The fast that is observed in the name of Lord Shiva and Somdeva is called Somvar Vrat. Lord Shiva is specially worshipped on this day. Lord Shiva Abhishek is carried out and Moon too is worshipped. Observing Jagran throughout the night holds great importance.
Types of Somvar Vrat
There are three types of Somvar Vrat. Out of them, first is the normal Somvar Vrat, next is the Som Pradosh Vrat and lastly the Solah Somvar Vrat. All these fasts have their importance. The Vidhi for all these fasts is the same.
How many Somvar Vrats should be observed and when to start?
Mondays of Magha month, Phalgun month and Savan month are considered auspicious to start this fast. The number of these fasts depends on the devotee but the importance and impact of every fast are different. Some Somvar Vrats are observed for 16, 7 or 5 Mondays.
Solah Somvar Vrat -Certain rules should be followed while observing Solah Somvar Vrat. This fast is mainly observed to get a good and also a specific life partner. Those who are facing problems in marital life should observe this fast to get rid of all marital problems and lead a happy married life.
Som Pradosh Vrat -This fast is considered highly auspicious. Those who observe this fast are blessed with a child. Worshipping Lord Shiva while observing this fast holds great importance.
Somvar Vrat -Somvar Vrat can be started at any time and it can be observed any number of times.
All of these fasts can be observed throughout life. When these fasts are observed with devotion and faith, the native is blessed with happiness and prosperity in life.
Precautions while observing Somvar Vrat
Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi
Importance of Somvar Vrat from the viewpoint of astrology
Somvar Vrat is considered very important from an astrological perspective. Monday has been associated with the Moon. Performing Chandrama Pujan on this day is also considered highly auspicious. If the Moon is affected in the horoscope or is malefic, then it is considered highly auspicious to observe the Somvar Vrat. This fast protects the native from the ill effects of a malefic or weak moon.
Performing Shiv Puja and Chandrama Puja on Monday marks the completion of this Vrat. It is said that the Moon resides on the forehead of Lord Shiva. So, when one worships the Moon, he/she automatically worships Lord Shiva.
Somvar Vrat Katha
Once upon a time, Shri Bhoothnath Mahadev decided to visit the Mrityu Log with Mother Parvati, so they went to Amravati, a city of Vidarbha, a prosperous city with a happy population. They started residing in a comfortable Shiv Mandir which was built by the people of the city. Once while playing Chaucer Goddess asked the priest of the temple, ‘Who you think will win this turn?’ To which he replied Lord Shiva. But instead, Goddess Parvati won. This angered Goddess Parvati and she cursed the Brahmin with Leprosy disease for lying.
After a few days, Apsaras from Swarglok visited the temple. When they saw the cursed priest suffering from leprosy they got curious. They inquired about the disease. The priest narrated the entire story. As a solution, the Apsaras asked the priest to observe Solah Somvar Vrats. They told him the importance of the Vrat and the procedure for the Vrat. The priest observed the Vrat and as expected Lord Shiva was obligated to fulfill all his wishes. Then the Apsaras returned to Swarglok. After completion of the fast, the priest was cured of his disease.
Later on, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visited the temple, Goddess Parvati was surprised to see that the priest was cured. She asked the priest the reason behind the same. The priest told her the whole Katha. On seeing the positive impact of the fast, Parvati ji followed the same fast to get back her deceived son Kartikeya, and her wish was fulfilled. Her wrathful son Karthikeya became obedient. This set out a ripple effect. Kartikeya inquired about the reason behind the change in his mindset.
On realizing the importance of the fast, Kartikeya too observed the fast. Kartikeya’s desire to meet his old friend was fulfilled. Due to the impact of the fast, he got a chance to meet his friend. When his friend, a Bharmin asked him about this, Kartikeya told him about the fast. His friend also observed the same fast with the desire to marry. The Brahmin went for a Swayamvara event of a Rajkumari in another state. The King declares that he will get the princess married to the man on whom she puts a garland. Fortunately for the Brahmin, the princess adorns the Brahmin with a garland.
The king true to his word fulfilled his promise. The Brahmin then told the princess about the Katha. The princess too observed that fast and was blessed with a son. Finally, the prince too observed the same fast and became the heir to the kingdom.
Somvar Vrat Udayapan
On the day of Somvar Udayapan, the devotee should take a bath and wear clean clothes. Observe a fast that involves eating only once. Wearing white clothes would prove to be more beneficial. Make a Vedi for Puja and decorate it with flowers and banana leaves.
Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Chandrama and the entire Shiv Parivar should be placed on the Vedi. Dhoop and Deepak should be used for Pujan and floral garlands should be offered. Choorma and Panchamrit should be offered as Bhog to the Gods. Offer food to the Brahmin. Donate articles to mark the completion of the fast.
If you prefer a simpler way of conducting the Puja, then visiting a Shiv temple will be ideal. Make a Panchamrit of water, milk, yogurt, Gangajal, honey, and Ghee. Carry out Abhishek of the Shivling at the temple by pouring Panchamrit over it. After that Bilav Patra and Datura should be offered to God. Finally water Abhishek should be done by pouring water over the Shivling Abhishek. Light a lamp and incense sticks. Lord Shiva should be gifted with Janeu and Dhoti whereas Mata Parvati should be adorned with red Chunari and Shringar items. After Mantra and Aarti, food and donation should be offered to one or two Brahmins. With this, the fast can be ended.