Pradosham is a popular Hindu fasting (vrat) that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati. Pradosha puja is observed on the 13th day of the lunar calendar also known as
Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. Hence, Pradosam comes twice every
month. Pradosham literally means the removal of sins. A time period of about three hours
divided by one and a half hours before the sunset and one and a half hours after sunset is
known as Pradosha Kala.
The Pradosham can be observed by everyone irrespective of age and gender. People all over
India, observe this with full devotion and dedication. Pradosham is observed in honor of Lord
Shiva and Devi Parvati.
On this day, in some parts of India, believers worship the Nataraj form of Lord Shiva. As per
the Skanda Puranam, there are two different methods of fasting on the Pradosham. The first
method is where the devotees participate in a strict fast for the whole day and night, that is,
24 hours and which also includes staying awake at night. In the second method, fasting is
practiced from sunrise until sunset, and after worshipping Lord Shiva in the evening, the fast
is broken.
The word ‘Pradosham’ means 'belonging or relating to the evening' or 'first part of the
night' . As this sacred fasting is observed during the ‘Sandhyakaal’ that is the evening
twilight, it is called the Pradosham fasting.
One who observes this revered fast with devotion and faith is believed to possess
contentment, wealth, and good health. The Hindu scriptures have highly praised Pradosh vrat
and the disciples of Lord Shiva keep it very sacred.
Now let’s look at the Top 3 Pradosh Vrat Rituals and Puja.
● On the day of Pradosham, all the prayers and pujas are observed during the time just
before sunrise and sunset.
● As a preliminary puja, Lord Shiva is worshipped along with Goddess Parvati, Lord
Ganesh, Lord Kartik, and Nandi. After which there is a ritual where Lord Shiva is
worshipped and invoked in a sacred ‘Kalasha’(pot). This Kalasha is placed on darbha
grass with lotus drawn on it and is filled with water.
● In some places, Shivling is also worshiped. The Shivling is given a bath with sacred
substances like ghee, curd, and milk. Some people also use a picture of Lord Shiva for
worshipping. When the puja is performed, the devotees offer Bilva leaves on the
Shivaling. Did you know, it’s believed that offering Bilva leaves on the day of Pradosh
vrat is highly auspicious.
The benefits of the Pradosham vrat vary according to the day it falls on. The different
names and respective benefits of Pradosh vrat are given below:
● Som Pradosh Vrat: It falls on a Monday . The aim of this vrat gives the devotees a
positive thought and all their desires will come true.
● Bhaum Pradosh Vrat: When Pradosh falls on a Tuesday , devotees will get relief from
their health problems and also improve their physical health.
● Saumya Vaara Pradosh Vrat: Falls on a Wednesday , the devotees on this auspicious
day seek fulfillment of their wishes and are also blessed with knowledge and wisdom.
● Guruvaara Pradosh Vrat: It falls on a Thursday and the devotees are able to bring an
end to all their current hazards by engaging in this fast.
● Bhrigu Vaara Pradosh Vrat: It is the Pradosham where the vrat is taken on a Friday .
This pradosha vrat will bring all the devotee success by eliminating the negativities
from your life.
● Shani Pradosh Vrat: The Shani Pradosh falls on a Saturday is said to be very
important of all the Pradosha vrats. The individual who observes the vrat on this day
will be able to revive his lost wealth and also seek elevation.
● Bhaanu Vaara Pradosh Vrat: It falls on a Sunday and the devotees will attain
longevity and peace by observing the fast on this day.
By observing pradosha with full devotion and dedication, all the desires are fulfilled by Lord
Shiva and Mata Parvati. It is believed that during the pradosha time Lord Shiva and Mata
Parvati performed a holy dance on mount Kailash in a pleased mood. So offering pooja during
this time gives an opportunity to remove negative karma and fulfillment of all desires. Going
for darshan to the nearby Shiva temple during pradosham kal is enough to please Lord Shiva.
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
