Somvar Vrat Katha: Lord Shiva is considered as a very kind-hearted deity despite having the powers to destroy this entire universe and this is the reason why his devotees call him with the name of “Bholenath”. According to ancient beliefs Bholenath can be pleased very easily, even with the simplest devotion. It is said that even if his devotees offer him thorny dhatura Shiva blesses them with his grace.
Monday is considered very dear to Lord Shiva and therefore people remain fasted on Mondays to please Lord Shiva. 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):
Long ago there was a wealthy merchant in a town, but he was very sad as he had no children. To please Lord Shiva and be blessed with a child he started observing a fast every Monday and started visiting the Shiva temple with full devotion. Seeing his immense dedication, Goddess Parvati requested Lord Shiva to fulfill the wish of the merchant.
Upon Goddess Parvati’s request and being please with merchant’s devotion and service Lord Shiva blessed him with a son, but he said that the boy would live only for 12 years.
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Birth and Marriage of the Merchant’s Son:
After some time, the wife of the merchant gave birth to a son. When the boy turned eleven his father decided to send him to Kashi (Varanasi) for further studies along with his brother-in-law. The merchant called his brother-in-law gave him a lot of money and said, “I want you to take this boy to Kashi for his education. On the way I want you to perform Yagnas whenever possible 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 father of the prince thought of substituting the merchant’s son as the groom for the ceremony in return of giving him wealth afterward and taking the princess back to his kingdom once the wedding ceremony completes. The boy was dressed as the groom, and the marriage was performed.
Sudden Death of the Merchant’s Son:
The merchant’s son was honest so he couldn’t resist himself from telling the princess the truth and therefore he 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 the son of a merchant and I’m going to Kashi to study with my uncle.” 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:
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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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