the time when Shiva drank the poison that came out during samudra manthan.

This fast begins with sunrise and ends with sunset. In the morning, bathe the 'shiva-linga' with Gangajal, milk or curd, and offer white flowers and seasonal fruits. White clothes are preferred to be worn by people observing this fast. During the day, you must try to stick to water, juice or fruits only but people with health problems who cannot follow such a strict procedure can also consume fruits. Food is consumed in the evening after praying to Lord Shiva.

Chanting of Mantra "OM NAMAH SHIVAYA" which means "I bow to Shiva" is beneficial as this mantra is believed to infuse positive energy. It is also known as the five-syllable mantra.

According to some stories, this fast was done by goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife, in order to have Shiva as her husband. Since then, unmarried girls keep this fast to get an ideal husband like Shiva.

Another reason behind the Monday fast or somvar vrat is to get rid of diseases and other health problems. In this case, you are suggested to recite the "Mahamrityunjaya Mantra" around 108 times. The Mahamrityunjaya mantra also known as the Trayambakam Mantra or Rudra Mantra is a verse of Rigveda which is as follows-

"Om triyambakam yajamahe, Sugandhim pushti vardhanam,
Urva rukmiva bandhanan Mrityura mokshiya mamratat"

Chanting of mantras helps to bring positivity and get rid of all the negative energy around us. You can recite them inside your head or even aloud, what is important is to chant them with full faith and devotion and you can see the result on your own.

After the completion of the fast one should do udhyaapan and also should get the Lord Shiva puja done.