Pradosha

Pradosh, also referred as Pradosham or Pradosha, is an auspicious day dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The Vrata falls on the 13th day (depending upon duration of Tithi) of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Shiva devotees fast from sunrise to sunset and important rituals and pujas are held during the twilight period. Usually there are only two Pradosha in a month.

How to do or observe Pradosha Vrata?

Pradosha Vrata is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight and there are two Pradoshas in a Hindu month. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped in the evening during twilight on this day. In some regions, the day is dedicated to Nataraja form of Shiva. The fasting on this day is observed for success, peace and fulfillment of desires. It is said that mere darshan of any of the one form of Shiva removes ignorance.

Pradosha is observed when the Trayodashi Tithi is there during the twilight period. This is important.

The importance of Pradosha Vrata and how to observe it is narrated in the Skanda Purana.

There are two methods of fasting on the day. Some people observe a 24-hour fast which includes not sleeping during night. Another method is fasting from sunrise till sunset and after Shiva puja in the evening the fast is broken.

Pradosha is the twilight period just before sunset and after sunset. Pujas and prayers are performed during this period. Many people during this period spend the time in a Shiva temple or listening to the glory of Shiva.

In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha, Kartika and Nandi. After the initial prayers, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Kalasha (sacred pot). The Kalasha filled with water is covered with darbha grass and a lotus is drawn on the pot.

Another form of worship is the puja of Shivling. The shivling is bathed with water and Bilva leaves are offered. Some people use a painting or picture of Shiva for worship. It is said that offering Bilva leaves on Pradosha is highly auspicious.

After this people listen to the Pradoshaa Vrata Katha or story or read chapters from Shiva Purana. Then the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is recited 108 times.

After this the water used in the puja ceremony is given as Prasada along with sacred ash. The ash or vibhuti is applied on the forehead.

It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosha period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding. Majority of Shiva devotees have a darshan of Shiva during Pradosha in a nearby temple.

Importance of Pradosha Dedicated to Shiva - Significance of Pradosha Vrata

The Pradosha period can be loosely indicated as 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset. 

The Shiva Purana states that one undertakes fasting on Pradhosha will be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. The fasting and worship is specially undertaken by women who long to have children. It is said that those praying to Shiva during the auspicious time of Pradhosha will be freed from sins.

Legends and Myths:

There are numerous legends associated with the Pradhosha Vratam. It is believed that Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahala that was churned up from the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthana) during Pradosha.

Another myth indicates that Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple, are in a propitious mood during the evening twilight on the Trayodashi day and hence are easily pleased and grants whatever that a sincere devotee asks.

Offering Bael or Bilva leaves during the period to Lord Shiva is considered auspicious.

There are Shiva devotees that observe fast on both Pradosha days in a month. Some only fast during the waning phase of moon. Staunch devotees opt for water only fasting and will only eat the ‘prasada’ offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked from next day morning. Another method of fasting is by eating fruits and such devotees eat cooked food on the day after the evening prayers.

Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples. 

Since Monday is dedicated to Shiva, the Pradosha falling on Monday is referred as Soma- Pradosha and is considered highly auspicious. Pradosha falling on Saturday during the waning phase of moon is also auspicious which is referred as Shani Pradosha.