Solah Somvar Vrat Festival

The word 'Solah' means 16, and 'Somvar' refers to Monday, making the name of the fast '16 Monday fast.'

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Scroll down to read more about Solah Somvar Vrat or the 16 Monday fast in English!

How is the Solah Somvar Vrat observed?

The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset, during which women abstain from food and liquids. Instead, 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 in honour of Lord Shiva. At the end of the fast, participants break their fast by eating a meal from pure and sanctifying ingredients, such as fruits, sweet potatoes, and bananas. The meal is typically shared with friends and family and is followed by a night of celebration and joy.

The special Solah Somwar Vrat is known to bring happiness, peace, fortune, and stability into the lives of observers and their partners. It is believed that Lord Shiva is particularly pleased by those who observe the fast and that he grants their wishes and blesses their lives in return.

Hence, the Solah Somvar Vrat is an important religious observance for Hindus, particularly those who follow the Shaivite tradition. 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.

Significance of the Solah Somvar Vrat

It is believed that keeping this fast brings positive energy into the life of the woman, her husband, and the entire family. Thus, women observe this fast with great sincerity and devotion, abstaining from food and other worldly pleasures for the whole day.

This fast does not only limit to food items, but also extends to abstaining from negative acts and thoughts. Women who observe this fast are expected to lead a pure and pious life, avoiding negative thoughts, anger, and other negative emotions. This helps them teach good habits, build positive relationships, and promote peace and harmony in the family. Besides the spiritual significance, Solah Somvar Vrat is also considered necessary for the husband's well-being. The fast is believed to bring long life, good health, and prosperity to the husband. Moreover, by observing this fast, women can show their love and affection towards their husbands, strengthening their bond.

Items Used in Solah Somvar Vrat

During the fast, several items are used to perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva. Some of the common items used during the solah somvar vrat vidhi are:

1. Shivlinga: A Shivlinga, a symbol of Lord Shiva, is placed in the puja room and is worshipped with offerings of milk, honey, and water. This ritual is known as the ‘Rudrabhishek’ of Lord Shiva.
2. Flowers: Fresh flowers, particularly bel patra or bel leaves, decorate the Shivlinga and are offered during the puja.
3. Fruits: Fruits such as bananas, coconuts, and sweets are offered as prasad (sacred food) to Lord Shiva.
4. Incense sticks: Incense sticks purify the atmosphere and create a spiritual ambience during the puja.
5. Bells: Bells are rung during the puja to signal the start and end of the puja and to alert the deity of the devotee's presence.
6. Akshat (rice grains): Akshat, or unbroken rice grains, are used to perform tilak (a religious mark on the forehead) and to offer as prasad to Lord Shiva.
7. Water: Holy water, also known as ‘Panchamrit’ is used to perform the puja and is offered to Lord Shiva as part of the ritual.
8. Coconut: Sometimes known as a symbol of ego, a coconut is broken open as an offering to Lord Shiva, symbolising the breaking of the ego.

These items are used during the Solah Somvar Vrat to perform the puja and seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

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 and offering 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.

Since then, 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 holds a special significance in Hinduism and is observed by millions of women across India. The fast also serves as a reminder of the importance of devotion, purity of heart, and self-discipline in one's life.