Monday fast as it is known that it is celebrated in the name of Lord Shiva. The word somvar is derived from the word sank in Sanskrit, which means moon or Hindu deity moon. Also, Lord Shiva is known as 'Someshwar' because he wears the crescent moon on his covered hair. On Monday, Lord Someshwar is done to please Someshwar on Monday and this also fulfils his desires. Even though this fast is celebrated on any Monday, but the special calendar of Hindu calendar is mentioned in which the Monday is very popular on the New Moon Day. Yes, the first Monday of any month after the new moon is very popular. This month is known for the Shivratri festival. When a moon day or new moon does not fall on Monday, fasting on Monday is considered very right. It is also called 'Somvati Amavasya'.

Monday fast is followed in different ways in different states of India. In the northern states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and India, according to the Shravan and the Gregorian calendar, the Hindu month performs from July to August. In South Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Hindus falling in Kartik, Monday are considered sacred. In the Tamil Nadu state of India, the month of Kartigai (November-December) in the month of Tamil is considered auspicious and it is celebrated as 'Kartikai Somavaram'.

Monday fast rituals

Monday morning fast starts at sunrise on Monday. Those who follow this fast should wake up in the morning and meditate on Lord Shiva. After that, after offering a holy bath, devotees offer their prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Also, the one who makes the fast should wear a white dress on this day.

Apart from this, special worship of God Shiva is performed on this day. On this fast day, the devotees also offer Bhasma (Vibhuti) and Bilvah letters to Lord Shiva as they are considered to be the favourites of God. On this day Nayadya or special food offerings are also offered. While giving white flowers on Shivling also has great importance.

What can we eat on Monday fast

Later in the evening, the story is read on Monday. The devotees pronounce the words 'Om Namah Shivaya' all day. On Monday, the person following the fast can fast enough or have lunch once an afternoon. While the devotee can keep partial fast by eating Sabudana Khichdi or fruits.

What can we do on Monday fast

The devotees end their fast the next day after performing normal rituals and prayers in the morning. Then divide Prasad into other devotees. Generally, the devotees who go to the temple on Monday go to the temple of Lord Shiva in the morning and evening. If, however, this is not possible, then prayer can be done at their home.

Here are some benefits of Monday fast

Well, on Monday, everyone benefits from the fast but there is something different that you should know about. Explain that young unmarried girls follow this fast to get a good husband. While married couples also follow the fast and pray for a divine couple of Shiva and Parvati and demand peaceful family life. It is said that the lord of the Somnath Varta receives blessings from all the pleasures of the world. With this fast, there is always peace in the house and happiness remains and that is why today it keeps devotees in innumerable numbers.

To read about benefits of Monday fast (Somvar Vrat) in Hindi Click here!