🌙 Shravan Monday Fast Story

🌙 Shravan Monday Fast Story – The Power of Devotion to Lord Shiva

Discover how unwavering faith, sincere prayer, and the grace of Lord Shiva can turn destiny itself.

🌸 The Merchant’s Devotion

Long ago, in a prosperous town, there lived a wealthy merchant. His home overflowed with gold, grain, and comfort — yet one thing left his heart empty: he had no children.

Year after year, he and his wife prayed for a child, but their wish remained unfulfilled. Still, the merchant never gave up hope. Every Monday during the holy month of Shravan, he would visit the temple of Lord Shiva, offer milk and water on the Shivling, and light a lamp every evening, praying with deep sincerity.

His devotion was so steadfast that even Goddess Parvati took notice. One day, she turned to Lord Shiva and asked,
“Mahadev, your devotee has worshipped you with pure faith for so many years. Why have you not blessed him with a child?”

Lord Shiva replied calmly, “Devi, his past life’s karma does not allow the blessing of children in this birth.”

But Parvati, moved by compassion, pleaded, “Even fate can be changed by devotion. Please bless him, my Lord.”

Smiling gently, Lord Shiva agreed, saying, “So be it. I shall bless him with a son — but his life will last only sixteen years.”

🕯️ The Blessing and the Prophecy

That night, the merchant dreamed of Lord Shiva, who blessed him with a son and revealed the prophecy of his short life. When he awoke, the merchant was filled with mixed emotions — joy for the child he would soon have, and sorrow for his son’s destined end.

Soon after, his wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. They named him Amar, meaning “immortal,” a name born out of hope and faith.

The years passed, and Amar grew into a kind, intelligent, and virtuous young boy. The merchant, though aware of his fate, never missed a Shravan Monday fast, always praying to Lord Shiva for his son’s well-being.

🌼 The Journey to Kashi

When Amar turned eleven, the merchant decided to send him to Kashi (Varanasi) to study under his uncle’s care. Before they left, he reminded his brother,
“On every stop of your journey, offer food to Brahmins, donate to the needy, and keep faith in Lord Shiva.”

Following his advice, Amar and his uncle began their sacred journey. On the way, they reached a kingdom bustling with wedding festivities — the princess was being married that very day.

But the royal family faced a secret problem: the groom was blind in one eye, and they feared this truth would be exposed during the ceremony. Desperate to save their honor, the groom’s father approached Amar and said,
“Dear boy, please sit in the wedding rituals in place of my son. The ceremony will be symbolic — no one will know.”

Out of kindness, Amar agreed. The rituals were completed, and the marriage was performed in his name. Before leaving, Amar wrote a letter to the princess, revealing the truth and explaining his role as a stand-in.

When the princess read the letter, she was deeply moved by Amar’s honesty and declared,
“I cannot live with deceit. The man who performed the wedding rituals is my true husband.”

🔥 The Turning Point

Meanwhile, Amar and his uncle reached Kashi, where Amar immersed himself in study and prayer. The years passed quickly, and soon he turned sixteen — the age Lord Shiva had foretold.

To mark his birthday, his uncle organized a grand yajna (ritual ceremony). They fed Brahmins, offered prayers, and donated generously in the Lord’s name. But soon after the ritual, Amar suddenly fell ill, fainted, and passed away.

His uncle was heartbroken. Grief-stricken, he wept bitterly by Amar’s side. At that very moment, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati happened to pass through the region. Hearing the cries, Parvati turned to Shiva and said,
“My Lord, this boy’s life was full of purity and faith. Please, bring him back.”

Shiva reminded her, “Devi, his life span was only sixteen years — as I had destined.”

But Parvati, her heart full of compassion, pleaded again, “You are the Lord of all creation. Can you not rewrite destiny for a true devotee’s child?”

Lord Shiva smiled, touched by her words. “So be it,” He said. “By your request, he shall live a full and blessed life.”

With His divine touch, Amar returned to life, glowing with renewed energy and divine grace.

💫 The Union and Return

After completing his studies, Amar and his uncle began their journey home. On the way, they stopped again in the same kingdom. The princess recognized Amar at once and rejoiced. Her father, the king, blessed their union and sent them home as husband and wife.

When Amar’s parents saw their son return alive and well — and with a bride by his side — their joy knew no bounds. Tears of gratitude flowed as they offered prayers to Lord Shiva, thanking Him for blessing their devotion.

🌙 The Meaning of Shravan Monday Fast

From that day forward, the Shravan Monday fast (Somvar Vrat) became a symbol of faith, forgiveness, and the power of prayer.

It teaches that sincere devotion to Lord Shiva can change even what seems destined. Those who observe the fast with a pure heart and steady mind find not only the fulfillment of desires but also peace, protection, and spiritual growth.