Annual Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Solah Somvar Vrat
Solah Somvar Vrat involves observing 16 consecutive Monday fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular long-duration vrats in Hindu tradition. According to the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha (found in the Skanda Purana), Lord Vishnu and Parvati played a game of dice on Mount Kailash and Parvati asked a passing Brahmin to witness — Shiva blessed the Brahmin who worshipped him for 16 Mondays. Unmarried women observe this vrat to get a husband like Shiva.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Fulfills the deepest desire of the devotee (often marriage or a Shiva-like husband), removes all life obstacles, grants Lord Shiva's direct blessings and grace, ensures spiritual progress, and brings long-term happiness and prosperity.
Procedure
On each of 16 consecutive Mondays: wake early and bathe. Prepare a mixture of wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery (called "choorma") as prasad. Worship Shiva with this prasad, bilva leaves, and milk. Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times. Read the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha. On the 17th Monday, perform Udyapan (vrat completion ceremony) — invite five Brahmins and feed them. Distribute the choorma prasad to all.
When to Observe
16 consecutive Mondays starting from any auspicious Monday (Shravan Somvar or Mahashivratri are popular starting points). Complete within 16 continuous weeks without a break.
Fasting Rules
Observe fast on each Monday. Avoid grains and salt. Eat only one meal in the evening with fruits, milk, and sattvic foods. The choorma (wheat-ghee-jaggery) prasad is consumed after puja.
How to Break the Fast
Break fast each Monday evening after Shiva puja and aarti with choorma prasad (wheat, ghee, jaggery mixture). On the 17th Monday, break after Udyapan ceremony.
FAQ
Q.What is Solah Somvar Vrat?
Solah Somvar Vrat involves observing 16 consecutive Monday fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular long-duration vrats in Hindu tradition. According to the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha (found in the Skanda Purana), Lord Vishnu and Par...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Solah Somvar Vrat?
Observe fast on each Monday. Avoid grains and salt. Eat only one meal in the evening with fruits, milk, and sattvic foods. The choorma (wheat-ghee-jaggery) prasad is consumed after puja.
Q.When should Solah Somvar Vrat be observed?
16 consecutive Mondays starting from any auspicious Monday (Shravan Somvar or Mahashivratri are popular starting points). Complete within 16 continuous weeks without a break.
Q.What are the benefits of Solah Somvar Vrat?
Fulfills the deepest desire of the devotee (often marriage or a Shiva-like husband), removes all life obstacles, grants Lord Shiva's direct blessings and grace, ensures spiritual progress, and brings long-term happiness and prosperity.