Happy Maha Shivrathri 2012

                                                                       

Wish you all a very happy mahashivrathri.This year is very auspicious as it falls on Monday and great for people who want to start this fast from this year.As an ardent shiva devotee,I m totally doing it..yeyyy sorry om namah: sivaiah

              

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivratri (Sanskrit 'ratri' = night) is the night when he is said to have performed theTandava Nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The festival is observed for one day and one night only.

                                            

                                      Though generally, the night time is considered sacred and suitable for the worship of the feminine aspect of' the deity and the day time for that of' the masculine, yet on this particular occasion Siva is worshipped during the night time, and as a matter of fact, it is specially enjoined to be observed then. The observance of the Vratha is believed to secure for the devotee immunity from the eftects of sin committed either wittingly or unwittingly. The night is divided into four quarters, each quarter going by the name of a Jama called also Yama and pious people keep awake during every one of it , worshipping Iswara.

                      
                                         

HOW TO:

The people who observe this Sivaratri- Vratha take only single meal during the day previous to the Vratha day and sleep in clean place during the night. In the morning of the Vratha day they take a bath in the waters of a sacred river, and then go to witness the divine worship in a Siva temple, and at night offer worship to Siva during every one of the four Yamams. Night long vigil on Sivaratri day,watching the sacred ablutions of Siva Linga at the temple,is the core of the Sivaratri festival.The Rudra Japa Abhisheka of Siva Linga resounds the multifacted glory of Lord Siva,who is also called Asutosh or One who is easily pleased by copius ablutions with water, the cheapest available commodity.We should remember that water in essence is Prana Sakti or life force. Such an observance of Siva Ratri will really bestow on the devotee the greatest grace of Lord Siva, the auspicious knowledge of Atma Jnana. Besides the devotee is also blessed with material prosperity the items of which are beautifully listed in the ChamakaMantra uttered on this occasion.

Story:

There is also a myth emphasizing the importance of the worship of Siva during the Sivaratri night and it is in brief as follows :

Once there was a hunter, and he one day went into the forest to procure meat for his family by hunting some animal. He wandered up and down in the forest from morning till night in search of game but was unable to shoot any. At last, when night overtook him, he climbed up a Bael tree to escape from a wild animal that was pursuing him, being roused from its lair by the hunter. The animal was lying down at the foot of the tree quite certain that the man would fall down either from sleep or from exhaustion, and that he might eat him. The hunter, exhausted as he was from his exertions and hunger, wished to scare away the animal by throwing handful of bael leaves. These leaves dripping with water on account of the recent shower, fell on a Siva-Lingam that was near. The night happened to be the Maha-Sivaratri night. He had fasted during the whole day since he could not find anything to eat. The drenching rain constituted a bath and his action of throwing the bael leaves on the Siva-Lingam, the wor­ship of Siva on the Sivaratri night. Though his actions were not intentional to worship Siva, yet he is said to have gained heaven as he had observed the Sivaratri - Vratha unwittingly.

The basic principle underlying the observance of the Maha-Sivaratri Vratha appears to be to emphasize the fact that death is sure to follow birth, night is sure to follow day,Pralaya, active cosmic life and so on, and consequently people should always bear in mind while enjoying the one its opposite and regulate their life accordingly. They should not be elated at success nor should they allow themselves to be carried away by despair at failures but always have trust in God and worship him

om namah: sivaiah

om namah: sivaiah

           om namah: sivaiah

Sai Baba Nine Thursdays Vrat or Nav Guruvar Vrat

Hello friends, today is the last day of my sai baba vrat and so I wanted to share it with all you wonderful people so that some of you may benefit by its sacredness, purity and faith.

Sai Baba fast can be observed by any individual. The procedure of this fast is very easy. Sai Baba fulfils the desire of his devotee. By his grace, wishes come true. Sai Baba give the fruit even before asking. Just by recalling him, the obstacles of life are reduced. It is said that mightiness of Sai Baba has no end. Person having faith in him never faces any disappointment.

Nine Thursday Sai Fast (Vrat)

Sai Baba Vrat can be observed by any ordinary person. Even children can observe this fast. He never differentiate among his devotees. Any one who comes in his shelter whether rich or poor, gets his wishes fulfilled. Sai Baba fast once started should be continued for 9 Thursdays. Any person can start this fast by taking the name of Sai Baba. 

On the day of fast, after bathing in the morning, picture or idol of Sai Baba is worshipped. A yellow colored cloth is spread. Then, the idol or picture is placed on it. After this, Tilak of sandalwood is applied to it.

On the picture of Sai Baba, garla

nd of yellow flower should be placed. Sai Baba Vrat Katha is read by lightning of incense sticks and lamps. After this, Prasaad of Ladoo, made from gram flour, is distributed. In this fast, fruits are eaten or a meal of one time. Something or other should be eaten. You cant stay empty stomach while observing this Vrat.

This way on keeping the fast for 9 Thursday, it is considered favorable to visit Sai Baba temple. If there is no such temple nearby, the picture of Sai Baba placed at home should be worshipped with full faith and devotion. In any case, don’t leave the fast before completing the 9 Thursdays. 

 

Sai baba vrat story:

A woman named Kokila lived in a city with her husband Maheshbhai. Both of them had love for each other. But Maheshbhai’s nature was quarrelsome. He did not have sense of speaking. Neighbours were fed of Maheshbhai’s such nature, but Kokila was religious woman.

She had immense faith in God and she suffered everything without uttering a single word. Gradually her husband’s business declined and the earnings were also negligible. Now Maheshbhai did not go anywhere and stayed back at home. Moreover he was drawn to wrong path. Now his quarrelsome nature increased two fold.

It was afternoon time. An old man came and stood in front of the house of Kokila. He had a strange glow on his face. He demanded dal-chaval (lentil-rice). Kokila gave to the old man what he demanded and folded her hands before him. The old man said May Sai bless you with happiness. Kokila said there is no happiness in my fate and narrated everything about her unhappy life to the old man.

 

The old man explained the Vrat for 9 Thursdays. The vrat can be done by eating fruits or by taking lunch or dinner. If possible go to Sai Temple or otherwise worship Sai Baba at home for 9 Thursdays, observe fast and donate food to the hungry people and distribute 5, 11 and 21 Sai Vrat Books according to your economic condition.

If you increase the importance of this Sai Vrat, Sai Baba will fulfill all your desires. But you must have deep faith in Sai Baba and have patience in your mind. If anybody does this Vrat and duly performs its concluding ceremony, Sai Baba fulfills his/her desires.

Kokila did the Vrat for 9 Thursdays, distributed Sai Vrat books and fed the poor on 9th Thursday. Now all the quarrels in her home had disappeared. There was complete happiness as Maheshbhai’s nature had changed. His business now came back on track. In a short period, their economic condition also improved and everything became fine.

Both husband and wife started living their life happily. One day Kokila’s brother-in-law and his wife came to their home from Surat. Casually talking they told Kokila that their children do not study well. They have failed in exams. Kokila told them about the importance of Sai Baba Vrat for 9 Thursdays and said that by worshipping Sai Baba their children would be able to study well. But for that you must have deep faith in Sai Baba. Sai Baba helps everybody. She explained the procedure for the vrat which is as follows:

- This vrat can be done by eating fruits or by taking lunch or dinner.Never do it on an empty stomach.
- If possible go to Sai Baba temple for all 9 Thursdays.
- Any woman, man or child can do this vrat. Worship of Sai Baba photograph must be done for 9 Thursday.
- Offer flowers, light incense sticks and lamp, chant Arti and remember Sai Baba’s name and distribute prasad.
- On 9th Thursday feed poor people.
- On 9th Thursday distribute Sai Baba Vrat Books among family members and friends.
 
After few days Kokila received a letter from her brother-in-law’s wife that her children does Sai Vrat and have started studying hard. She herself did Sai Baba Vrat and distributed the books in her husband’s office. She added that due to Sai Baba Vrat her friend’s daughter’s marriage was fixed in a very nice family. Moreover her neighbour’s ornament box was lost somewhere. As a result of Sai Baba Vrat someone came and returned the box after two months. In this way such miracles happened.
 Now Kokila came to know that Sai Baba is really very great.
O Sai Baba please shower Your blessings on us as You have showered on others.

Sai Baba Vrat Udyapan (Conclusion of Fast)

After completing the 9 Thursday fast, on the last day, 5 poor people are given food and donation as per the capacity. Also, to spread knowledge about him, 7,11 or 21 books of Sai Baba should distributed in the neighbourhood. This way the fast is concluded.

Sai Baba Miracle

From time immemorial, India contains religious faith and believe in worshipping. Here different religions, classes and culture stay together. Many great saints took birth in India. Miracles performed by many of them are still in talk.

Many stories are famous about the Shirdi’s Sai Baba. Crores of Indian have fathomless faith in him. People of all religion come to have his vision. This has increased the popularity of Sai Baba’s institutes. 

This is nothing else but the miracle of Sai Baba. Today in nation, there are more that 80 thousand big and small temples of Sai Baba.

 

Below are the links for download of baba book in English:

1.sai vrat katha in english
2.sai vrat katha in hindi
3.procedure-and-story-of-sai-vrat in telugu
4.procedure-and-story-of-sai-vrat-in-hindi
5./procedure-and-story-of-sai-vrat-in english

This is the Prasad i made today on completion of my vrat,gajar(carrot) halwa

Oh sai,bless us all….

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha story

this is a continuation to yesterdays solah somvar vrat post.To know the introduction,procedure and everything related to this vrat plz see shiv vrat

1...ENGLISH VERSION for Sixteen Weeks Monday Fast :

Once Lord Shiva visited the famous city of Amravati. Parvati also accompanied him. On their way, they saw a beautiful Shiva temple and decided to spend some time there. One day, Parvati found Lord Shiva in a playful mood. She said to him, Oh my Lord, let us have a dice game. Lord Shiva obliged her and the game started. Meanwhile, the priest of the temple had come there. Parvati turned towards him and said Please foretell who will win this game? The Brahman gave no serious thought to her question and abruptly said, Lord Shiva will win the game. Incidentally Parvati won the game. She was angry because the Brahman had told a lie. Lord Shiva tried to pacify her, but she cursed the Brahman that he be a leper. In due course, the Brahman became a leper and spent a miserable life. After some time a few fairies descended on the earth and pitied the fate of the priest. On asking him, the priest narrated the whole episode. One of the fairies said, You observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without break. On the seventeenth Monday, prepare some holy food or Prasaad with flour mixed with ghee and gur. Distribute this prasaad among the members of your family and take some yourself. You will be free from this leprosy. The fairies disappeared and the priest followed the instructions. Soon, he regained his normal health. Once Lord Shiva and Parvati again visited that temple. Parvati was surprised to see the priest. He was his normal self. She enquired about this feat and the priest narrated the whole story. Parvati was happy, she also decided to observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. Incidentally, on the seventeenth Monday, when she broke her fast, her beloved son Kartikeya, who was displeased with her, appeared and said, 0 dear mother what is that power with which you have called me? What is the mystery? Parvati said, 0 my dear son, all this miracle is due to observing Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without interruption. Kartikeyas Brahman friend had been in a foreign land for quite some time. Kartikeya said, I shall observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks for happy reunion with my friend. He observed the 16 weeks fasts as per rules and to his great surprise his friend returned hale and hearty. The friend enquired about the miracle and Kartikeya told him the modalities to be observed for Monday fast. The Brahman friend was very curious about his marriage. He decided to observe the Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. On the seventeenth Monday, the Brahman friend went to a city. The ruler of the city decided to marry his daughter to a person on whose neck his well-decorated elephant would put the garland. The Brahman joined the show. Incidentally, the elephant garlanded him. The ruler of the city gave him his daughter and also a lot of money. The couple departed the next day and were back in their home. On the honeymoon night, the bride said, 0 my dear, how is it that the elephant ignored all the princes and garlanded you? How did you succeed on the auspicious moments? The bridegroom said, I observed fasts on sixteen Mondays. Monday is Lord Shivas day. It is due to his blessings that I got a beautiful wife like you. My friend Kartikeya revealed this secret to me. The bride too decided to observe fasts on sixteen Mondays for a beautiful son full of knowledge. Her devotion bore fruit and she gave birth to a beautiful son. As the son grew up, he said to his mother, 0 my dear mother, what is the mystery behind my birth? Please reveal it to me. The mother told him how she observed Monday fasts. The son also decided to observe the fasts to gain a kingdom for his parents. Incidentally, an old kings messengers from a nearby State came there in search of a beautiful and learned bridegroom for the princess. They proposed the princess hand for him and he readily agreed. The king expired after sometime and the boy became the king. The newly-made king continued his fasts for the next sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, he arranged a large prayer party at a temple. All the arrangements were made well in advance. The king requested the queen to accompany him to the temple for breaking the fast after taking prasaad from the priest. The queen refused to go with him. The king had to go alone. The king heard an oracle who echoed, 0 king, turn out the queen from the palace or destruction will fall upon you. The king returned to his palace. He summoned a conference of his ministers and told about the oracle. All of them were taken aback, as it was due to that princess that he became the king of the state. They agreed to his proposal only with a heavy heart. The queen was ultimately turned out. The queen left the palace bare footed and in worn-out clothes. She was thirsty and fatigued. She met an old lady who had a load of spinned spindles on her head. She was going to the city. She felt pity on her and asked to help her in selling the yarn because she did not know the art of selling. The queen took that load on her head. Incidentally, strong wind blew away the spindles which disappeared in the dusty wind. The queen felt sorry and the old lady asked her to go away. The queen went to an oilmans house and sought shelter. The oilman obliged her, but as she stepped in, all of his oil pots developed cracks and the oil began to flow on the ground. The oilman immediately turned her out. The queen was now disheartened. She went to the bank of a river to quench her thirst. As she touched the water, the water dried up. She then went to a deep jungle and saw a tank of water. As she went down the stairs and touched the crystal dear water, it became muddy. She cursed her fate and put a few drops of the muddy water in her mouth. She was now tired and wanted to take rest under a shady tree. As she went near the tree its leaves began to fall and soon it became leafless. The cowherds saw this incident and told the whole story to the priest of a nearby temple. The priest called for the woman. He was surprised to see that the woman had royal features. He consoled her and provided her with all the facilities. But after some days, he also got fed up with her because whatever the woman touched became impure — may it be milk, food or water. One day, the priest said, 0 lady, what curse has fallen upon you? You reveal the mystery. The woman told him how she rejected a proposal to attend Monday fast prayer. The priest understood the whole thing. He knew it was Shivas curse. He said, 0 dear lady, you observe fasts on sixteen Mondays and Lord Shiva will absolve you of your sins. The woman realised her mistake and observed the Monday fasts for sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, the king said to himself, My queen left my palace long ago. Her condition must be very miserable. He called for his courtiers and ordered them to search out the queen. The courtiers reached the temple where the queen was residing. The priest refused to hand over the queen to them and said, Let the king himself come to receive her. The courtiers went to the king and related the whole story. The king was happy to hear the news. He went to the temple and requested the priest to return his queen to him. The king admitted that he deserted the queen to avoid Lord Shivas wrath. The priest trusted the kings words and the queen returned to the palace. She was given a royal welcome. The king distributed money among the needy and arranged food for the hungry. The king and queen now regularly observed fasts on sixteen Mondays each year and lived a very happy life. After their death they found abode in Lord Shivas city, Shivapuri. Since, then it is believed that a person who observes fasts on sixteen Mondays, gets all pleasures and enters Shivapuri after his death.

 2......ENGLISH VERSION OF SOMVAR VRAT KATHA

Once there lived a wealthy merchant in a city. He always had immense wealth and prosperity. But despite all the worldly possessions, he remained sad because he had no son. He regularly observed Monday fast to have a son. He used to go to the Shiva temple and worshipped there Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full faith. Goddess Parvati was pleased at his devotion. She implored Lord Shiva and said, My Lord, this wealthy merchant is your faithful devotee. He regularly observes Monday fast but still he has no son. Please fulfil his desire. Hearing the implorings of Parvati, Lord Shiva said, Let your desire be fulfilled. I grant him a boon. He will be the father of a son, but Why but my Lord? asked Parvati. Lord Shiva said, but he will live for twelve years only". Fortunately, this wealthy merchant could hear their conversation. As time passed on, the merchants wife gave birth to a beautiful son. He celebrated his sons birth with great pomp and show and distributed food, clothes and money among the poor. All prayed for his sons long and happy life. But the merchant was still sad because he knew that his son would not live beyond twelve years. Yama, the god of Death, spares none. Knowing what the situation was, the merchant started observing the Monday fast with greater zest and there was no let up in the worship of Lord Shiva. He practised all the rites of worship. At the age of eleven, the merchants son looked quite smart and mature. All desired that he should be married to a beautiful girl. The merchants wife also wanted her sons marriage. She Insisted for it again and again. The merchant did not agree to this proposal. He sent for his brother-In-law and said, Accompany my son to Kashiji. Arrange for his best spiritual knowledge. Take enough money from my treasure. Arrange devotional gatherings on your way to Kashiji at every halt and distribute alms among the beggars. The merchants son started his journey for Kashi with his maternal uncle. They arranged devotional gatherings and distributed clothes at every halting camp. They also arranged best eats for the Brahmans and made enough offerings to them. One day they made a halt at a capital of a king. The kings daughters marriage was to take place that day. The marriage party had already reached the city. The bridegrooms party was terribly disturbed because the bridegroom was blind, of one eye. They were in search of a beautiful boy to replace him. The bridegrooms father sent his men in search of a beautiful boy. The men spotted the merchants son who was camping in an inn with his maternal uncle. The bridegrooms father was a rich person. He said to the merchants maternal uncle, My prestige is at stake. I need a handsome bridegroom in place of my one-eyed son. I shall give enough wealth if your ward agrees to have a temporary marriage with the kings daughter. He shall be free immediately after the marriage ceremony is over. The merchants brother-in-law convinced his sisters son for a temporary marriage. The brides party praised their luck when they saw a handsome bridegroom with the marching band at the head of the marriage procession. The merchants son and the kings daughter were married around the holy fire. At the time of departure, the merchants son picked his brides scarf and wrote, Now we are husband and wife. I am not the son of a king. I am the son of a rich merchant. I was on way to Kashiji for spiritual studies. Your real bridegroom is blind of one eye. The bride noticed her bridegroom writing something on the scarf. She could not read his message at that time. When the marriage party was about to depart, the bride read the message. She was shocked to know the reality. She refused to accompany with the one-eyed bridegroom. The marriage party returned without a bride. The merchants son reached Kashiji and devoted himself fully to the spiritual studies. His maternal uncle arranged devotional gatherings and gave donations everyday for the well-being of his sisters son. On the last day of the twelfth year, the merchants son felt pain in the chest. His maternal uncle was performing the religious rites as per his routine. As he went inside the room, he found the boy dead. He was full of grief, but kept silent as the Brahmans would not accept food from such a house. With courage, he completed his routine. When his routine was over, he started crying. Many people gathered around him and shared his grief. Fortunately, Lord Shiva and Parvati were also passing by that house. When Parvati heard the cries and beating of breast, her motherly compassion got aroused. She was a mother, after all. Having known the facts, she said to Lord Shiva, My dear Sire, please ask Yama to return his life. Yama is always at your command. Please do this favour to me. You are the protector of all creatures. Lord Shiva agreed and sprinkled Ganga water on the dead body. The boy got up as if he was making an excuse for sleep. The spiritual education of the merchants son was over. They started their journey to home. They arranged spiritual discourses and distributed alms among the needy throughout their way. Now, they were back in the city where this boy was married. The king recognised the boy immediately. He took him to his palace with full honour and on an auspicious day, he arranged to happy departure for his daughter. He also gave adequate dowry. The merchants son reached his city along with his bride. His father could not believe it. He was sitting on the roof of a big mansion with his wife, waiting for his son. They had decided that they would not come down until their son supported them himself; otherwise they would commit suicide by jumping down the roof. So the merchants son alongwith his bride went up to the roof. They touched their feet. The merchant and his wife were very happy to see the couple.

Hindi version

May god fulfill your wishes…..for all the doubts and other aspects plz visit this..it has everything about the puja

Om namah sivai

Om namah sivai

Om namah sivai

Solah Somvar Vrat

Somvar Vrat – Monday Fasting Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva

Upvaas, or fasting, in Hinduism is mainly observed for the fulfillment of a vow. Upvas is also referred as 'Vrats.' But 'Vrat' has a wider meaning and it is not just curtailed to the fasting observed for material or other gains. Each day in a week is dedicated to one or more of the gods in the Hindu pantheon. A particular deity is appeased by the devotee on a particular day. Thus Monday is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. On the day, food is only eaten after evening prayer. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on the day. Of course, no worship begins without remembering Lord Ganesha. The fasting on Mondays in the Shravan month is considered even more auspicious.

It is believed that those people who observe Upvaas on Monday will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with wisdom. In some areas, fasting on Mondays is observed by unmarried women to get an ideal husband.

The reason for fasting on a day is usually traced back to a particular incident in one of the Hindu Puranas or folk tradition. There are numerous myths associated with a particular fast. The stories vary from region to region and from community to community.

Somvar Vrat, or Monday fasting, dedicated to Lord Shiva too has numerous stories. Among the several myths, three have gained popularity – the first is the story of a poor Brahmin gaining wealth due to Monday fasting, second is the story of a rich merchant begetting a son after long wait and the subsequent death of the son and his rebirth due to the grace of Lord Shiva and Parvati and the third story is the most famous involving the game of dice played between Shiva and Parvati.

Any Upvaas or Vrat is directly or indirectly connected with some sort of material comfort. This is a sweet lure used by ancient saints to attract a devotee to the concept of Brahman.

The concept of Brahman in Sanatana Dharma is not easily digestible to many people. And they are least bothered about Brahman concept all they need is material comfort. For this many devotees are ready to go to any extend. They are ready to observe any harsh vow. Ancient wise men used this tendency among the common people to spread the awareness of Brahman. During each upvas there are occasional flashes when a person thinks beyond material comforts. This is a realization of Brahman. Gradually many devotees begin to think beyond material comforts.

Somavar Vrat, or Monday Fasting, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Somavar takes its name from Soma or Chandra – the Hindu moon god. Fasting on the day is done by many to appease Lord Shiva and get prayers and wishes fulfilled. It is believed that observing Somavar Vrat will help in getting good husbands. It is also believed to help in attaining prosperity and peaceful family life.

Somavar Vrat begins from sunrise on Monday. Usually those devotees observing the Vrat visit a Lord Shiva temple in the morning and in the evening. If this is not possible prayers are offered at home.

White color dress is worn by those observing the fast. White flowers are also offered to the Shivling.

A single meal is taken on the day after midday. Those observing partial fast take fruits or Sabudana Khichadi.

In the evening a story related to Somavar Vrat is listened to or read by those observing the fast.

Apart from white flowers, people also offer Bilva leaves or Bil patra while doing the puja.

The mantra that is chanted is Om Namah Shivaya…

The fast ends on the next day morning after usual prayers and rituals.

When Amavasi, or no moon day, falls on Monday it is considered highly auspicious and the day is known as Somavati Amavas.

Mondays in Shravan month (July – August) in North India, Gujarat andMaharashtra is considered highly auspicious. Special pujas are offered to Lord Shiva on Mondays in temples and homes.

Mondays are auspicious in Kartik month (October – November) in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Mondays in Karthigai Masam (November – December is also auspicious in Tamil Nadu.

Solah Somwar Vrat is observed for sixteen consecutive Mondays and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A devotee can start Solah Somvar Vrat on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in any month. But devotees usually begin the fasting in Shravan or Kartik month. Solah Somvar Vrat is observed by women to get good husbands and many also observe it when they are blessed with a good married life. It is also believed that observing this Vrat will help in getting one’s wishes fulfilled.

Legend has it that moon (Chandra or Soma) was cursed by Daksha that his body will fade away. It is said that Chandra escaped from this curse after observing the Somvar Vrat.

Many devotees choose the Chaturmas period to observe the Solah Somvar Vrat.

Solah Somvar fasting begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Some devotees observe 24-hour fast and they only consume water or tender coconut or copra.

Some devotees opt for nuts, milk and fruits while fasting.

On the 17th Monday of the fasting, special pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva are held.

It must be noted that Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are several devotees who observe partial fast on all mondays or do special pujas or visit Lord Shiva temples on the day.

Fast on Monday is observed to please Lord Shiva. In Monday fast, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped.  All men and women can observe this fast. Observing the fast in systematic manner is beneficial. According to the scriptures, fasting period of this Vrat is between sunrise and sunset. As food is taken at night, the fast is also called as Nakta Vrata.

Starting of Monday Fast

Monday fasting is considered auspicious if started from first Monday of Shukla Paksha orShravan month. Proedure of this fast is similar to the Vrata observed in Shravan Masa for God Bhole Nath. In this month, specially the Parthiv(terrestrial) Shiva Lingam is worshipped.

If a person is not able to start this fast from Shravan month, then he can start it on the first Monday of Shukal Paksha in the following months:- Chaitra Masa, Baishak Masa,Kartik month or the Margshirsh month( as per Hindu calendar). Out of these, Shravan Masa is considered the most auspicious time. This month is most dear to Lord Shiva. All sins of a person are destroyed, if he starts the Monday fasting from Sharavan month.

Significance of Shravan Month

There is a mythological belief about the Monday fasting. This fast was observed first by Goddess Parvati in order to get Lord Shiva as her husband. by the auspiciousness of this fast she got Lord Shiva in form of her husband. That time the Monday fast was known to be kept by girls for getting their wish fulfilled of their choice husband.

The fast is important for getting blessing of Lord Shiva and worshipping him. Mainly this fast is dedicated to family and society. The fast gives a lesson to live life with love, faith, brotherhood and socialization. The 16 Monday fasting (Solah Somwar) is considered the most favorable out of all the fast of Lord Shiva.

This fast can be observed by both men and women. This fast is kept by unmarried girls for a happy and peaceful life. The fast of 16 Mondays is kept by married girls for the longevity of their husbands, safety of child and happiness of brother. Monday fast is kept by men for getting child, wealth and prestige. 

Method of Monday Fast

The fast is started in any of the auspicious month as stated above. This fast should be kept for five years or 16 Monday with full faith and confidence. The person doing Upvas should get up early in the morning and complete his routine work. The water used for bathing should contain black Til.

After bathing, Ganga Jal should be sprinkled all over the house. Place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva in a peaceful corner of Ishan Kon (North- East direction) of the house and chant the mantra "ऊँनम: शिवाय: - Om Namah Shivay". The resolution of this fast should be taken infront of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with white flowers, sandalwood, rice, Panchamrit, betel nuts, fruits, holy water. While taking the resolution, the following mantra should be chanted.

‘ममक्षेमस्थैर्यविजयारोग्यैश्वर्याभिवृद्धयर्थंसोमव्रतंकरिष्ये | Mum Khsemstharyavijayarogyashwaryabhirvadhyayarth Somvratam Karishye’

After taking the resolution and doing Puja, Vrat Katha should be heard. Then, the Aarti should be performed and Prasadam is to be distributed. Avoid using salt in meal.

While the Udhyapan (conclusion) of fast, white things should be donated, like rice, white clothes, sweets (Barfi) milk, curd, silver etc. This fast is also done for mental peace. After the full day fasting, person should have a vision of Lord Shiva in the Shiva temple. At the time of sunset, food materials made of milk should be used in offerings. 

Lord Bholenath should be offered the Bhog, and after worshipping with incense stick, deep, the Moon God is given the Ardhya. And, the mantra mentioned above should be chanted. After the completion of Solah Somvar Vrat, on the day of Udhyapan, Brahmans and children should be given Kheer, Puri, sweets etc and donations as per the capacity of an individual. On sunset, worshipping of Lord Shiva in Pradosh Kal is considered the most favorable.

Results of Monday Fasting

On regular observation of Monday fast, blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is always on the person. Life is full of health. And, the person gets rid of all the sins.

Astrological Significance of Monday Fasting

Monday Vrat should be observed by those people who have moon in weak position in their Kundali, or moon is not able to give favorable results. For the best results of moon, the fast of Monday should be observed. Also, to remove pessimism and increase mental happiness, this fast is observed. Lord of lunar eclipse is God Shiva. Because he holds the moon on his head.

Out of all the planets, moon is the closest to earth, Hence, it effects our life and mind. So, the people whose birth sign, birth Nakshatra is of moon, they must observe the fast of Monday. This Vrat is also observed for health of mother and maternal happiness.

This is an intro and details about the procedure of the fast...as the post got long i decided to do  katha story post for the story that you have to read in the evening after that days fast...its in the next post...may god fulfill all your wishes....i finished my vrat today and this is what i made for prashad rawa semolina ladoo...i m sooo happy that i completed it smoothly...

om namah sivai :

 om namah sivai :

 om namah sivai :

Ekadashi Vrat

Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.

When to start Ekadasi Fasting? 

Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December. Utpanna Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of the moon in the month of November – December. Utpanna Ekadasi 2011 date is November 21. The significance of Utpanna was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana. For those devotees who like to begin the monthly Ekadasi fasting, Utpanna Ekadasi is the Ekadashi that they should start with.

People can escape from the bad effects of all the sins accumulated during the previous births and this birth. Thus Utpanna Ekadasi helps in attaining Moksha. 

Fresh beginners who want to undertake Ekadasi fasting start it with Utpanna Ekadasi. They can continue it forever or for a year. How long it is continued depends on the devotee.

All the normal rules associated with Ekadasi are observed during Utpanna Ekadashi.

Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method

Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.

Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.

Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer

·                     A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu

·                     Fruits

·                     Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)

·                     Yellow bananas

·                     And other normal puja items

Observance

·                     Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.

·                     Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.

·                     Pray or meditate for few minutes.

·                     If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.

Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance

Ekadasi Fasting

·                     Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.

·                     If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.

·                     Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.

·                     Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day.)

·                     Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.

more details on how to fast here

Afternoon

Take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu

Evening Prayers

·                     Take a bath in the evening.

·                     Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu

·                     Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.

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