Monday fasting, known as Somvar Vrat, is a revered practice in Hinduism, especially dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Observing this fast is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and success in personal and professional life. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to observe this fast, including methods, prayers, and practical tips.
Significance of Monday Fasting
- Lord Shiva Worship: Devotees observe the fast to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for health, harmony, and happiness.
- Fulfillment of Desires: It is believed that unmarried individuals can pray for an ideal life partner, while married couples seek marital bliss.
- Spiritual Growth: Fasting on Monday promotes self-discipline, concentration, and spiritual evolution.
How to Prepare for Monday Fast
- Purify Your Intentions: Begin with a clear mind and pure intent. Resolve to observe the fast with devotion.
- Take a Bath Early Morning: Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00-5:00 AM), and bathe to purify the body.
- Wear White Clothes: White symbolizes purity and devotion, making it ideal for this fast.
- Prepare a Puja Space: Clean the area where Lord Shiva's idol or Shiva Lingam is placed. Adorn the idol with fresh flowers, bilva (bael) leaves, and sandalwood paste.
Daily Routine for Somvar Vrat
Morning
- Cleanse Your Home and Mind: Start the day with mindfulness and positive thoughts.
- Chant Mantras: Recite the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times.
- Perform Abhishekam:
- Offer water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, and sugar to Shiva Lingam.
- Decorate the Lingam with bilva leaves, which are considered sacred for Lord Shiva.
Noon
- Read Shiva Purana: Devote some time to reading stories or chapters from the Shiva Purana to strengthen your spiritual connection.
- Minimal Eating: If observing a partial fast, consume only sattvic foods like fruits, milk, or nuts.
Evening
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Evening Puja: Light a diya (lamp) near the Shiva Lingam and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati as well.
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Mantra Chanting: Recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat || -
Recite hymns or bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as Shiva Tandava Stotram.
Practical Suggestions for Fasting
- Discipline: Maintain focus on spiritual thoughts and avoid unnecessary distractions.
- Foods Allowed:
- Fruits: Bananas, apples, oranges.
- Liquids: Water, coconut water, milk.
- Light meals (if necessary): Sabudana (tapioca), potatoes cooked without onions or garlic, and vrat-friendly sweets made of jaggery and nuts.
- Avoid Tamasik Foods: Do not consume meat, alcohol, onions, or garlic.
Lesser-Known Facts About Monday Fast
- Power of Bilva Leaves: Offering bilva leaves with three segments is said to remove negative karma and grant liberation.
- Importance of Moon: Monday is associated with the moon, which governs the mind. Fasting helps in calming the mind and emotions.
- Dwadashi Parana: Breaking the fast on Tuesday morning during Dwadashi Tithi ensures the fast’s completeness.
Mantras for Monday Fasting
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Shiva Mantras:
- Om Namah Shivaya
- Har Har Mahadev
- Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
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Parvati Mantras:
- Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Gauryai Namah
- Om Hreem Namah Shivayai
Benefits of Observing Monday Fast
- Marital Bliss: Brings harmony in relationships.
- Mental Peace: Helps in reducing stress and improving concentration.
- Physical Detox: Abstinence from food provides a physical and spiritual cleanse.
Closing Prayer for Monday Fast
In the evening, perform the final aarti and pray:
- "O Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, please accept my humble offerings. Grant me health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Help me tread the path of righteousness and devotion."
After the prayer, break your fast if allowed, or continue your austerities until the next day.
By following these guidelines, you can imbibe the true essence of devotion and experience the transformative power of Monday fasting.