Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha and Solah Somwar Katha in English

Quick answer: The Sawan Somwar and Solah Somwar kathas are two different stories read during Monday Shiva vrats. The Solah Somwar katha tells of Lord Shiva and Parvati and a devotee who prospered by keeping sixteen Mondays; the Sawan Somwar katha is read on the Mondays of Sravana.

Two different kathas are attached to the Monday Shiva vrats, and they are often confused. Below both are retold respectfully in hindutone.com’s own words, kept clearly separate. They are shared as tradition and narrative, not as a promise of any outcome.

They are not the same story

The Sawan Somwar katha is read on the Mondays of Sravana. The Solah Somwar katha belongs to the separate sixteen-Monday vow (Solah Somwar Vrat) and is read across its sixteen Mondays. Keep them distinct.

The Solah Somwar vrat katha

In the traditional story, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, resting at a beautiful temple, fall into a friendly game of dice. A question of who won is put to the temple priest, who answers hastily and is corrected by events. Through the episode, the greatness of sincere Monday worship of Shiva is revealed: a devotee — in many tellings a poor Brahmin, in others a princess — who keeps the sixteen-Monday vow with faith is described as gaining prosperity, a good marriage or the restoration of fortune, and the story ends with the completion of the vow through udyapana. The tale is told to convey the merit of steadfast devotion to Lord Shiva.

The Sawan Somwar katha

The Sawan Somwar katha, read on the Mondays of Sravana, similarly tells of a devotee whose sincere Monday worship of Lord Shiva — with abhishekam, bilva patra and fasting kept in a form suited to them — brings the grace of the Lord and well-being to the household. Regional tellings vary in their names and details, but the shared theme is the merit of devotion to Shiva during the sacred month.

When each is read

Each katha is read after the Monday puja and before the aarti — the Solah Somwar katha across the sixteen Mondays of that vow, and the Sawan Somwar katha on the Mondays of Sravana. Hearing it with devotion is part of the observance.

What the stories convey

Both carry the traditional message of steadfast devotion to Lord Shiva. They are narratives that hold the spirit of the vrat; they are not a guarantee of any particular result. Devotees keep the vrat in faith.

See our Sawan Somwar Vrat guide and the Solah Somwar Vrat guide.

Part of our Sravana Masam 2026 calendar and dates guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Sawan Somwar and Solah Somwar kathas the same?

No. They are two different stories. The Sawan Somwar katha is read on the Mondays of Sravana; the Solah Somwar katha belongs to the separate sixteen-Monday vow.

What is the Solah Somwar katha about?

It traditionally tells of Lord Shiva and Parvati and a friendly game of dice, through which the merit of keeping the sixteen-Monday vow with faith is revealed, ending with the completion of the vow through udyapana.

What is the Sawan Somwar katha about?

It tells of a devotee whose sincere Monday worship of Shiva during Sravana — abhishekam, bilva patra and a vrat kept in a suitable form — brings the Lord’s grace and household well-being.

When is each katha read?

After the Monday puja and before the aarti — the Solah Somwar katha across the sixteen Mondays of that vow, and the Sawan Somwar katha on the Mondays of Sravana.

Do the kathas guarantee an outcome?

No. They are shared as tradition and narrative, carrying the spirit of the vrat. Devotees keep the vrat in faith, without a guarantee of any particular result.

Why are the two kathas confused?

Because both are Monday Shiva vrat stories and both involve devotion rewarded, they are often conflated online. They belong to different observances and should be kept distinct.

Can I read the katha in English?

Yes. Read along in English or transliteration so you can read the katha aloud during the puja if you do not read the traditional script.

Are there regional versions?

Yes. The names and details vary by region and family, but the shared theme is steadfast devotion to Lord Shiva. Follow the version your family reads.