Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat Meaning

The Pradosh Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most respected deities of Hindus. It is a Hindu religious festival celebrated twice every month: once during the Shukla Paksha (the bright half of the lunar month) and once during the Krishna Paksha (the dark half of the lunar month). It falls on the thirteenth day of both the pakshas, Trayodashi Tithi.

Moreover, during Pradosh Vrata, devotees fast or remain on empty stomachs from sunrise to sunset and perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva and his family (Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Nandi). The devotees offer milk, honey, fruits, and flowers to the idol’s statue light lamps and sing devotional songs praising the deity. They visit Lord Shiva temples on this day and perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity with milk, water, and other sacred substances).

Significance of Pradosh Vrat

The importance of pradosh vrat is marked as a sacred day for performing charitable acts and making donations. This holy day is seen as a way of pleasing the Lord to save himself and Shiva and acquire his blessings. The true meaning of Pradosh Vrat lies in the fact that it is believed to help remove sins and purify the soul. One can attain mental stability, peace, and calmness by worshipping Lord Shiva.

Moreover, this sacred festival is also seen as a way of strengthening one's devotion to Lord Shiva and bringing one closer to the divine. Additionally, the Moon is associated with the Pradosh vrat as its ritual is performed in the Sandhyakaal or evening. So, while worshipping Lord Shiva during Pardosh Puja, you are also displaying devotion to the Moon, which is very well mentioned in the renowned “Skanda Purana.”

Pradosh Vrat Mythological Story

These are the two most interesting and famous mythological stories about Pradosh Vrat that add importance to this auspicious occasion.

Samudra Manthan

Pardosh Vrat Mythology is also famously known as Pradosh Vrat Katha. It takes us to the famous story of “Samudra Mathan” or “Churning of the Sea”. The holy Skanda Purana mentions all the Gods and Demons or Devas and Asuras who churned the sea (Samundra Manthan) for Amrit to attain immortality. This was done with the help of the serpent, Vasuki. As a result, poison from the body of Vasuki got scattered in the sea. To save the universe from destruction, Lord Shiva came and drank the whole poison. This day was marked as Pradosh.

The Story of How Lord Shiva Saved the Moon God

The Moon God, also known as Chandra or Soma, got into trouble when his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati, cursed him, causing his body to go to waste and the world to fall into darkness. Chandra asked for guidance from Lord Brahma to save himself, who advised him to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

Chandra self-punished himself for six months, requesting Lord Shiva for mercy and rescue. Lord Shiva appeared before Chandra and blessed him, partially relieving his curse. After that, Chandra could wax and wane, restoring balance to the universe. The special occasion of Trayodashi during Pradosh Kaal marked the end of Chandra's punishment and the bestowal of Lord Shiva's blessings.

Pradosh Vrat Benefits

Here are the unique benefits of performing Pradosh Vrat Vidhi and following all the rituals wholeheartedly and with purity and devotion.

• The benefits of doing Pradosh Vrat is that if one keeps the date and time in mind and does the Pradosh fast, his/her life is believed to flourish forever.
• Keeping Pradosh Vrat corrects the moon’s placement in a Janam kundli. This, in turn, improves health, finances, relationships and work status.
• Pradosh's benefits are not restricted to the Moon's influence on human life but include removing other planets’ malefic effects.
• This auspicious vrat is believed to help resolve marital disputes and sufferings. Observing this fast can help overcome challenges in married life and have a smooth life. People with major health issues and huge debt are also benefited.
• Based on Shiva Purana, it also benefits those who are seeking a child, money, or dhan, as well as career desires. Chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times in front of the Shivlinga or Shiva’s shrine is also advised, as it is said to fulfil all your wishes and spiritual alignment.

What to do on Pradosh Vrat ?

Here are the rules or tips on how you can perform the Pradosh vrat according to your convenience. Read below to know in detail.

• Pradosh Vrat, or fast, is done in two ways, as mentioned in the Hindu Calendar and associated sacred texts. Any method based on your health and capability can be selected. A priest or pandit can advise you on the best way in this aspect.
• One popular Pradosh Vrat Vidhi is to stay up the whole night and just pray to Lord Mahadev or Shiva. This also includes a 24-hour vrat or fast. You break your fast the next day in the morning after taking a bath.
• The easier way is to eat fruits from the morning until the evening. After attaining the aarti in the Pradosh Kaal time (90 minutes before sunset to 60 minutes after), you can complete your fasting schedule by eating Prashad and later with cooked food and water.
• During the Pradosh Kaal period, Lord Shiva is expected to emerge from his throne and perform yoga poses. Hence, making special offerings and performing puja during this time can please him the most.
• Special vrat, katha, and Satsang are performed in the name of Lord Shiva on this day to please him, as it’s believed that Lord Shiva is easily pleased during this period.
• You must also perform spiritual activities such as bathing and reciting sacred hymns before performing the vrat and rituals, as these cleanse your mind, body, and soul and make you pure from within.

Types of Pradosh Vrat

Based on different days of the week, a Pradosh Vrat is classified into the following types:

• Ravi Pradosh/ Bhanu Pradosh: When Pradosh Vrat falls on a Sunday, it is this type of fasting. Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day to please the Lord Sun.
• Som Pradosh: This type of Pradosh falls on a Monday. It is observed that we should ask for Lord Moon’s favours.
• Bhaum Pradosh: This Pradosh occurs on Tuesday and is performed to avoid the harmful effects of the planet Mars.
• Saumyavara Pradosh: This Pradosh type occurs on a Wednesday and is conducted to please Mercury and be blessed with knowledge.
• Guruvara Pradosh: This Pradosha type falls on Thursday and is dedicated to the planet Jupiter.
• Bhruguvara Pradosh: It happens on a Friday and is devoted to the planet Venus.
• Shani Pradosh: A Pradosh is called a Shani Pradosh when it is honoured on a Saturday, and Puja is performed to impress Lord Shani.