Monday Fast: Benefits, Rules and What to Eat

Every Monday, millions of people across India quietly wake up before sunrise, skip their regular chai and breakfast, and go about their day with a surprising sense of calm and focus. That's the magic of the Monday fast, or the Somvar Vrat as it is known in Hindi, which is one of the most popular Hindu fasts and one that's rich in spiritual, emotional and even physical significance for the practitioner. Once you know what this vrat is and what it does for you, you may just decide to try it.

Here, in this blog, we will explain to you the spiritual significance, the Monday fast rules, what you can eat, and what you can expect from this fast in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Somvar Vrat, or the Monday fast, is a fast for Lord Shiva. "Somvar" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Som", meaning Moon. Lord Shiva is also referred to as 'Someshwar' because he is adorned with a crescent Moon on his forehead. So Monday is his day.

It's a vrat to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to stay healthy and peaceful, for a harmonious family life and a good life partner. The Monday fast can begin on any day of the month, but it's most auspicious to begin the fast during the sacred month of Shravan (typically July to August). Another popular fast called Solah Somvar Vrat involves taking the fast for 16 Mondays in a row. 

Every strong tradition has a story, and the Somvar Vrat has a beautiful one. According to the All great traditions have their roots, and the Somvar Vrat's is pretty lovely. According to the Shiva Purana, Goddess Parvati observed this fast to get the attention of Lord Shiva and succeeded. It's one of the reasons why many single women observe it to find their life partner in love.

There is also another popular story of a priest who had leprosy and was told by celestial beings to fast for 16 Mondays in complete dedication to Lord Shiva. He observed the vrat with utmost devotion and was cured on the 17th Monday, which is a reminder that constant effort and faith in something larger than yourself can indeed make a life-changing difference.

These stories are not fairy tales because they represent the message of the Monday fast, which is dedication, purity of mind, and faith in something bigger than you. 

Why should you keep this Vrat? The Monday fast benefits are all spiritual as well as practical and, quite frankly, interconnected. 

Spiritual and Mental Peace: Lord Shiva is the god of transformation and calmness. He clears your mind when you worship him on Mondays. Regularly observing this fast often leaves people feeling peaceful and centered. It's like starting fresh each Monday. 

Emotional Balance Through the Moon: In Vedic astrology, Monday is governed by the Moon, who is the ruler of your mind, moods, and emotions. Monday is considered to be a good day to fast and worship Lord Shiva, as this is thought to increase the influence of the Moon. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mood swings, anxiety, and instability. 

Relief from Chandra Dosh: If the Moon is weak or is causing difficulties in your horoscope, it is known as Chandra Dosh. A key Monday fast benefit is that it helps eliminate the negative influence of this placement. 

Blessings for Marriage and Relationships: Single women who observe Monday fasts are said to be blessed with a good relationship. Married women keep it for a peaceful marriage and the well-being of her partner. 

Improved Self-Discipline: Fasting is a skill, and the more you do it, the more self-control you develop. Deciding to go without food one day a week is a great way to learn discipline in controlling your senses, and that will help in every aspect of your life. 

Physical Detox: One day a week is a good time to let your digestive system rest. Consuming sattvic food on Mondays detoxifies and improves digestion in the long run. 

Now here is where most people get confused. The rules for keeping Monday fasts are actually simpler than people think. Let us break it down.

Wake Up Early: Rise early before sunrise, take a bath, and put on clean, light-colored or white clothing. It symbolizes purity and is preferred for worshipping Shiva. 

Take a Sankalp (Vow): Before starting the fast, sit in a calm place before a Shiva idol or linga and mentally or verbally resolve to do the fast with devotion, because this is what prepares you for the rest of the day. 

Perform the Puja: Offer water and Panchamrit (milk, honey, curd, ghee, and sugar) to the Shiv Linga. Offer Bel Patra (bilva leaves), white flowers, and sandalwood paste. Recite "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times, if possible. 

Read the Vrat Katha: The Monday fast (Somvar Vrat) requires you to read or listen to the Vrat Katha. This is typically done in the evening puja. It can be read in Hindi or English, or you can find an audio file online. 

Evening Aarti: Do the aarti in the evening with a lamp of ghee. Offer Lord Shiva flowers, water, and fruits. You can only break your fast after this puja. 

Behavioral Rules: Monday fast is not just about diet. You should not be angry, shout, tell lies, or gossip. Be peaceful, speak in a gentle voice, and try to sit quietly and chant for a while. The vrat is also about your actions. 

If you miss a Monday: Pray with all your heart on the next Monday, acknowledge the gap with humility, and simply start again because it's not about doing things perfectly every time, but rather about your intention, faith, and devotion. 

The Monday fast food list is all about sattvic (pure and light) eating.

Foods You Can Eat:
Fruits such as bananas, apples, papayas, and pomegranates are allowed. Dairy products like milk, curd, and buttermilk are permitted. Khichdi or kheer made with sabudana (sago) is a favorite vrat dish. Makhana (fox nuts) roasted in ghee will give you energy and not make you feel bloated. Chapatis and pooris can be made from kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) and singhara ka atta (water chestnut flour). Samak rice (barnyard millet) can be used as a replacement for rice. Almonds, cashews, and raisins are good snacks. Use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of common salt. Coconut water is a good drink to keep you hydrated throughout the day, particularly in the summer. 

Foods to Avoid:
The Monday fast excludes foods made with regular wheat flour or rice, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian items (including eggs), common salt, processed or packaged food, and alcohol. Tea and coffee are generally not recommended on a strict fast, though some traditions allow herbal teas. 

When to Break the Fast:
The fast is normally broken in the evening after the puja and aarti. Have a light meal such as fruit or milk. You have nothing in your stomach for 24 hours, so do not eat a heavy meal immediately. Go for something sattvic and light. 

Some people can't do the same type of fast, and that's OK. Here are the main options: 

Nirjala Vrat: It is fasting with no food and water. This is the harsher one and is often observed by advanced practitioners. 

Phalahar Vrat: Fruits and liquids are consumed during Phalahar Vrat. This is the easiest and can be done by everyone. 

One-Time Sattvic Meal: It is eating only one meal in the evening after puja. The food should be free of grains, onions, garlic, and salt. 

Pick the type that suits your health and your schedule. The idea is sincere devotion, not punishing yourself.

If Amavasya (New Moon day) coincides with Monday, then it becomes Somvati Amavasya, which is one of the most powerful days in the entire Hindu year for the worship of Shiva. Fasting on this Monday will give you many times more rewards and blessings, so watch the Hindu calendar and make sure you do not miss these special Mondays.