One day, the princess saw a handsome but poor Brahmin’s son passing by. Recognizing her destiny, she married him. When the king found out, he exiled them. Living in poverty, the Brahmin’s son lost his way. The princess, a devotee of Lord Shiva, began the . She performed each Monday’s Puja with total devotion, even when they had no food.
The most popular version begins with a poor boy who performs the fast unknowingly or with pure heart, marrying a princess or gaining wealth. Later, the princess loses faith or breaks a rule, causing them to lose their fortune. They eventually regain everything after realizing the power of Lord Shiva and completing the 16 Mondays with full discipline.