Somvar Vrat Katha — Story of Lord Shiv with Meaning
The Somvar Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiv. Fasting on this day and worshipping Shiv-Parvati fulfils one's wishes. This katha tells of a wealthy merchant's daughter who, through the grace of the Monday fast, attains a good marriage and brings prosperity to her family. All Mondays in Shravan month are considered especially sacred.
|| Doha ||
Jai Shankar jai Girijapati, jai jai Someshwar | Somvar jo vrat kare, paave sukh apaar ||
Ek nagar mein dhani sahukar rehta tha | Dhan-daulat se bhara, par putri nahin thi | Shiv ki bhakti se putri janmi sundar | Sahukar ne maana — yah Shiv ka vardan ||
Putri badi hui, Somvar vrat kiya | Har Somvar Shiv-Parvati ko jal chadhaya | Shraddha se pooja, katha suni aur sunaai | Shiv ki kripa se jeevan mein khushhaali aayi ||
Rajkumar us nagar se guzra ek din | Putri ko dekha, man mein bhai chhavi | Vivaah hua, par mata ne shart rakhi — Janmaandh rajkumar tha, patni bhi hogi ||
Putri ne Shiv se prarthana ki raat ko | Somvar ke vrat ki yaad dilaai Bhagavan ko | Shiv prakat hue, rajkumar ko drishti di | Somvar ke vrat ki mahima siddh hui ||
|| Doha ||
Shiv ki bhakti jo kare, Somvar ka vrat laaye | Dukh-daridrata door ho, manchaaha phal paaye ||
Meaning
Doha
Jai Shankar jai Girijapati, jai jai Someshwar | Somvar jo vrat kare, paave sukh apaar ||
Victory to Shankar, to Girijapati, to Someshwar. Whoever keeps the Monday fast — may they receive boundless happiness.
Verse 1
Ek nagar mein dhani sahukar rehta tha | Dhan-daulat se bhara, par putri nahin thi | Shiv ki bhakti se putri janmi sundar | Sahukar ne maana — yah Shiv ka vardan ||
In a city lived a wealthy merchant, full of riches but without a child. Through devotion to Shiv, he was blessed with a beautiful daughter. The merchant accepted this as Shiv's gift.
Verse 2
Putri badi hui, Somvar vrat kiya | Har Somvar Shiv-Parvati ko jal chadhaya | Shraddha se pooja, katha suni aur sunaai | Shiv ki kripa se jeevan mein khushhaali aayi ||
The daughter grew up and began keeping the Monday fast. Every Monday she offered water to Shiv-Parvati, worshipped with devotion, and heard the katha. By Shiv's grace, happiness filled her life.
Verse 3
Rajkumar us nagar se guzra ek din | Putri ko dekha, man mein bhai chhavi | Vivaah hua, par mata ne shart rakhi — Janmaandh rajkumar tha, patni bhi hogi ||
One day a prince passed through the city and was charmed by the daughter. They were married, but the prince's mother had a condition — the prince was blind from birth, and his wife would share his fate.
Verse 4
Putri ne Shiv se prarthana ki raat ko | Somvar ke vrat ki yaad dilaai Bhagavan ko | Shiv prakat hue, rajkumar ko drishti di | Somvar ke vrat ki mahima siddh hui ||
The daughter prayed to Shiv at night, reminding him of her Monday fasts. Shiv appeared and restored the prince's sight. Thus the glory of the Monday fast was proven.
Doha
Shiv ki bhakti jo kare, Somvar ka vrat laaye | Dukh-daridrata door ho, manchaaha phal paaye ||
Whoever worships Shiv and keeps the Monday fast — may their sorrows and poverty depart, and may they receive their heart's desire.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
What to eat and avoid on Somvar Vrat?
On the fast eat fruits, milk, sabudana, singhara flour, kuttu and potatoes. Avoid salt, grains, onion and garlic. Traditionally one meal is eaten in the evening.
How many Somvar Vrats should be kept?
Commonly 16 Mondays or all Mondays of Shravan month are observed. Some keep the fast every Monday year-round. A vow taken with commitment is considered more fruitful.
Who should keep the Somvar Vrat?
Anyone, men or women, can keep this fast. It is especially recommended for those seeking an early marriage, children, good health or career success. Shiv devotees observe it with devotion. There is no age or gender restriction.