Somvar Vrat Katha: Lord Shiva, also known as Bholenath, is considered very kind-hearted, despite having the power to destroy the universe. According to ancient beliefs, Lord Shiva can be easily pleased with even the simplest devotion. It is said that even if his devotees offer him thorny dhatura, he blesses them with his grace.
If you observe the Monday fast to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, this story can help you please him.
Table of Contents
Somvar Vrat Katha (Story of the Monday Fast):
Once there was a wealthy merchant in a town, but he was very sad as he had no children. To be blessed with a child, he observed a fast every Monday and visited the Shiva temple with full devotion. Seeing his dedication, one day, Goddess Parvati requested Lord Shiva to fulfill the merchant’s wish.
Upon Goddess Parvati’s request, Lord Shiva blessed the merchant with a son, but he told that the boy would live only for 12 years.
Birth and Marriage of the Merchant’s Son:
After some time, the merchant’s wife gave birth to a son. When the boy turned eleven, he was sent to Kashi (Varanasi) to study. The merchant called his brother-in-law and, giving him a lot of money, said, “Take this boy to Kashi for his education. On the way, perform Yagnas (sacrificial rituals) and offer food and donations to Brahmins.” The uncle and nephew journeyed to Kashi, performing Yagnas and giving donations along the way.
One night, they reached a town where the king’s daughter was getting married. However, the prince she was supposed to marry was blind in one eye. To hide this fact, the king thought of substituting the merchant’s son as the groom for the ceremony and giving him wealth afterward, then taking the princess back to his kingdom. The boy was dressed as the groom, and the marriage was performed.
Read to know why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth?
Sudden Death of the Merchant’s Son:
The merchant’s son was honest and wrote on the princess’s scarf, “Though you are married to me, the prince you will be sent with is blind in one eye. I am going to Kashi to study.” After reading this, the princess informed her parents, and the king did not send her away. The marriage procession returned.
Meanwhile, the merchant’s son and his uncle reached Kashi and performed a Yagna. On the boy’s twelfth birthday, they performed another Yagna, but the boy felt unwell and told his uncle. The uncle advised him to rest inside. As per Lord Shiva’s blessing, the boy passed away shortly after.
Seeing his nephew dead, the uncle began to mourn. Coincidentally, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were passing by. Parvati, moved by the uncle’s cries, asked Lord Shiva to alleviate his suffering.
Revival of the Merchant’s Son by Lord Shiva:
Lord Shiva, approaching the boy, said that he was the same merchant’s son whom he had blessed with a twelve-year life span. However, moved by Parvati’s motherly affection, Shiva extended the boy’s life, saying that the boy’s parents would otherwise die of grief.
On Goddess Parvati’s further request, Lord Shiva revived the boy. After completing his education, the boy and his uncle returned to their town. On their way back, they reached the town where the boy’s marriage had taken place, performed a Yagna, and met the princess. The girl’s father recognized the boy and treated him with respect, sending his daughter off with him.
Divine Vision of Lord Shiva:
Meanwhile, the merchant and his wife, having vowed to give up their lives if they heard of their son’s death, were waiting anxiously. Upon hearing of their son’s revival, they were overjoyed. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in the merchant’s dream and said, “I am pleased with your Monday fasts and the stories you have heard. Therefore, I have granted your son a long life. Anyone who observes the Monday fast and listens to or reads this story will have all their sorrows removed and desires fulfilled.”
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