Somvar Vrata Katha: (In simple Language)

FROM THE BOOK:

The observance of fasts on Mondays are begun in the months of Chaitra, Vaishakha Shravana, Margsheersha and Kartik (the first, second, fifth, ninth and eighth months respectively of Hindu Year). Generally this fasting should begin in the month of Shravana. Men and women observing this fast are required to besmear themselves with black sesame seed oil every Monday morning and then take bath. Having done this they should offer their worships to Lord Shiva in the manner laid down in scriptures Then worship the deity through Schodashopachar i.e. the sixteen methods of worship viz.
Aavahan (invocation of a deity), Aasana (A small carpet for sitting on while worshipping), Arghhya (libation in honour of a deity), Padya (water with which the feet of a deity are washed), Aachaman (the rinsing of mouth with water before religious feremonies), Madhupark (a mixture of curd, clarified butter, water and honey offered to a deity), Snana (bathing the deity), Vastrabharan (clothes and ornaments for the deity), Yajnopaveet (the sacred thread which is worn by the three upper classes of Hindus), Ganadha (perfume), Pushpa (flowers) , Deep (lamp), Naivedya (offerings made to a deity), Tambool (betel-leaves), Parikrama (a going found an idol as a mark of reverence), Vandana (Obeisance).