Sacred Somvar: Embrace the power of Lord Shiva

1. Katha (Story):

Once upon a time, there was a merchant lived in Amrapuri named village. There was no shortage of money in his house, his business has spread all over cities. He was quit rich person. All the people of that trader used to respect him in the city. But he had no children that made him very unhappy and worried. He was worried about the concern that after his death, who will handle such a large business and wealth. With a desire to get a son, He worship Lord Shiva regular and he used to do fasting every Monday, used to go to Shiva temple to burn the ghee (cow butter milk) lamp in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full devotion.

One day, impressed with the devotion of that businessman, Goddess Parvati requested Lord Shiva – “Prabhu, this merchant is your true devotee. For many days he has been regularly fasting and worshiping on Mondays. Dear God, you must fulfill this businessman’s wish“. Lord Shiva, after patiently listening to wish of Parvati, Lord Shiva replied “O Parvati, every person in this world gets the fruits according to his deeds (Karma) and one has to suffer whatever is he destined to“.

Despite this, Parvati ji did not agreed upon. She said, “No, prananath! You will have to fulfill his ambition. He is your great devotee. Every Monday, he keeps your fast and after worshiping only, he take a meal at a time. You have to bless him a son.“

Lord Shiva said “I grant him a boon. He will be the father of a son, but his son will live for twelve years only“. All this conversation was heard by merchant. so he got neither happy nor sad and started continuing with his daily routine. As time passed on, the merchants wife gave birth to a beautiful son. He celebrated his sons birth with great pomp and show and distributed food, clothes and money among the poor. Knowing the fact merchant was neutral with the emotions neither sad nor happy, he continued observing the Monday fast with greater zest and there was no let up in the worship of Lord Shiva. At the age of eleven, The merchants wife wanted son’s marriage but merchant did not agree to this proposal. Instead he asked his brother-In-law to take his son to Kashiji and arrange for his best spiritual study. He has given them much money from his treasure and ask his brother in law to arrange devotional gatherings on the way to Kashiji at every halt and distribute alms among the beggars. The merchants son started his journey for Kashi with his maternal uncle. They arranged devotional gatherings and distributed clothes at every halting camp. They also arranged best eats for the Brahmans and made enough offerings to them.

One day they made a halt at a capital of a king. The kings daughters marriage was to take place that day. The marriage party had already reached the city. But the prince who was about to marry was blind of one eye. The prince party was search of a beautiful boy to replace him. Seeing the merchant’s son, an idea came to prince’s father. He thought why not make this boy the groom and marry the princess. The bridegrooms father was a rich person. He said to the merchants maternal uncle, My prestige is at stake. I need a handsome bridegroom in place of my one-eyed son. I shall give enough wealth if your ward agrees to have a temporary marriage with the kings daughter. He shall be free immediately after the marriage ceremony is over. The merchants brother-in-law convinced his sisters son for a temporary marriage. The brides party praised their luck when they saw a handsome bridegroom with the marching band at the head of the marriage procession. The merchants son and the kings daughter were married around the holy fire. But the merchant’s son was honest. He did not find this to be right he took the opportunity and wrote on the foot of the princess’s, “You are married to me, but the prince with whom you will be sent is ‘Boss Eyed’.

When the princess read the words written on the sardine, she told her parents about this. The king did not leave his daughter, taking the procession back. On the other hand, the merchant’s boy and his maternal uncle reached Kashi and went there and performed a Yagya. When the merchant’s son turned 12 years old, a Yagya was performed. The boy told his maternal uncle that my health is not right. Uncle said that you go inside and sleep. According to Shiva’s boon, the child died after some hours. Seeing the nephew dead, his maternal uncle started mourning. Incidentally at the same time, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were going from there. Goddess Parvati said to God- Swami, I cannot bear this cry and pain. You must get rid of this person’s sufferings.

When Lord Shiva approached the dead boy, he said that he is the son of the same merchant, whom I gave a boon to die at the age of 12. But Goddess Parvati said that, please, Mahadev, please give him gift of life, otherwise his parents will also die. On the insistence of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva gave the boy the boon of being alive. By the grace of Shiva, that boy became alive. After finishing education, the boy went to his city with his maternal uncle. Both of them walked to the same city where he got married. He also performed a Yagya in that city. The boy’s father-in-law recognized him and took him to the palace and took care of him and sent his daughter off with him.

The merchant and his wife were waiting for their son. They had decided that they would not come down until their son supported them himself; otherwise they would commit suicide by jumping down the roof. So the merchants son along with his bride went up to the roof. They touched their feet. The merchant and his wife were very happy to see the couple. The same night, Lord Shiva came in the dream of the merchant and said “I have given a long life to your son, pleased with your Monday fast. Similarly, anyone who observes a fast on Monday or listens to and recites the story, all his sufferings are removed and all wishes are fulfilled.

2. Importance:

• Spiritual Benefits: Observing Somvar Vrat is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It strengthens one's faith and devotion to Lord Shiva.

• Health Benefits: Fasting is said to detoxify the body and improve overall health especially mental health.

• Wish Fulfillment: Many devotees observe this vrat to seek blessings for marriage, progeny, and to overcome various challenges in life.

3. Do's and Don'ts:

Do's:

• Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurat, and take a bath.

• Wear clean, preferably white clothes.

• Visit a Shiva temple or perform the puja at home.

• Offer water, honey, and bel patra (bilva leaves) to the Shiva Linga.

• Offering white flower, Milk, Ghee whose color is white improves mental health.

• Recite Shiva mantras and chant "Om Namah Shivaya."

• Read or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha.

• Maintain a sattvic (pure) diet, usually fruits, milk, and light vegetarian food.

• Break the fast after evening prayers with a light meal.

Don'ts:

• Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco.

• Do not engage in negative thoughts or actions.

• Avoid grains and heavy meals during the fasting period.

• Stay away from conflicts and maintain a calm and peaceful demeanor.

4. Temples in India and Abroad:

• India:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

  • Somnath Temple, Gujarat

  • Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain

  • Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu

• Abroad:

  • Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Mukti Gupteshwar Temple, Minto, Australia

  • Shiva-Vishnu Temple, Melbourne, Australia

  • Sri Siva Durga Temple, Singapore

  • Shiva Mandir, London, UK

    12 Jyotirlinga temples, as mentioned in the Shiva Purana, are considered to be the most sacred places of worship for Shaivites in India. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are believed to be the sites where his divine light manifested. The 12 Jyotirlinga temples are located in different parts of India as mentioned in the Shiva Purana are

    • 1. Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat

      2. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

      3. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

      4. Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh

      5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

      6. Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra

      7. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

      8. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra

      9. Baidyanath, Dham Deoghar, Jharkhand

      10. Nageshwar, Dwarka, Gujarat

      11. Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

      12. Grishneshwar, Ellora, Maharashtra

      Pancha Bootha Sthalas / Five Elemental Manifestations:

      In South India, there are five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which are collectively known as the Pancha Bootha Sthalas, or the Five Elemental Manifestations. These temples are believed to be particularly significant as they represent Lord Shiva’s manifestation in the five fundamental elements of nature, namely earth, water, fire, air, and space. Each of these temples is associated with one of the five elements, and they are located in different parts of South India. The five temples are

      1. Jambukeshwara Swamy           Water      Thiruvanaikavalu, Tamil Nadu  

      2. Arunachaleswara Swamy         Fire  Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

      3. Kalahastheeswara Swamy       Air    Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

      4. Ekambareswara Swamy            Earth    Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

      5. Nataraja                                    Sky   Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

      Pancharama Temples:

      The Pancharama Kshetras or Pancharamas are a group of five ancient Shiva temples situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These temples are home to Sivalingas made from a single large Sivalinga, which according to legend, once belonged to the demon king Tarakasura. Due to the immense power of this Sivalinga, Tarakasura was unbeatable. However, Lord Subramanya Swamy managed to break the Sivalinga into five pieces and defeat Tarakasura. These five pieces of the Sivalinga then fell in different places in Andhra Pradesh, where the Pancharama Kshetras were later established. They are

    • Amararama- Amaralingeswara Swamy

    • Draksharama - Bhimesvara Swamy

    • Somarama - Someswara Swamy

    • Ksheerarama - Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy

    • Bhimarama - Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy

5. Impact on Society:

Somvar Vrat fosters a sense of discipline, devotion, and community among devotees. It encourages spiritual practices, promotes vegetarianism, and upholds traditional values. Many people find solace and strength in observing this vrat, leading to a more harmonious and spiritually enriched society.

6. Mantras:

• त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
  उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥ -  

• ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय नमः 

• ॐ नमः शिवाय

• ॐ साम्ब सदा शिवाय नम:

• ओम तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे, महादेवाय धीमहि, तन्नो रुद्र: प्रचोदयात्

• नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय
  नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगंबराय तस्मे न काराय नम: शिवाय:

• कर्पूर गौरं करुणावतारं, संसार सारं भुजगेंद्र हरं, सदा वसंतं हृदयारविंदे, भवं भवानी सहितं नमामि।

• ऊँ महादेवाय नम:

1.अगर आप धन प्राप्त करना चाहते हैं तो आप ॐ नम: शिवाय मंत्र का 108 बार जाप करें। इस मंत्र को आप रुद्राक्ष की माला से ही जपे। मंत्र पढ़ने के समय शिव जी के सामने शुद्ध देसी घी का दीपक जलाएं।

2.अगर आपकी कोई मनोकामना पूरी नहीं हो रही है तो आप आज नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय
नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगंबराय तस्मे न काराय नम: शिवाय: मंत्र का जाप करें। इससे जल्द ही आपकी इच्छा पूरी होगी।

3.सोमवार के दिन सिर्फ शिव जी का ही नहीं बल्कि माता पार्वती का ध्यान करने एवं उनके मंत्र का जाप करने से भी खुशहाली आती हे। इसके लिए ॐ ऐं ह्रीं शिव गौरीमय, ह्रीं ऐं ॐ मंत्र का जप करें।

4.अगर किसी की कुंडली में मृत्यु योग हो या दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने का डर वो तो आज शिव जी के  महामृत्युंजय मंत्र का जाप करें। ये एक प्रभावशाली मंत्र है। इसके जब से प्राणों की रक्षा होती है।

5.महिलाएं अपने पति की लंबी आयु एवं सौभाग्य के लिए भगवान शिव का दूध से अभिषेक करते हुए
ॐ ह्रीं नम: शिवाय ह्रीं ॐ मंत्र का जप करें।

6.धन प्राप्ति के लिए मां लक्ष्मी के ॐ श्रीं ऐं ॐ मंत्र का जप करें। ये मंत्र शाम के समय लक्ष्मी मां की मूर्ति व तस्वीर रखकर, दीपक जलाकर पढ़ें। मंत्र को कमल गट्टे व चंदन की माला से जपें।

7.यदि किसी व्यक्ति की शादी में देरी हो रही है व रुकावट आ रही हो तो शिव और पार्वती के इस मंत्र, हे गौरी शंकरार्धांगि यथा त्वं शंकरप्रिया, तथा मां कुरु कल्याणी कान्तकांता सुदुर्लभाम। ये मंत्र आपको 21 व 51 बार पढ़ना होगा।

9.परिवार की खुशहाली एवं शांति बनाएं रखने के लिए ॐ साम्ब सदा शिवाय नम: मंत्र का जप करें। ये बहुत प्रभावशाली मंत्र है। इसे नियमित तौर पर पढ़ने से परिवार पर कभी संकट नहीं आता है। परिवार के सदस्यों के बीच बेहतर तालमेल रहता हैं।

10.मनोकामनाओं की पूर्ति के लिए भगवान शिव के अलावा श्रीकृष्ण के मंत्र भी बहुत प्रभावशाली हैं। इन्हीं में से एक है, श्रीकृष्ण:शरणं मम्। इस मंत्र के जप से व्यक्ति पर कभी कोई मुसीबत नहीं आती है। ऐसे लोगों की शत्रुओं से भी रक्षा होती है।

7. Festival:

The Somvar Vrat is often observed with more fervor during the month of Shravan (July-August) in the Hindu calendar. Shravan Somvar is considered highly auspicious, and devotees across India and abroad observe this vrat with great devotion. Temples are decorated, special pujas are conducted, and many people participate in collective prayers and rituals.

By observing Somvar Vrat, devotees seek blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life while deepening their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does Sawan Somvar Vrat last?

   The Sawan Somvar Vrat is typically observed on every Monday of the Sawan month, which lasts for a period of around one month.

2. Can I perform Sawan Somvar Vrat if I have medical conditions?

   If you have a medical condition, it’s best to consult your doctor before observing any kind of fast. The essence of Sawan Somvar Vrat is devotion, which can be expressed in ways other than fasting as well.

3. Can the Vrat be performed by all, regardless of gender and age?

   Yes, Sawan Somvar Vrat can be observed by anyone who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, regardless of their gender or age.

4. What are the common mistakes to avoid?

   It’s important to avoid any kind of negative thoughts or actions during the vrat. Also, ensure you follow the dietary restrictions correctly.

5. How many Mondays should one observe the Vrat?

   Ideally, one should observe the vrat on all the Mondays that fall during the Sawan month.

6. Can we drink water during Sawan Somvar Vrat?

   Yes, water can be consumed during the vrat. However, the specifics might vary based on personal beliefs and regional practices.

7. Are there any exceptions or modifications to the rules of the Vrat?

   The rules can vary slightly based on regional practices. The essence, however, remains the same – devotion to Lord Shiva.

8. What are the benefits of listening to or reading the Sawan Somvar Vrat Katha?

   The Katha imparts moral values and reinforces the importance of devotion and faith. It is believed to bring spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings.

9. What is the significance of Udyapan in the Vrat?

   Udyapan marks the successful completion of the vrat. It’s a way to thank Lord Shiva for his blessings and to share the joy with others.

10. Is there a specific time to perform the Udyapan?

   The Udyapan is usually performed on the last Monday of the Sawan month. However, the time may vary based on regional customs.