Let’s be real, Mondays carry a rep. Whether you are groaning into your tea or side-eyeing your inbox, it is not exactly everyone’s favourite day, but in Vedic astrology, Monday is not a drag. It’s something divine, drenched in moonlight and soaked in Shiva energy. It is the chosen day to align with the soft yet transformative powers of Lord Shiva.  Trust us, this is one weekly reset that actually works.

Why is Monday considered so sacred?

In Sanskrit, Monday is called Somvar. It is derived from the word  Som, which means the moon. And the Moon is not just a pretty orb in the sky, it rules your emotions, mind, and memory. This makes Monday the day for inward journeys and soul scrubs. This is why fasting on Mondays, aka Somvar Vrat, is considered an offering of intention and purity. Think of it as a kind of mental detox with spiritual skincare benefits.

Types of Monday fasts 

While the general vibe remains the same, different parts of India go full desi-core with their own versions of the Monday fast.

Shravan Somvar: In North India and Maharashtra, devotees go big during the Shravan month (July–August). Every Monday is treated like Maha Shivratri.

Kartikai Somavaram: In Tamil Nadu, the focus shifts to the Kartigai month (Nov–Dec), where Shiva temples shimmer with lamps and chants.

Somvati Amavasya: When Amavasya (new moon) falls on a Monday, it is basically the spiritual equivalent of a solar eclipse–super rare, super potent.

Somvar Vrat's step-by-step rituals

Whether you are a first-timer or a regular who often forgets the finer points, here is your Somvar Vrat ritual sheet, explained like a morning routine.

Start before sunrise: Wake up early, even if you’re not a morning person. Shower, wear white or light blue, and light a diya near a Shiva Lingam or photo.

Offer Bilva leaves and white flowers: Shiva’s favourites. Think of it like his love language.

Chant Om Namah Shivaya: This is your mantra, your spiritual reverb.

Do Abhishek: Pour raw milk, honey, and Ganga jal over the Shiva Lingam. This is not just a ritual, it symbolises the cleansing of one’s inner self.

Recite the Monday fast Katha: The legend often told is about a poor Brahmin and his wife who, through sincere devotion and fasting, earned Lord Shiva’s grace. It teaches you that consistency and bhakti are always greater than external status.

You can break your fast the next morning with sattvic food and share prasad. 

What you can eat during Monday's fast

Depending on your level of commitment (and how much caffeine you need to function daily without any hiccups), there are a few types of Monday fasting:

• Nirjala Vrat: It means no food and no water till the next morning.

• Phalahar Vrat: Fruit, milk, sabudana, or coconut water are okay.

• Ek Bhojan Vrat: One simple, sattvic meal after sunset. Think boiled potatoes, rock salt, or plain rice and dal.

• No onion. No garlic. No scrolling Swiggy.

The very real benefits of the Somvar vrat

Here is where things get really interesting. Beyond tradition, this ritual brings some very real results.

Mental clarity: The Moon governs the mind, and fasting on its day is said to balance your emotional tides. 

Relationship alignment: Unmarried women fast for a life partner who’s a Shiva to their Parvati (full-on wedding goals). Married couples do it for domestic harmony and stronger bonds.

Karmic detox: Got things in life that feel stuck? This fast is like a cosmic cleanse. It’s like unplugging your chakras and recharging your spiritual internet connection.

Health reset: Even modern studies support intermittent fasting, so you are syncing ancient wisdom with modern wellness. Think of it as Ayurveda meets biohacking.

Tips for a traditional Monday Fast

• Can’t make it to the temple? Stream a Shiva Bhajan playlist on Asrtosure.ai’s YouTube channel and meditate in your room.

• Light a candle or incense with sandalwood or jasmine.

• Journal your intentions before the fast and your reflections after. 

In a world of deadlines and dopamine hits, Somvar Vrat is a soft rebellion. So, the next time, don’t dread a Monday, just think of it as a reminder to pause and reconnect, and reap the benefits. 

Ask Agastyaa. Let AstroSure.ai help you align your mind, your moon, and your Monday.