Koti Somavaram: A Vratam That Removes Crores of Sins
In the month of Kartika, every Monday holds great significance, but “Koti Somavaram” is especially powerful. When the Monday coincides with Saptami Tithi and Sravana Nakshatra in the Kartika month, it is called Koti Somavaram. According to the Skanda Purana, bathing, charity, and fasting on this day yield benefits equivalent to performing these actions on a crore (ten million) Mondays.
Date of Koti Somavaram This Year:
This year, Koti Somavaram falls on November 8, Friday. With Saptami Tithi and Sravana Nakshatra from 12:00 PM until the following day, this is considered an auspicious time to perform the vratam.
Meaning of Koti Somavara Vratam:
By observing this vratam with devotion, devotees are believed to be freed from sins accumulated over crores of lifetimes and gain divine blessings from Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who bestow peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Koti Somavara Vratam Puja Procedure
1. River Bathing
On this sacred day, bathing in a river is highly meritorious. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in rivers and water bodies during Kartika. After this holy bath, performing puja to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu brings good results.
2. Fasting
Observing a fast on Koti Somavaram is highly regarded. The fast observed on this day is said to be equivalent to the merit gained from fasting on a crore of Mondays. After seeing the stars at night, devotees can break the fast.
3. Worship of Lord Shiva and Vishnu
Visit a Shiva temple and perform an abhishekam (ritual bath) with panchamritam (a mixture of five sacred items) for Lord Shiva. Light a lamp with sesame oil and offer bilva leaves and thummi flowers. Conclude the puja by offering coconuts and bananas.
4. Salagrama Puja
Salagramas, sacred stones representing Lord Vishnu, are worshipped on Koti Somavaram. Performing Salagrama puja and donating it to a learned Brahmin is said to lead to Lord Vishnu’s abode, Vaikuntha.
5. Forest Feast
Organizing a forest feast, or vanabhojanam, is also part of the rituals in Kartika month. On Koti Somavaram, placing a Shiva linga and Salagrama under an amla (gooseberry) tree, performing puja, and having a meal with family and friends in this setting is believed to bring great blessings.
6. Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam
On this day, performing the Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam is believed to bestow immense prosperity and wealth. Observing this vratam with family brings harmony and happiness.
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