Somvar Vrat 101: Monday Fasting Rituals & Rules for First-Timers
Fasting on Mondays is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes. For some, it is a path to inner purification. For others, it is a way to express gratitude and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Essential Rules for Observing
Somvar Vrat
If you're thinking about keeping your first Somvar Vrat, here's a simple guide to help you ease into the ritual without getting overwhelmed -
Wake up early, preferably before sunrise. Avoid sleeping in. The day should begin with a sense of purpose.
Begin by taking a bath. Add a few drops of Ganga water to the bathing water to amplify purity.
Dress in clean and fresh clothes. Refrain from wearing black garments on this day, as they are considered inauspicious for the fasting.
Stand before Lord Shiva and make a sincere vow to observe the fast with sincerity and devotion.
Prepare a simple altar and install an idol or image of Lord Shiva.
Perform the abhishek (ritual bathing) of Shiva with Panchamrit—a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
Apply a mark of white sandalwood paste on the divine's idol.
Offer sacred items such as bel leaves, bhang, dhatura, and white flowers to Lord Shiva. Present a dish of kheer as a special offering.
Read or listen to the traditional Somvar Vrat Katha (story) to understand the vrat's significance.
Meditate on Lord Shiva and chant his mantras, such as 'Om Namah Shivaya,' throughout the day.
Avoid consuming or offering tamasic foods, like garlic, onion, or non-vegetarian items.
Never include turmeric, roli, or tulsi leaves in the worship. These items are not considered appropriate for Shiva puja.
On the following morning, break your fast with the prasad offered to Shiva. Seek forgiveness for any mistakes made during the observance.
Discover everything about
astrology
at the
Times of India
, including
daily horoscopes
for
Aries
,
Taurus
,
Gemini
,
Cancer
,
Leo
,
Virgo
,
Libra
,
Scorpio
,
Sagittarius
,
Capricorn
,
Aquarius
, and
Pisces
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jaunpur's Pili Nadi revivedthrough community efforts
Varanasi: Pili Nadi, a tributary of the Gomti in Jaunpur, was revived through a collective public effort. Once choked and forgotten, the river is now flowing once again, gradually regaining its original form. Saplings have been planted along its banks to maintain ecological balance and provide long-term benefits to farmers by enhancing soil fertility and water availability. The UP govt's mission to revive extinct rivers across Uttar Pradesh is now yielding visible results. Many rivers that vanished over time are being brought back to life, reflecting the deep cultural reverence India holds for rivers, not just as water bodies, but as life-giving entities. Inspired by this ethos, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the One District, One River campaign, which is now gaining momentum across the state. Jaunpur District Magistrate Dinesh Chandra Singh said that under the One District, One River initiative, the restoration of Pili Nadi has emerged as a model public movement. The 61.2 km-long river, with 43-km flowing through Jaunpur, originates from Dehuna village in Badlapur tehsil and meanders through villages such as Bhalua, Khanpur, Bahur, Sirikna and Rampur before merging into the Gomti near Belwan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo From a cultural perspective, Pili Nadi holds a deep connection with Jaunpur's identity. As part of the revival campaign held from June 11 to July 2, a 25-km stretch of the river was rejuvenated through community participation and awareness. A key highlight of the campaign was the restoration of the ancient Shiva temple in Deoria village, located on the river's banks. This renovation, timed ahead of the auspicious month of Sawan, is expected to strengthen local religious sentiments further. The DM said that Pili Nadi originates from the Muraini lake located between Sultanpur and Pratapgarh. In line with CM Yogi's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, 11,000 saplings have already been planted along both sides of the river, with a target of 51,000 to be completed by Aug 15. He said that this revival effort is not just an environmental success, but a boost for local agriculture. With enhanced water availability, nearby farmers will have better irrigation support to improve crop yield and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Police chawls on Gangapur Road set to be demolished soon
Nashik: As many as 13 dilapidated chawls on Gangapur Road, which have been home to several police personnel over the years, will be demolished soon. The city police recently issued orders to police personnel to vacate the quarters so that they can be demolished for constructing newer ones. DCP (HQ) Chandrakant Khandvi said, "A structural audit was conducted of these chawls and a few buildings there. It was found that these chawls were no longer suitable for staying. We have advised the concerned policemen staying in these quarters to vacate them at the earliest." Senior police officials have told the line sergeants, responsible for the upkeep of these buildings, to ensure that these buildings are vacated by the police personnel residing there at the earliest. Apart from cracked walls, thatched roofs, and broken floors, the electrical wiring of these chawls is also in bad shape. However, some police personnel prefer to stay in these chawls as they are located in the heart of the city, with plenty of schools and colleges around. Senior police officers said that these chawls are almost 100 years' old. Officers also said that there is a proposal to raze these quarters and construct new buildings in their place. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo Once these quarters are razed, the place can be used for constructing barracks and a few buildings. With the 12-yearly Simhastha Kumbh Mela to be held in Nashik from next year, close to 25,000 police personnel will be arriving in the city. This place can be used for setting up barracks for police personnel arriving from other districts and states. Apart from 13 chawls, there are also 10 old buildings that will be demolished. Officials said that notices are being issued to the concerned policemen staying there. Once all the quarters are vacated, the process of demolishing them will be taken up. |
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
ITO Skywalk: From Dazzling To Dismal
New Delhi: When it first came up, the ITO skywalk dazzled people. With its smooth curves, shimmering glass panels and landscaped patches weaving through steel and stone, the structure felt like a bold urban statement—an elevated stretch of design that merged mobility with style. Even from a distance, its sweeping shape captured attention. But today, that shine has dulled. Quite literally, the lights are going out. To facilitate safe and seamless pedestrian movement across Tilak Marg, Sikandra Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Mathura Road—towards Pragati Maidan Metro Station—a large network of public walkways was developed. This included a 400-metre-long skywalk, which features a loop and ramp. Additionally, a 54-metre-long foot overbridge (FOB) near Hans Bhawan connects crucial points in the area. Completed in 2018 at a cost of nearly Rs 54 crore, the project was hailed as one of Delhi's most ambitious pedestrian projects. Equipped with elevators, escalators, smart LED lighting, CCTV cameras, and a design meant to offer both convenience and a visual break from the city's clutter, it was positioned as a futuristic landmark. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo But six years later, some of the promises lie flickering—between ambition and apathy, with non-uniformity in aesthetics and lighting of the FOB and the skywalk. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi At the Hans Bhawan FOB, one lift is non-functional and the lighting frequently flickers. Much of the LED lighting at the architecture that once gave the bridge its after-hours glow now lies in disrepair. Some stretches shine brightly, while others remain completely dark. Decorative facade lights have stopped working in several places, and in patches, the walkway plunges into an uneasy shadow. The contrast is stark and jarring. What once sparkled now flickers like a forgotten festival light. Meanwhile, the skywalk, though visibly cleaner, has several maintenance issues: hanging tubelights, a leaking ceiling as at one point, missing outer LED lights similar to the FOB, and exposed electrical equipment. One section of the skywalk wall also has tobacco stains. The project was envisioned to link high-traffic nodes, including the ITO junction. With over 25 major offices and institutions in the vicinity, including the police headquarters, PWD Bhawan, GST office, Supreme Court, Lady Irwin College and Vikas Minar, nearly 30,000 pedestrians navigate the nearby roads daily. The ITO skywalk can still be the iconic connector in the heart of the capital. But unless upkeep returns to the blueprint, it risks becoming what many public projects in the city quietly turn into—a brilliant idea left dimmed by disinterest. PWD officials stated that the maintenance was their responsibility and that they would look into it.
