Solah Somwar Vrat 2026: The 'Solah Somwar Vrat' (Sixteen Mondays Fast), dedicated to Lord Shiva, commences on the first Monday of the month of Shravan (Sawan). Religious belief holds that observing this fast and worshipping Lord Shiva with proper rituals for sixteen consecutive Mondays invokes the special grace of Lord Bholenath. This fast is observed specifically to fulfill wishes, ensure a happy married life, find a suitable life partner, be blessed with children, and secure family well-being. The Shiva Purana states that adhering to specific rules regarding offerings (*prasad*), lamps, fruits, flowers, and worship materials during the fast is considered auspicious and ensures the full benefits of the observance are attained. Let us learn about the rules associated with the worship for the Solah Somwar Vrat...

**How ​​to Make the Vow (Sankalp) for Solah Somwar Vrat**
According to religious beliefs, devotees observing the Solah Somwar Vrat should first make a solemn vow (*sankalp*) before commencing the fast. To make this vow, one should wake up during *Brahma Muhurta* (the auspicious pre-dawn period), bathe, and meditate. Then, standing before Lord Shiva with water, *Belpatra* (wood apple leaves), *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), and flowers in hand, one should pledge to observe the fast for sixteen consecutive Mondays with full devotion and faith, praying to the Lord for the strength to do so. One should also ask for forgiveness for any mistakes that might occur. Scriptures emphasize starting the Solah Somwar Vrat only after making this formal vow.

**Solah Somwar Vrat Rituals**
To observe the Solah Somwar Vrat, wake up during *Brahma Muhurta*, bathe, meditate, and wear clean or white clothing. Then, visit a nearby Shiva temple and perform *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of the *Shivling* using Ganga water and pure water. Follow this with an *Abhishek* using *Panchamrit* (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar). After the *Abhishek*, offer *Belpatra*, *Dhatura*, *Aak* flowers, white flowers, *Bhasma* (sacred ash), sandalwood paste, and seasonal fruits. Light five *desi* ghee lamps before Lord Shiva during the worship; ensure that the lamps remain lit until the worship concludes. After offering incense and *agarbatti* (incense sticks), chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" at least 108 times. Additionally, reciting the *Shiv Chalisa*, *Rudrashtakam*, or the *Solah Somvar Vrat Katha* (the story associated with the sixteen-Monday fast) is considered highly rewarding.

**Prasad for the Solah Somvar Vrat**
The *Prasad* (offering) holds special significance in the *Solah Somvar Vrat*, and there is a tradition of dividing it into three equal parts. The first part should be given to a cow, the second part to family members, and the third part should be consumed by the devotee themselves. It is believed that doing so ensures the offering reaches all the deities and brings spiritual merit. One must observe celibacy during the fast and perform worship in the morning as well as during the *Pradosh Kaal* (the auspicious twilight period).

**Concluding the Solah Somvar Vrat (Udyapan)**
After completing the sixteen Mondays, the concluding ritual (*Udyapan*) is performed with proper rites on the seventeenth Monday; only then is the fast considered complete. According to scholars, it is considered auspicious to complete the *Udyapan* by 11:00 AM. On this day, perform worship according to the prescribed rituals, including *Havan* (sacred fire ritual) and *Tarpan* (offering water to ancestors/deities). Afterward, arrange a meal for Brahmins and seek blessings by offering *Dakshina* (ritual honorarium). This marks the conclusion of the *Solah Somvar Vrat*.

**Points to Remember for the Solah Somvar Vrat**
During the worship of Lord Shiva, one should not offer *Ketaki* flowers, *Tulsi* leaves, turmeric, or vermilion (*Sindoor*). The *Belpatra* (Aegle marmelos leaf) used should always be clean, fresh, and consist of three leaflets. At the end of the worship, perform the *Aarti* of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and distribute the *Prasad* among family members and other devotees. It is believed that by observing the *Solah Somvar Vrat* with devotion, restraint, and adherence to the rules, Lord Shiva becomes pleased, fulfills the devotee's wishes, and bestows blessings of happiness, prosperity, and peace in life.

**Sawan Somvar Vrat Dates 2026**
First Sawan Monday: 3 August 2026
Second Sawan Monday: 10 August 2026
Third Sawan Monday: 17 August 2026
Fourth Sawan Monday: 24 August 2026

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