Vrat Katha · Lord Shiva
Somvar (Monday) Vrat Katha
The Somvar Vrat is kept on Mondays in devotion to Lord Shiva, often by those seeking a good spouse or family harmony. The katha tells of a wealthy but childless merchant whose faith in Shiva was tested by the very boon he was granted.
When It Is Kept
On Mondays (Somvar), especially through the month of Shravan; the sixteen-Monday (Solah Somvar) vrat is also popular.
The Story
A rich merchant had everything but a child, and kept the Somvar Vrat faithfully in devotion to Lord Shiva. Pleased, Shiva granted him a son — but with a condition set by fate: the boy would live only sixteen years.
The son grew wise and good. As the appointed age drew near, he was sent to Kashi to study, in the care of his uncle, who arranged his marriage on the way to a princess of a passing kingdom.
On the very night the sixteenth year was complete, the young man's life left him, as had been foretold. His grief-stricken bride wept and prayed to Lord Shiva with all her heart, refusing to accept the loss.
Moved by the devotion of the merchant, his son and the bride, Lord Shiva restored the young man to life and granted him a full span of years. The family returned home in joy, and the Somvar Vrat spread as a fast that fulfils sincere wishes.
A devotional retelling of the traditional legend in our own words.
The Meaning
Steadfast devotion to Lord Shiva, kept through hardship, is rewarded; faith held even in grief can restore what seemed lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Somvar (Monday) Vrat Katha about?
The Somvar Vrat is kept on Mondays in devotion to Lord Shiva, often by those seeking a good spouse or family harmony. The katha tells of a wealthy but childless merchant whose faith in Shiva was tested by the very boon he was granted.
When is the Somvar (Monday) Vrat kept?
On Mondays (Somvar), especially through the month of Shravan; the sixteen-Monday (Solah Somvar) vrat is also popular.
What is the moral of the Somvar (Monday) Vrat Katha?
Steadfast devotion to Lord Shiva, kept through hardship, is rewarded; faith held even in grief can restore what seemed lost.