Shiva Vrat Katha in Sanskrit: Sawan Somvar & Shivratri | Full Text & Meaning

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स्कन्द उवाच: महादेवं महासेनं तं देवं शङ्करं शिवम्। वरदं वरदं देवं नमामि शशिशेखरम्॥

सूत उवाच: कैलासे रम्ये शिखरे देव्या सह महेश्वरः। तत्रोपविष्टो देवेशो लोकानुग्रहकारकः॥

तमुवाच महादेवी भक्तितो विनयानता। पार्वती परमप्रीता जगन्माता जगत्पतिम्॥

देव्युवाच: देवदेव महादेव सर्वज्ञ करुणानिधे। व्रतानां व्रतमुत्तमं ब्रूहि येन त्वं प्रसीदसि॥

ईश्वर उवाच: शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि व्रतानामुत्तमं व्रतम्। सर्वपापहरं पुण्यं सर्वकामफलप्रदम्॥

सोमवारेषु यो भक्त्या मामर्चयति पार्वति। नरो नारी च नियता सर्वाभीष्टमवाप्नुयात्॥

अपुत्रो लभते पुत्रं धनार्थी लभते धनम्। रोगी मुच्येत रोगात् सर्वदुःखात् प्रमुच्यते॥

सोमवारव्रतं कृत्वा श्रद्धया परमं शुभम्। कृत्वा पूजां ममार्चायां सर्वान् कामानवाप्नुयात्॥

एवं देव्या कृतं पूर्वं नारदेन सुभाषितम्। तच्छ्रुत्वा ब्राह्मणो भक्त्या सर्वान् कामानवाप्नुयात्॥

पुरा हिमवतः पार्श्वे सुन्दरं वनमासीत्। तत्रैकः कृमिको नाम ब्राह्मणो वसति स्म ह॥

तस्य पत्नी सुशीला च पतिव्रता यशस्विनी। दरिद्रा दुःखिता नित्यं पुत्रशोकेन पीडिता॥

कदाचिन्नागकन्यास्ताः तत्र क्रीडां प्रचक्रमुः। तासां मध्यगता देवी पार्वती वरदायिनी॥

तां दृष्ट्वा विस्मिता सर्वाः किं देवि किं करोषि त्वम्। उवाच पार्वती सर्वांस्तपस्यर्थमहं स्थिता॥

अथ ते ब्राह्मणी तत्र पार्वतीं प्रणता सती। उवाच दुःखिता दीना पुत्रहीनत्वं मे देहि॥

पार्वत्युवाच: सोमवारेषु यः कुर्यात् व्रतमेतदनुत्तमम्। पुत्रं धनं च सौभाग्यं स लभेत न संशयः॥

ततः सा ब्राह्मणी नित्यं सोमवारव्रतमाचरेत्। तस्याः प्रसादात् तस्यैव पुत्रो जज्ञे मनोहरः॥

पुत्रं दृष्ट्वा तु दम्पत्योः परमानन्दोऽभवत्। सोमवारे व्रतं कुर्यात् सर्वान् कामानवाप्नुयात्॥

इति श्रीस्कन्दपुराणे शिवरहस्यखण्डे सोमवारव्रतकथा सम्पूर्णा॥

Meaning & Translation

Verse 1

Skanda said: O great commander, the great God Shankara, the auspicious one. I bow to that God, the bestower of boons, who wears the moon on His head.

Verse 2

Suta said: On the beautiful peak of Kailasa, the great Lord Maheshwara was seated with Devi, the Lord of Gods, benevolent to all worlds.

Verse 3

Then the great Goddess Parvati, filled with devotion and humility, supremely pleased, the mother of the universe, spoke to the Lord of the universe.

Verse 4

Devi said: O God of gods, Mahadeva, omniscient one, ocean of compassion! Tell me the best among all vows, by which You are pleased.

Verse 5

Ishwara said: Listen, Devi, I shall tell you the best among all vows. It destroys all sins, is virtuous, and bestows the fruit of all desires.

Verse 6

O Parvati, whoever, man or woman, worships Me with devotion on Mondays, disciplined, attains all their desired wishes.

Verse 7

One without a son obtains a son; one desiring wealth obtains wealth. A sick person is freed from illness, and one is liberated from all sorrows.

Verse 8

By observing the highly auspicious Somvar Vrat with faith, and performing My worship, one obtains all desires.

Verse 9

Thus, it was done by Devi in ancient times, and well-spoken by Narada. A Brahmin who hears it with devotion obtains all desires.

Verse 10

In ancient times, near the Himalayas, there was a beautiful forest. There, a Brahmin named Krumiko used to live.

Verse 11

His wife, Sushila, was virtuous, devoted to her husband, and renowned. She was poor, constantly distressed, and afflicted by the sorrow of childlessness.

Verse 12

One day, some Naga maidens began to play there. Among them was Devi Parvati, the bestower of boons.

Verse 13

Seeing her, all were astonished and asked, 'O Devi, what are You doing?' Parvati replied to all, 'I am here for penance.'

Verse 14

Then that Brahmin woman, bowing before Parvati, sorrowfully and humbly said, 'I am without a child, grant me a son.'

Verse 15

Parvati replied: Whoever observes this excellent vow on Mondays will undoubtedly obtain a son, wealth, and good fortune.

Verse 16

Thereafter, that Brahmin woman regularly observed the Somvar Vrat. By its grace, a charming son was born to her.

Verse 17

Seeing the son, the couple experienced supreme joy. One who observes the Somvar Vrat attains all desires.

Verse 18

Thus ends the Story of Somvar Vrat in the Shiva Rahasya Khanda of the glorious Skanda Purana.

✨Spiritual Benefits

Observing the Shiva Vrat, especially on Mondays (Somvar) or Mahashivratri, is believed to bestow immense blessings from Lord Shiva. Devotees are said to achieve prosperity, wealth, happiness, and peace in their lives. The Vrat is particularly potent for those seeking a virtuous spouse, progeny, or relief from ailments and misfortunes. It purifies the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual growth and ultimate liberation (moksha). Regular observance helps in overcoming obstacles, fulfilling desires, and fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

Frequently Asked Questions

how to shivratri vrat

To observe Shivratri Vrat, devotees wake up early, take a purifying bath, and then resolve to keep the fast. They visit a Shiva temple or perform puja at home, offering water, milk, Bilva leaves, Dhatura, and other sacred items to a Shiva Lingam. The fast is typically observed without food and water (Nirjala Vrat) for 24 hours. Shiva Puja is performed four times during the night (char prahar puja), with chanting of mantras like 'Om Namah Shivaya'. The fast is broken the next morning after sunrise.

how to take shivratri vratham

Taking Shivratri Vratham involves a strict regimen. Begin with a Sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast. During the day, engage in meditation, prayer, and reading Shiva scriptures. Avoid cereals, pulses, and salt. Many observe a Nirjala (waterless) fast, while others consume fruits, milk, and non-cereal foods. The main worship occurs during the night, especially during the four prahars (quarters of the night), with offerings, abhishek, and continuous chanting. Maintain celibacy and a calm mind throughout the fast. Break the fast on the morning of Chaturdashi Tithi by offering prayers and consuming Prasad.

shiva vratha katha in telugu

While this content provides the Shiva Vrat Katha in Sanskrit, the Shiva Vrat Katha is widely available and revered in Telugu as well. Devotees in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana often recite or listen to the Shiva Vrat Katha in Telugu, especially during auspicious occasions like Mahashivratri and Karthika Masam. These regional versions often include local cultural nuances and explanations while retaining the core narrative and spiritual essence. You can find 'Shiva Vratha Katha in Telugu' in various devotional books, websites, and audio/video formats.