Mumbai: The Solah Somvar Vrat is often associated with unmarried women praying for an ideal life partner. But according to astrologer Geetu Parmar, the significance of the fast goes far beyond marriage. She believes anyone seeking Mahadev’s blessings, whether for health, career, family or peace of mind, can observe the vrat with faith and devotion.
Speaking about who can undertake the Solah Somvar Vrat, Geetu says it is traditionally considered especially auspicious for unmarried women. “The 16 Monday fasts, or Solah Somvar Vrat, are considered very special, especially for unmarried girls,” she said. She explains that the vrat is often observed by those praying for an ideal life partner. She said, “Those who are not married and wish to find a suitable, worthy and well-mannered life partner, someone with qualities they seek in a partner, should consider observing these fasts with faith.”
However, she adds that observing all sixteen fasts isn’t the only option. “If someone is unable to observe all 16 Monday fasts, the four Mondays of Shravan are also considered very significant. They are believed to offer similar spiritual benefits,” she said. According to Geetu, the vrat is equally meaningful for married couples. “Married women can also observe these fasts for their husband’s long life, good health and a happy and peaceful married life,” she said.
She points out that the fast is not limited to women. “Men can observe the fast as well. It is believed to help them progress in life, find better opportunities at work, see growth in business and reduce mental stress,” she said. She also mentions another group that traditionally observes the vrat. “Those who wish to have children but are facing difficulties in conceiving can also observe the fast with devotion,” she said.
Ultimately, Geetu believes the vrat is open to anyone facing challenges in life. “Overall, if someone is going through problems in life, whether financial difficulties, physical challenges, mental stress or other struggles, they can make a sincere sankalp and observe the Monday fasts during Shravan,” she said. “When you observe the fast with faith and devotion towards Mahadev, it is believed that you receive positive results and His blessings,” she added.
Explaining how the vrat should begin, Geetu says everything starts with a sincere sankalp. “The most important thing when you begin observing the fast is to take a sankalp, or a spiritual resolution, on Monday morning after taking a bath. Take a little water, some rice, a flower and a few coins in your hand, sit in front of Mahadev and make your sankalp,” she said.
“You can state your intention and say what you are beginning the fast for, and then release the water onto the ground. You can perform this puja every day, but it is especially important to do it on Mondays. During Shravan, the entire Shiva family should be worshipped,” she added. Geetu says devotees should not limit the worship only to the Shivling. “Along with the Shivling, you should also worship Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Nandi. It is not enough to simply offer water to the Shivling and consider the puja complete,” she said.
For those observing all sixteen Mondays, she highlights the importance of preparing churma as prasad. “For those observing the 16 Monday fasts, preparing churma as prasad is considered particularly important,” she said. “The traditional churma can be prepared using a small amount of wheat flour, ghee and jaggery, keeping in mind the fasting rules you follow,” she added.
She also explains how the prasad is traditionally distributed. “Once prepared, divide it into three equal portions. One portion should be offered to Mahadev, the second should be distributed as prasad, and the third should be eaten by the person observing the fast. This is a very important part of the practice,” she said.
For Geetu, making the prasad yourself carries special meaning. “When you prepare the prasad with your own hands and offer it to Mahadev, it carries a sense of devotion and personal effort. The churma is therefore divided into these three portions as part of the ritual,” she said. Finally, she says listening to the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is an essential part of completing the observance. “If you can read the katha yourself, that is even better. If you are unable to read it, you should make sure to listen to it. The katha is considered an essential part of observing the fast with devotion,” Geetu ended.
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