First Sawan Monday Fast Story

During ancient times, there was a wealthy merchant who lived in a town. Despite having great wealth, he was deeply saddened because he had no children. To seek a child, he devotedly worshipped Lord Shiva every Monday and lit a lamp in the temple in the evening. Impressed by his devotion, Goddess Parvati once asked Lord Shiva why he wasn’t granting the merchant a child. Lord Shiva explained that due to the merchant's past-life karma, he was destined to remain childless. However, upon Parvati's request, Shiva blessed the merchant in a dream, granting him the boon of a child, but also foretold that the child would live only for 16 years. Although happy to receive the boon, the merchant was concerned about losing his child so soon. Nevertheless, he continued his worship of Lord Shiva with faith. Eventually, his wife gave birth to a son named Amar. When Amar turned 11, the merchant sent him with his maternal uncle to Kashi (Varanasi) for education. Before they left, the merchant advised his brother-in-law to conduct charity and rituals on their way. On their journey, they stopped at a kingdom where the princess’s wedding was taking place. However, the groom was blind in one eye, and his father worried that this flaw would be discovered. Seeing Amar, the groom’s father persuaded him to replace the groom during the ceremony, ensuring the truth wouldn’t be revealed until after the wedding. Amar agreed, and the wedding was conducted. Afterward, Amar informed the princess of the truth through a letter. Upon learning this, the princess refused to go with her actual groom. Meanwhile, Amar continued his journey to Kashi, where he stayed for several years. When he turned 16, his uncle organized a grand ritual, conducted charity, and fed Brahmins. Soon after, Amar’s health deteriorated, and he passed away. His uncle was grief-stricken and cried out loudly. At that moment, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were passing by and heard the cries. Goddess Parvati urged Shiva to intervene. Shiva explained that Amar was the merchant’s son, blessed to live for only 16 years. Parvati reminded Shiva of the merchant’s unwavering devotion and urged him to help. Moved by Parvati's words, Shiva brought Amar back to life, granting him a longer life. Amar completed his education and returned home, where he reunited with the princess he had married. The merchant and his wife were overjoyed to see their son alive and safe. This story demonstrates the power of Lord Shiva’s blessings and the importance of devotion and Monday fasting during Sawan. Listening to this vrat katha is believed to bring blessings and merits.