What should be done during Somvar Vrat?

Offer water or milk abhishek to Shiva, Offer bilva leaves with devotion, Chant Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Keep the fast according to health and family tradition, Maintain a sattvic, quiet, and prayerful day

What should be avoided during Somvar Vrat?

Do not attempt strict fasting if medically unsuitable, Avoid onion, garlic, alcohol, and tamasic food, Avoid anger, harsh speech, and unnecessary conflict, Do not offer Tulsi leaves to Shiva in standard practice

VratSOMVAR

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Somvar Vrat

“Monday devotion to Lord Shiva, deepened during Shravan.”

Significance

Somvar Vrat is the Monday observance dedicated to Lord Shiva. During Shravan or Sawan, these Mondays are especially cherished for Shiva worship, fasting, abhishek, and remembrance of inner stillness. The vrata is followed with family and regional variation, so capacity and sampradaya guidance matter.

How to Observe

Begin the day with bath and sankalpa. Worship Shiva with water or milk abhishek, bilva leaves, white flowers, diya, and mantra-japa. Many keep a phalahar, ekbhukta, or sattvic fast; stricter fasting should be followed only if suitable for health. During Shravan Somvar, increase Shiva nama, read Shiva stotra, and keep the day calm and sattvic.

Sacred Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya

Fasting Guide

🍎 Phalahar — Fruits & milk only Break fast: After evening Shiva puja, or according to family tradition

✓Offer water or milk abhishek to Shiva
✓Offer bilva leaves with devotion
✓Chant Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
✓Keep the fast according to health and family tradition
✓Maintain a sattvic, quiet, and prayerful day

Avoid

✕Do not attempt strict fasting if medically unsuitable
✕Avoid onion, garlic, alcohol, and tamasic food
✕Avoid anger, harsh speech, and unnecessary conflict
✕Do not offer Tulsi leaves to Shiva in standard practice

What you'll need

Bilva leavesWater or raw milk for abhishekWhite flowersGhee lampIncense and camphorChandan or bhasmaFruits for naivedya

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New to this practice?

Vratas are intentional fasting days tied to the Hindu lunar calendar. They are not about deprivation — they're about clearing space: in your body, your mind, your week. Most vratas follow a rhythm (every 11 days, every full moon) so the practice becomes second nature over time.

You don't need to be Hindu to observe. Millions of global seekers use these lunar rhythms to reset, meditate more deeply, and connect with a tradition older than most religions.

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