sixteen monday fast
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Rules for fasting on Solaha Monday: In Hindu religion, every day is dedicated to fasting and worship of some deity or the other. Monday is dedicated to the worship and fasting of Lord Shiva. On this day, Lord Shiva is worshiped with rituals. His Jalabhishek is performed. Also a fast is observed. There is a religious belief that by fasting and worshiping on Monday, Lord Shiva is pleased and bestows blessings.
To get the blessings of Lord Shiva, a fast is also observed for sixteen Mondays. It is believed that fasting for 16 Mondays brings happiness, peace and good fortune in marital life by the grace of Lord Shiva. By fasting on 16 Mondays, unmarried girls get their desired life partner. The special thing about Solah Somwar fast is that it is considered most auspicious to start it in the holy month of Sawan. There are some rules for this fast also. Let us know.
When will Sawan start? (When will Sawan start from 2026)
- According to the Drik Panchang, this year the month of Saavan will start on July 30 from the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha of the month of Saavan.
- Whereas the month of Sawan will end with Shravan Purnima on 28 August 2026.
If you want to start the fast for 16 Mondays, then do it from the first Monday of Sawan on 30th July.
16 Monday fasting rules
On the first Monday of the month of Sawan, wake up early in the morning and take bath and wear clean clothes (especially white or yellow). Then go to the temple or the place of worship at home, take water, flowers or rice in your hand and take a pledge to fast for 16 Mondays. Anoint Lord Shiva with raw milk, Ganges water and pure water. Offer sandalwood, Akshat (rice), white flowers, hemp, Dhatura and Belpatra on Shivalinga. Keep chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivay” during the puja. Be sure to listen or read the story of the fast of sixteen Mondays. Perform Aarti at the end. Stay away from vengeful things during the fast. Stay away from debates. Do not bring bad thoughts in your mind. Do not insult anyone.
Why should one start the fast in Sawan only?
The month of Sawan is considered the most sacred month for the worship of Lord Shiva. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva only. According to beliefs, worship, fasting, charity and meditation in this month yield manifold results. Whoever starts the fast on 16 Mondays in this month, not only gets happiness and prosperity, but also gets spiritual purification and peace of mind. This fast also pacifies the evils of old deeds.
Also read: Adhikmas Bhanu Saptami 2026: When is Bhanu Saptami in Adhikmas? Know why this festival is celebrated
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
