Monday fast, considered omnipotent for wish fulfillment, holds significant importance in Sanatan Dharma. This fast is observed to seek blessings for a happy married life, child birth, and a desired life partner. Let us delve into the details of when and how to begin the sixteen Monday fast, the worship method, required materials, the associated story, and the rules to follow.
When to Start Fasting on 16 Mondays?
The ideal time to commence the fast of sixteen Mondays is on the first Monday of the Sawan month. Alternatively, it can also be initiated from the first Monday of Chaitra, Margashirsha, or Vaishakh month. Begin the fast at sunrise on Monday and conclude it after the evening worship, only upon consuming prasad.
Preparation for the Fast:
On the day before your first Monday fast, ensure you get enough sleep and have a balanced, nutritious dinner. Stay well-hydrated during the day by drinking plenty of water before fasting.
Starting the Fast:
Start the fasting process after dinner on Sunday. Once you've finished your meal, the fast officially begins, and you should avoid consuming any calories until Monday afternoon.
Fasting Period:
During the fasting period, you can drink water, herbal teas, black coffee, or other non-caloric beverages to stay hydrated and manage hunger.
Time and Ritual:
According to the Shiva Purana, commence the sixteen Monday pujas around 4 pm and complete them before sunset during the Pradosh Kaal. This period is considered highly auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva.
Ingredients for the Sixteen Monday Fasting Materials:
The items required for the sixteen Monday fasts include a Shivalinga, Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), Janeu (sacred thread), lamp, Dhatura, perfume, rolli, ashwagandha, white cloth, Belpatra (bilva leaves), incense, flowers, white sandalwood, hemp, bhasma (sacred ash), sugarcane juice, fruits, sweets, and sixteen adornments for Mother Parvati (bangles, bindi, chunari, payal, bichhiya, mehndi, kumkum, sindoor, mascara), etc.
How to Worship on 16 Mondays:
On the day of the Monday fast, take a bath during Brahma Muhurat and wear clean clothes. Resolve to fast by chanting the specified mantra 16 times in front of Lord Shiva. In the evening, during the Pradosh Kaal, perform jalabhishek of the Shivalinga with Ganga water, followed by offering Panchamrit to Lord Shiva.
Offerings and Rituals:
Create a tripod with three fingers of your right hand on the Shivling using white sandalwood and offer the rest of the worship materials. Offer the sixteen adornments to Goddess Parvati and listen to the story of the Monday fast, followed by incense, lamp, and bhog. During the fast, consume churma made of flour, jaggery, and ghee. Finally, chant the mantras of Lord Shiva, recite Shiva Chalisa, and perform aarti before distributing prasad to others.
Rules to be Followed during Sixteen Monday Fasts:
The sixteen Monday fasts are considered quite challenging, so it is necessary to complete all 16 Mondays without any interruption. After the fast, take prasad at the same place where the worship was performed. It is advised to follow celibacy during the fast. Additionally, avoid cooking tamasic (impure) food on Mondays, as it may adversely affect the auspiciousness of the fast. Embrace the power and blessings of sixteen Monday fasts as you dedicate each Monday to the worship of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. May this divine journey bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual wisdom into your life.
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