In Hinduism Pradosh Vrat is a very auspicious and important fast dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. This fast is observed on the Trayodashi date of both sides (Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha) of every month. Pradosh means “evening time” or “time just before night”. It is believed that during Pradosh Kaal (about 45 minutes before and 45 minutes after sunset) Lord Shiva performs Anand Tandava on Mount Kailash and all the gods and goddesses praise him. By worshiping Shiva during this holy time, devotees get special fruits and all wishes are fulfilled.
What is Pradosh Vrat and its importance?
Pradosh Vrat is a monthly fast dedicated to Lord Shiva which falls on the Trayodashi date of every month according to the Hindu calendar. This fast comes twice a month – one in Krishna Paksha (before Amavasya) and the other in Shukla Paksha (before Purnima).
Importance:
Pradosh Vrat is considered to be the most auspicious and bestowing Shiva’s blessings in Kaliyug. It is believed that during Pradosh period, Lord Shiva is in a very happy mood and listens to the prayers of his devotees. By worshiping at this time, all the troubles of life are removed, diseases and defects are eliminated, and the person attains salvation.
Importance according to the day:
Pradosh Vrat has different importance and results according to the day on which it falls:
Soma Pradosh Vrat (Monday): Best for mental peace, freedom from Chandra Dosh and getting children.
Bhauma Pradosh Vrat (Tuesday): For freedom from debt, relief from diseases and victory over enemies.
Budh Pradosh Vrat (Wednesday): For the fulfillment of all wishes and accomplishment of work.
Guru Pradosh Vrat (Thursday): For the destruction of enemies and to receive the blessings of ancestors.
Shukra Pradosh Vrat (Friday): For increasing good fortune, happiness and peace in married life and attainment of wealth.
Shani Pradosh Vrat (Saturday): For the birth of a child, freedom from Shani Dosh and longevity.
Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Sunday): For attainment of good health, long life and respect.
Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi
Pradosh Vrat Puja is performed 45 minutes before sunset and 45 minutes after sunset, which is called Pradosh Kaal.
Materials:
Milk, curd, ghee, honey, Gangajal, Panchamrit, Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, Shami Patra, white flower, Madar flower, Akshat (rice), sandalwood, incense, lamp, agarbatti, fruits, sweets, Janeu, camphor, plate for Aarti.
Puja Vidhi (step-by-step):
Resolve for fasting: Get up early in the morning and take a bath. Wear clean clothes. Clean the temple or the place of worship in the house. Now take water in your hand and take a pledge for Pradosh Vrat that you will keep this fast with full devotion.
Morning worship: Perform the usual worship of Lord Shiva in the morning. Offer water to him and chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”. Follow the fast of Nirahaar or fruit diet throughout the day.
Preparation in Pradosh period: Take bath again an hour before the start of Pradosh period in the evening. Wear clean clothes. Purify the place of worship with Gangajal.
Making a mandap: Install the idol or picture of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on a clean platform or board. If you want, you can make a rangoli of five colors.
Abhishek of Shivling: First of all, anoint the Shivling with pure water. Then make Panchamrit with milk, curd, ghee, honey and Gangajal and offer it to the Shivling. Finally, once again perform abhishek with pure water.
Clothes and ornaments: Offer clothes (Janeu or new clothes) and garland on the Shivling.
Flowers and Bhog: Offer Belpatra (especially), Dhatura, Bhang, Shami Patra, Madar flowers, white flowers etc. After this apply sandalwood. Offer fruits, sweets or Naivedya (Bhog) as per your faith.
Incense stick: Light incense and lamp.
Mantra Jap: Chant the mantras of Lord Shiva. Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times. Chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is also very auspicious.
Pradosh Vrat Katha: Read or listen to the story of Pradosh Vrat. It helps in understanding the importance of the fast.
Aarti: At the end of the puja, perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Light camphor and ring the bell.
Pranam and Apology: Ask God for forgiveness for your mistakes and pray to fulfill your wishes.
Paran of the fast: After the puja is over, you can eat fruits or break the fast. Keep in mind that only eat satvik food to break the fast.
Benefits of Pradosh Vrat.
By observing Pradosh fast, devotees get many benefits:
Liberation from sins: It is believed that by observing this fast, a person gets free from all his known and unknown sins.
Fulfillment of wishes: By the grace of Lord Shiva, all the wishes of the devotees, whether related to wealth, children, health or salvation, are fulfilled.
Rog Mukti: This fast is considered helpful in getting rid of various types of diseases and health-related problems.
Graha Dosh Shanti: Keeping Pradosh fast according to the day calms down the doshas of the related planet and strengthens the position of the planets in the horoscope.
Happiness and prosperity: Happiness, peace and prosperity come in the house. Sweetness comes in married life.
Moksha Prapti: Ultimately, this fast leads a person towards Moksha by freeing him from the cycle of life and death.