Monday Fast Types, Benefits, Rules & What to Eat
This narrative is associated with the Monday fast, which is observed to honor Lord Shiva and Parvati. Devotees should recite the Panchakshara Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya," on this day. The fast continues until the third phase.
There are three types of Monday fasts:
1. The simple every Monday fast.
2. The Som Pradosh fast.
3. The 16 week Monday fast.
The rituals for all three types of fasting are the same. After performing the Shiva Puja, the specific story related to the fast should be read or listened to. The stories for the Pradosh fast and the 16 Mondays fast are distinct and provided accordingly.
Types of Monday Fasts
1. The Simple Every Monday Fast
The simple every Monday fast, also known as the Somvar Vrat, is a popular Hindu practice where devotees fast on Mondays to honor Lord Shiva. The key aspects include:
Fasting Rituals : Devotees abstain from food from sunrise to sunset, consuming only water, fruits, or a single meal in the evening.
Worship Practices : Performing prayers and visiting Shiva temples. Chanting the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra and offering milk, honey, and bel leaves to Shiva's idol or Lingam.
Significance : It is believed that this fast brings blessings, fulfillment of wishes, and a peaceful life. It is especially undertaken by those seeking a good spouse or resolving marital issues.
2. The Som Pradosh Fast
The Som Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of each lunar fortnight (both waxing and waning phases) when it coincides with Monday. Pradosh means 'dusk,' and the fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati during the twilight period.
Fasting Rituals : The fast is observed from sunrise until the Pradosh period, which is approximately 1.5 hours before and after sunset. Devotees may consume fruits and milk after the evening prayers.
Worship Practices : Special prayers and rituals are performed during the Pradosh period. Devotees chant Shiva mantras and read or listen to the Pradosh Vrat Katha (story).
Significance : Observing the Som Pradosh Vrat is believed to cleanse sins, provide protection from evil, and bestow prosperity and longevity.
3. The 16 Week Monday Fast
The 16 week Monday fast, also known as the Solah Somvar Vrat, is a more intense form of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. It involves fasting on 16 consecutive Mondays.
Fasting Rituals : Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, consuming only water, fruits, or a single vegetarian meal. Some may also avoid salt, grains, and pulses.
Worship Practices : Devotees perform detailed rituals, including the abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Shiva Lingam with milk, water, honey, and other sacred items. They also chant Shiva mantras, recite the Shiva Chalisa, and read the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha.
Significance : This rigorous fast is believed to fulfill the most ardent wishes, provide immense spiritual benefits, and bring divine blessings. It is often observed by those seeking a good marriage, overcoming difficulties, or achieving specific goals.
Each of these Monday fasts holds unique significance and practices but ultimately centers around devotion to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.
Benefits of Observing Monday Fasts
Observing Monday fasts, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers numerous spiritual, mental, and physical benefits:
1. Spiritual Growth : Regular fasting and prayers enhance spiritual awareness and bring devotees closer to divine energy.
2. Mental Peace : Engaging in meditation and chanting mantras promotes mental tranquility and reduces stress.
3. Fulfillment of Wishes : Many believe that fasting on Mondays helps fulfill personal desires, such as finding a suitable life partner or resolving marital issues.
4. Health Benefits : Intermittent fasting can aid in detoxifying the body, improving digestion, and boosting overall health.
5. Discipline and Self Control : Regular fasting helps in developing self discipline, patience, and control over desires and habits.
Rules Related to the Monday Fast
Observing a Monday fast involves following certain rules and guidelines to ensure its efficacy:
1. Purity and Cleanliness : Devotees should maintain personal hygiene and keep their surroundings clean.
2. Fasting Rituals :
Fast from sunrise to sunset.
Avoid consuming grains, pulses, and non vegetarian food.
Some devotees choose to abstain from salt entirely.
3. Prayer and Worship :
Visit a Shiva temple or set up a shrine at home.
Perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, and other sacred items.
Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" and other Shiva mantras.
Read or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha (story) during the prayer time.
4. Charity and Service : Offering donations, feeding the poor, or providing help to the needy is encouraged.
5. Dress Code : Wearing clean and preferably white clothes is considered auspicious.
What to Eat in Monday Fast
During the Monday fast, devotees can consume certain foods that align with the fasting rules:
1. Fruits : Apples, bananas, oranges, and other seasonal fruits.
2. Dairy Products : Milk, yogurt, paneer (cottage cheese).
3. Nuts and Seeds : Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds.
4. Non Grain Flours : Preparations made from buckwheat flour (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhara), and amaranth flour (rajgira).
5. Vegetables : Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and other non grain vegetables.
6. Sweets : Desserts made from milk and fasting allowed flours, like kheer (rice pudding) and halwa (a sweet dish).
7. Beverages : Herbal teas, coconut water, and fruit juices.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the permitted foods, devotees can effectively observe their Monday fasts while maintaining their spiritual and physical well being.
