Somvar Vrat
Somvar (Monday) Vrat is observed every Monday in honor of Lord Shiva. It is especially meritorious during the Shravan month (July-August), when each Monday is called Shravan Somvar. Devotees fast through the day and break the fast at evening after Shiva puja. It is believed to grant a good spouse and remove Mangal Dosha.
Significance of Somvar Vrat
Monday is the Moon's day (Soma = Moon). Shiva wears the Moon as an ornament in his hair (Chandrashekhara) — making Monday doubly sacred for him. The Shiva Purana records that Shiva himself declared Monday to be his day of choice for fasting. The 16 Mondays of the year (Solah Somvar Vrat) are said to grant marriage to unmarried women and harmony in troubled marriages. During Shravan (July-August), the 4 or 5 Mondays are the most sacred of the year for Shiva worship.
Somvar Vrat Katha
A wealthy merchant and his wife had no children. One day Shiva and Parvati appeared at their door as ordinary travelers. Shiva told the wife to observe the Somvar Vrat for 16 consecutive Mondays. She did so sincerely and was blessed with a son. Years later, the son forgot to complete an important ritual — and lost his prosperity. He was reminded by a sage to fulfill his mother's vow properly. He did, and prosperity returned. The story establishes that the Somvar Vrat must be completed properly to retain its blessings.
How to Observe Somvar Vrat
- 1Wake before sunrise; bathe and go to a Shiva temple if possible
- 2Offer bael leaves, milk, white flowers, and dhatura to the Shivalinga
- 3Fast through the day — many take only one meal at night after puja
- 4Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times; recite the Shiv Chalisa or Rudrashtakam
- 5Light an oil lamp and dhoop (incense) for Shiva
- 6Break the fast after sunset with a simple meal (no onion, garlic)
Udyapan — How to Conclude the Vrat
For the 16-Monday (Solah Somvar) vrat, the Udyapan is performed after the 16th Monday: invite brahmin guests, feed them, and donate clothes and grains. Then prepare and distribute the prasad to family members.
Key Somvar Vrat Types
Shravan Somvar: Mondays during the Shravan month (July-August) attract millions to Shiva temples. Pilgrims walk to Jyotirlinga temples carrying kavad (bamboo poles with water pots) to perform Gangajal abhishek on the Shivalinga. The four Shravan Somvars 2026 fall on: 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 3 Aug, 10 Aug.
Somvar Vrat Dates 2026
- • Every Monday — most significant during Shravan: 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 3 Aug, 10 Aug 2026
Benefits of Somvar Vrat
- ✓ Good spouse for unmarried women
- ✓ Marital harmony
- ✓ Healing of Moon-related disorders (anxiety, mental instability)
- ✓ Relief from Sade Sati (Saturn's transit over Moon)
Vedic Astrology & Somvar Vrat
Monday is Moon's day (Chandra Vaar). The Moon governs the mind, emotions, mother, and public life. Fasting on Monday with Shiva puja strengthens a weak Moon in the nativity and reduces the emotional turbulence of Moon-Saturn afflictions (Sade Sati, Shani aspecting Moon). Chandrashekhara (Moon-wearing Shiva) is specifically invoked for Moon-related problems.
“Fasting is often misunderstood as purely a physical act. In Vedic astrology, Somvar Vrat works at the planetary level — it directly addresses the deity who governs the weak or afflicted planet in your chart. I recommend always checking your current dasha period before committing to a long vrat cycle: fasting for the wrong deity during a strong benefic period can dilute the effect. A brief chart reading before starting saves months of misdirected effort.”
— Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, PhD Vedic Astrology · 20+ Years Practice
Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
PhD in Vedic Astrology • 20+ Years Experience
Distinguished Vedic astrologer specializing in natal chart analysis, predictive astrology, and Vedic remedial measures. Trusted by thousands for accurate Somvar Vrat interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Kundli & Vrat Recommendation
Find out if Somvar Vrat aligns with your current planetary period — and which deity fast will be most effective for your birth chart. Prepared by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma.