Solah Somvar Vrata
सोलह सोमवार व्रत
16 consecutive Monday fasts — a powerful vrata for Lord Shiva's blessings
About Solah Somvar Vrata
Solah Somvar (सोलह सोमवार) means "sixteen Mondays." This kamya vrata involves observing a fast on 16 consecutive Mondays, seeking Lord Shiva's blessings. It is one of the most popular vratas in North India, especially among unmarried women seeking a good husband and newly married couples seeking marital happiness.
The vrata is described in the Skanda Purana. Lord Shiva himself explained this vrata to Goddess Parvati at the request of Parvati who wished to know a way for women to get ideal husbands.
Who Should Observe Solah Somvar?
Unmarried Women
To obtain an ideal husband with good qualities and devotion to Shiva.
Married Couples
For marital happiness, understanding, and bliss in conjugal life.
Shiva Devotees
General devotees seeking Shiva's grace, spiritual growth, and removal of obstacles.
Vrata Vidhi (Method)
When to Start
Begin on a Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) Monday. Sawan (Shravan) month Mondays are especially auspicious to start this vrata.
Morning Preparation
Wake up early (brahma muhurta), take a bath, wear clean white or light-colored clothes. Go to a Shiva temple if possible.
Sankalpa
Take the vow: "I am observing Solah Somvar Vrata for the blessings of Lord Shiva. May all obstacles in my life be removed."
Shiva Puja
Offer water (Jal abhishek), bilva leaves, dhatura flowers, bhasma, rice mixed with milk to the Shivalinga. Light a deepam and dhoop.
Fast
Observe a fast the whole day. Eat once in the evening after sunset — simple sattvic food like fruits, milk, sabudana, singhara flour preparations. No grains, no salt in some traditions.
Vrata Katha
Read or listen to the Solah Somvar Vrata Katha (story). This is an essential part of the vrata.
Chanting
Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times on a rudraksha mala. Recite Shiva Chalisa if possible.
Udyapana (after 16th Monday)
On the 17th Monday, perform the Udyapana (conclusion ritual). Feed Brahmins, donate, distribute prasad (choorma/panchamrit). The vrata is now complete.
Vrata Katha Summary
Once, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were playing chaupar (a dice game) at Kailash. A Brahmin priest was present. Parvati asked Shiva who would win the game. The priest, without thought, said "Goddess Parvati will win." But Shiva won. Parvati was angry at the priest for his wrong prediction.
The priest did penance for his mistake and received a divine message in his dream: "Observe the Solah Somvar Vrata sincerely." He did, and Parvati's anger subsided. His life was transformed.
Parvati was pleased and asked Shiva to explain this vrata. Shiva told her: "This vrata, if observed with devotion for 16 consecutive Mondays, fulfills all desires — it grants a good spouse, marital happiness, children, prosperity, and ultimately moksha."
Prasad & Food Guidelines
✅ Allowed Foods
- Milk, curd, butter, ghee
- All fruits
- Sabudana (sago)
- Singhara (water chestnut) flour
- Kuttu (buckwheat) flour
- Rock salt (sendha namak)
- Makhana (fox nuts)
- Sweet potato
❌ Avoid
- All grains (wheat, rice, corn)
- Regular salt (use rock salt only)
- Non-vegetarian food
- Onion, garlic, leeks
- Alcohol, tobacco
- Lying, arguing, negative thoughts
- Consuming after sunset (strict observers)