The first Sawan Somwar fast will be observed on July 10 and the last one on August 28, 2023.
Sawan Somwar Story :
Once upon a time, in a land where devotion and spirituality flourished, there lived a humble priest in a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The priest was known for his deep reverence and unwavering faith in the divine.
One day, Lord Shiva and his beloved consort, Goddess Parvati, decided to embark on a journey to the enchanting city of Amravati.
As they made their way, their eyes fell upon a magnificent Shiva temple nestled amidst a serene landscape.
The divine couple felt drawn to the temple’s aura of devotion and decided to grace it with their presence.
Word spread like wildfire, and the devotees of Lord Shiva rejoiced, eagerly preparing for the arrival of their beloved deity.
The temple was adorned with fragrant flowers, and the air was filled with chants of devotion.
The priest, overwhelmed with joy, busied himself with the preparations, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the divine couple.
As Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati settled in the temple, a joyous atmosphere enveloped the sacred space.
The devotees flocked to catch a glimpse of the celestial beings, their hearts filled with reverence and love.
Excitement surged through the temple, creating an air of anticipation.
Amidst this joyful ambience, Goddess Parvati’s eyes sparkled mischievously, and she suggested a playful game of dice with Lord Shiva.
The priest, who had been observing the divine couple, was approached by the goddess herself.
Maa Parvati, her eyes brimming with curiosity, turned to the priest and asked, “O holy one, please predict who will emerge victorious in this game of dice.”
Caught off guard, the priest found himself in a dilemma. He knew that predicting the outcome of a game played by the divine couple was beyond his mortal comprehension.
However, under the pressure of the moment, he hastily took Lord Shiva’s name as his response.
To everyone’s surprise, Maa Parvati emerged as the winner of the dice game.
Overwhelmed by disappointment and embarrassment, the priest’s face turned pale, and his heart sank with sorrow.
Unaware of the consequences that awaited him, the priest’s innocent mistake had angered the goddess.
Maa Parvati, in her moment of frustration, cursed the priest to be inflicted with leprosy.
Within days, the once devout priest found himself suffering from the dreadful disease.
His body was covered in painful sores, and he became an outcast, enduring immense physical and emotional pain.
Years passed, and the priest’s life became a painful struggle.
The agony of his existence weighed heavily on his soul, but his faith in Lord Shiva remained unshaken.
His prayers filled with desperation, and the priest yearned for deliverance from his suffering.
One fateful day, as the sun painted the sky with hues of gold, a group of ethereal fairies descended upon the temple.
Their radiant presence captivated the surroundings, and their voices carried an otherworldly sweetness.
They had heard about the plight of the priest and felt compelled to offer their assistance.
One of the fairies, with kindness in her eyes, approached the leper priest.
She spoke with a voice that seemed to carry the wisdom of the ages.
“Dear priest,” she said, “I have come bearing a solution to reduce your suffering”.
Observe the Solah Somvar Vrat, the fast of sixteen Mondays, without a single break.”
The priest listened intently, his heart filled with hope.
The fairy continued,
“Prepare a sacred prasad/offering by mixing flour, ghee, and jaggery on the seventeenth Monday. Consume it yourself and share it with your loved ones and fellow devotees.”
She explained that if the priest observed this fast with unwavering dedication and faith, he would be liberated from his pain.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the priest accepted the fairy’s guidance with utmost devotion, knowing that this was his chance to recover.
With renewed determination, the priest embarked on his spiritual journey, vowing to complete the Solah Somvar Vrat with pure devotion.
Each Monday, he would rise before dawn, cleanse himself, and adorn fresh attire.
The temple resonated with his heartfelt prayers, and the divine presence of Lord Shiva seemed to envelop him.
Week after week, the priest diligently observed the fast, offering his sincerest prayers to Lord Shiva.
His faith grew stronger with each passing day, as did his anticipation for the day of his deliverance.
The pain that had plagued him for years seemed to diminish, replaced by a glimmer of hope and healing.
Finally, the seventeenth Monday arrived, and the priest’s heart swelled with gratitude and joy.
He prepared the sacred prasad, following the fairy’s instructions meticulously.
As he consumed the prasad, he felt a surge of divine energy course through his veins. He knew that his liberation was at hand.
In a miraculous turn of events, the priest’s body, once ravaged by leprosy, began to heal.
The sores vanished, leaving behind unblemished skin. The pain that had haunted him for years healed, replaced by a newfound sense of peace and contentment.
When Maa Parvati returned to the temple, she was astonished to witness the transformation that had taken place.
The priest, now free from the clutches of his affliction, narrated his tale of redemption and gratitude.
He expressed his deep reverence for the Solah Somvar Vrat and the blessings it had bestowed upon him.
Overwhelmed by the profound impact of the fast, Goddess Parvati decided to observe it herself.
Her devotion intensified as she embarked on the journey of sixteen Mondays, pouring her heart and soul into each prayer and ritual.
It was during this time that she was blessed with the birth of her beloved son, Kartikeya, on the seventeenth Monday—a divine union of love and grace.
The news of the priest’s miraculous recovery and the power of the Solah Somvar Vrat spread far and wide.
Devotees from all walks of life, facing various challenges and seeking divine intervention, began observing the fast with unwavering faith.
Marital discord found a resolution, the longing for a life partner was fulfilled, and the blessings of good health, prosperity, and success filled the lives of those who embarked on this spiritual journey.
And so, the Solah Somvar Vrat became a symbol of hope, a beacon of light for those seeking solace in the divine.
The tale of the priest’s redemption echoed through generations, inspiring countless devotees to embark on the sacred journey of the sixteen Mondays, their hearts filled with love and devotion for Lord Shiva.
To this day, devotees across the land continue to observe the Solah Somvar Vrat, their prayers resonating through the temple halls.
The divine presence of Lord Shiva blesses their lives, guiding them through the griefs of existence.
And the tale of the priest, forever etched in the records of devotion, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith, love, and the Solah Somvar Vrat.
Om Namah Shivay !!!
