Did We Start 16 Somvar Vrat on Shravan Somwar? Timing, Tradition & What to Do If You Missed It

The 16 Somvar Vrat (Solah Somvar Vrat) is one of the most spiritually significant fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva — and many devotees begin it on the first Monday of Shravan month, believing it to be the most auspicious time.

But what if you didn’t begin on the first Monday?
What if you started on the second Shravan Somwar — or just heard about it now?

Let’s answer these questions with clarity, tradition-backed insights, and step-by-step guidance — so you can observe this vrat the right way, without confusion.

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What Is 16 Somvar Vrat and Why Do People Observe It?

16 Somvar Vrat is a spiritual practice where devotees fast for 16 consecutive Mondays, worshipping Lord Shiva for blessings related to:

• Marital harmony or finding a life partner
• Personal or family wellbeing
• Overcoming obstacles and receiving Shiva’s grace
• Spiritual growth and inner strength

Rituals typically include:

• Morning bath and abhishek (offering milk/water to the Shivling)
• Fasting (some observe nirjala, others follow a simple phalahar diet)
• Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”
• Reading the Somvar Vrat Katha every Monday evening

Also Read: Sawan Fast Rules: Do’s, Don’ts, and Answers to Common Questions

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Why Shravan Somwar Is an Ideal Time to Start the Vrat

The Shravan month (usually July–August) holds deep significance in Shaivism. Here’s why:

• It’s believed that during this month, Lord Shiva consumed the halahala vish (poison) during Samudra Manthan — showing his role as protector of the universe.
• The cosmic energy in Shravan supports meditation, devotion, and spiritual practices.
• Every Monday of Shravan (Shravan Somwar) is considered highly sacred.

So, why start your vrat in Shravan?

Because:

• Fasting during this period is believed to bring faster results and deeper blessings
• Many temples perform special Shravan Somwar pujas
• It aligns your vrat with natural spiritual upliftment energy

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Did You Start on the Right Monday?

Yes, you can start on the second or third Shravan Somwar — and it is still spiritually valid.

While many prefer to begin from the first Shravan Monday, the vrat’s true power lies in consistency and intention.

What matters:

• Start on any Monday of Shravan
• Maintain the vrat for 16 consecutive Mondays
• Follow basic vrat rules (purity, prayer, discipline)

🕉 Clergy opinions:

• Most priests agree that Shravan Somwar is ideal, but starting on any Shravan Monday is completely acceptable
• Many emphasize that “Shraddha is above Shastra” — meaning, devotion is more important than technicality

Also Read: What to Eat in Sawan Fast: A Comprehensive Guide for Devotees in 2025

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How to Count 16 Mondays Correctly — With Example

Let’s say you start your vrat on:

📅 2nd Shravan Somwar: 29 July 2024

That Monday counts as Day 1. From there:

• 16th Monday will fall on 11 November 2024
• Do not skip any Monday in between, or the vrat cycle breaks

🔔 Tips for consistency:

• Mark all 16 dates in your calendar or phone
• Set weekly reminders with “Somvar Vrat #1, #2…” to stay organized
• You can also maintain a small vrat journal to track your prayers and intentions

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Missed Shravan Month? Can You Start 16 Somvar Vrat Later in the Year?

Yes — if Shravan is over or you’re just learning about this vrat now, you can still begin.

Other spiritual times to start include:

• Kartik month (Oct–Nov) – known for Tulsi, Krishna, and Shiva devotion
• Magh month (Jan–Feb) – highly sacred for all fasts
• After Mahashivratri – some begin on the Monday after this day
• Any normal Monday – if you feel spiritually ready, start with faith

✅ Key Rule:

Whatever month you start, maintain 16 uninterrupted Mondays

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Regional Variations & Flexibility in Belief

🔹 Northern India:

• Preference to start in the Shravan month
• Some believe starting on the first Monday only brings the best results

🔹 Southern India:

• No restriction on start date — vrat can begin on any Monday of the year
• Focus is on completing 16 Mondays with devotion

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What If You Accidentally Skipped a Monday in Between?

• Restart the full cycle of 16, or
• Consult a priest — some allow compensating with extra puja or fasting on the next day
• Don’t abandon the vrat — Lord Shiva appreciates effort and honesty, not perfection

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Final Guidance: Don’t Delay, Begin With Faith

If your question is:

“I missed the first Monday of Shravan. Can I still start the 16 Somvar Vrat?”

The answer is:
Yes — start from the very next Shravan Monday and keep going for 16 weeks.

✨ Lord Shiva is known for karuna (compassion) and accepts all efforts made with bhakti (devotion)
✨ You don’t need the “perfect” start date — you need the right mindset and consistency

Also Read: 16 Monday Fast Rules: A Guide to Solah Somwar Vrat

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