Somwar (Monday) Vrat
(This fast is done by ladies for their good luck, for getting desired offspring and for the eradication of poverty)

According to Bhavishya Purana all fasts and the pilgrimages of this world cannot even touch the glory of one sixteenth division of this Somvaar Vrata. People who worship Lord Shiva on Monday succeed in gratifying their all types of wishes. This fast should be observed for attaining good luck, glory and reputation. Childless people can get children and the poor can gain wealth. All sorts of fears and sorrows get eradicated. This fast is very auspicious for the long life of the husbands of ladies. The deity of this fast is Moon which is also considered as the symbol of peace and coolness. This bestows mental peace and a big relief to our heart. This is considered auspicious for the eradication of eyes related problems. One gets rid of all sorts of troubles by performing this fast if observed with devotion.

This fast should be started from the first Monday of bright half of Shravna, Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Kartika or Margsheersha months of Hindu calendar. This fast should be done 10 times at least. One can do it for 5 years or one year.

Method of Observing Somwar Vrat

Wear white cloth visit the temple of Shiva. Worship Lord Shiva by offering white flowers and milk of cow. 'Om Namah Shivay’ this Mantra should be recited or three to 11 rosaries of following Mantra of Moon can also be recited

Have food only once in the day before or after sun set. After performing worship ceremony read Somwar Vrata Katha. You should eat curd, rice or Kheer (rice boiled in milk with sugar) While doing Udyapan (ceremony of completion) one has to perform Homa (sacred fire ceremony) with the wood of Palash tree (Butea foudosa). People generally do this Udyapan after completing 16 fasts.

Have food only once in the day before or after sun set. After performing worship ceremony read Somwar Vrata Katha. You should eat curd, rice or Kheer (rice boiled in milk with sugar) While doing Udyapan (ceremony of completion) one has to perform Homa (sacred fire ceremony) with the wood of Palash tree ( Butea foudosa). People generally do this Udyapan after completing 16 fasts.