What Is The 16 Somvar Vrat?

"Solah Somvar Vrat" are observed by married women for their husbands' healthy and long lives. It is typically observed on 16 Mondays of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan (July/ August) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

North Indian States (Purnimanta Calendar)
Somwar VratDate (2026)
First SomwarSunday, August 3
Second SomwarSunday, August 10
Third SomwarSunday, August 17
Fourth SomwarSunday, August 24
Shravana Month EndsThursday, August 28
South Indian States (Amanta Calendar)
Somwar VratDate (2026)
First SomwarSunday, August 17
Second SomwarSunday, August 24
Third SomwarSunday, August 31
Fourth SomwarSunday, September 7
Shravana Month EndsThursday, September 11
Uttarakhand/Himachal (Solar Calendar)
First SomwarSunday, July 20
Second SomwarSunday, July 27
Third SomwarSunday, August 3
Fourth SomwarSunday, August 10
Shravan Month EndsSaturday, August 16

Connect with an astrologer via Call/ Chat @ ₹ 1

What Is Solah Somvar Meaning in Hinduism?

"Solah Somvar Vrat" is considered very auspicious. It is believed that observing fast and offering prayers every month during the month of saawan can get beneficial rewards as a blessing from Lord Shiva.

The word "Solah" means 16, and "Somvar" refers to Monday, making the name of the fast "16 Monday fast." During the Sawan somvar vrat, women abstain from eating food and other worldly pleasures and perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva.

The fast is considered highly auspicious and believed to bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the family. It is also thought to fulfil the devotees' desires and bestow Lord Shiva's blessings.

What Is The Astrological Significance of 16 Somvar Vrat?

Here is the significance of 16 Somvar Vrat from the astrological point of view. This will help you understand how each ritual in Hinduism is associated with astrology.

  • During the Shravan Maas, the planet Sun enters the Leo (Simha) zodiac sign. Also, the Sun is the ruling planet of Leo itself, which brings loyalty and leadership qualities to a person.
  • The Planet Moon (Chandra) is associated with Monday, so Monday is also called "Moon's Day." As the planet Moon deals with individuals' emotions and intuition, fasting on Monday can strengthen an individual's Moon in their birth chart.
  • Observing fasts and performing rituals during certain nakshatras (constellations), such as Rohini, Mrigashira, and Ardra, which align with Mondays, is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva.
  • Lord Shiva has strong control over the planet Saturn and is believed to mitigate its negative effects. Therefore, fasting and following the 16 Monday fast rules can strengthen planet saturn and remove the malefic effects of this planet.
  • If individuals have a Kaal Sarp Dosha in their kundli, it’s very important and sacred for those people to follow the 16 Monday fast rules strictly and with true devotion.

How To Do Solah Somvar Vrats?

Here are the guidelines on how you can observe the 16 Somvar Vrat. So, you can follow these 16 somvar vrat rules to perform the vrat properly. Also, if you are still wondering how to do Shravan Somvar Vrat, here is all you need to know.

  • The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset, during which women abstain from food and liquids.
  • Devout Hindu women spend the day in prayer and devotion to Lord Shiva, often visiting temples dedicated to the deity and participating in puja ceremonies.
  • In some communities, it is also customary to sing hymns and chant mantras (Aum Namah Shivaya) in honour of Lord Shiva.
  • If you are offering prayers at home, you must keep the idol or picture of Lord Shiva and clean it before starting the puja.
  • You can prepare food as a bhog for Lord Shiva. Along with that, offer flowers, betel nuts, and betel leaves, light the gingelly oil, and then sit and meditate for a while.
  • At the end of the fast, you can have breakfast with a meal made from pure, sanctifying ingredients, such as fruits, sweet potatoes, and bananas.
  • Lastly, observing the fast with devotion and purity of heart is believed to bring blessings and fulfilment and is considered a powerful means of attaining spiritual growth and satisfaction.

What Is The Solah Somvar Vrat Katha?

The Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is a Hindu mythological story associated with the observance of the 16 Mondays fast. According to the story, a woman named Karthika was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva.

She had a strong desire to attain his blessings for her husband's well-being and for a happy married life. Therefore, she observed the Solah Somvar fast with great devotion and purity of heart, abstaining from food and water during the day.

She offered prayers and worship to Lord Shiva in the evening. Her dedication and sincerity impressed Lord Shiva, and he appeared before her in a dream, granting her the blessings she sought for her husband.

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha For A Happy Married Life

The tradition of observing the Solah Somvar fast has become popular among Hindu women. It is believed that those who observe this fast with devotion and sincerity will be blessed with a happy and harmonious married life.

The Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is a special occasion in Hinduism and is observed by millions of women across India. The fast also reminds us of the importance of devotion, purity of heart, and self-discipline in life.

Conclusion

Completing the 16 Somwar Vrat marks a profound journey of dedication and penance to Lord Shiva. May this devotion bring forth fulfilment of wishes, lasting prosperity, and eternal blessings in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Solah Somvar Vrat is a Hindu fast observed for 16 consecutive Mondays. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is followed by Hindu women for the well-being and long life of their husbands.
Ideally, one should not eat anything during the Monday fast. But some people also eat fruits or satvik food once during the day.
During the Monday fast, people can eat fruits or Satvik food without onion and garlic. Also, one must follow the Monday fast rules for food and avoid any alcohol or non-vegetarian items.
The Solah Somvar Vrat is broken after offering prayers and worship to Lord Shiva. Depending on the individual's beliefs and customs, the fast can be broken with a simple meal or feast.
Observing the Solah Somvar Vrat is believed to bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to one's life and help attain the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Begin on the first Monday of Shravan. Fast for 16 consecutive Mondays, worshipping Lord Shiva and Parvati. Eat only once in the evening, avoiding grains and salt. Conclude with a formal Udyapan ceremony after the 16th fast.

Top Reads Just for You

View allarrow