Pradosha

Pradosha falls on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar.

Pradosham or  Pradosha means the dusk of the early night or evening tide. This fast is observed in the evening twilight, and so it is called Pradosha Vrat. Pradosha, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva devotees fast from sunrise to sunset and important rituals and pujas are held during the twilight period. 

It is practiced to propitiate Lord Shiva, in order to obtain his blessings and boons leading to fulfillment of one's cherished desired and spiritual upliftment. Those who practice it with unflinching faith and devotion are bound to possess wealth, health, happiness.

Pradosha vrat - Importance of Observing Pradosha

Pradosha, occurring between 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Trayodashi, the Pradoshaa time is propitious to pray Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Pradosha day will relieve from sins and gives Moksha.  Among the poojas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, the Pradosha puja is considered to be more auspicious. It is believed that during Pradosha period all the universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. The importance of observing Pradosha is described in Pradosha Mahatmyam from Shiva Purana and hence Shiva devotees observe Pradosha Pooja with high sanctity. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. 

History of Pradosha Vrat or Why Observing Pradosha

According to Hindu Puranas, the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras) were stirring the milky ocean to extract amirtam (nectar), with Vasuki (the serpent king) as a rope. As Vasuki underwent severe scratches due to the churning, she emitted a powerful poison which is capable of destroying the world. The helpless celestials pleaded Lord Shiva to save them. In order to save them, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. Goddess Parvati stopped the poison in Lord’s throat and it is believed that his throat turned to blue. As a result of this, Lord Shiva came to be known as Thiruneelakanttan or Neelakanttan (the one with Blue Throat).

It is said that on the Trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) day, the gods and demons realized that they had committed a sin of not praying the God and prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva Shankar forgave them and danced in between the horns of the Nandi’s (Celestial Bull) forehead. This time is called Pradosha. It is believed that if anybody prays Lord Shiva in that time, he fulfills their wishes and gives them mukti.

Pradosha Kaala is the time when the day and night meet. Pradosha Kaal is an auspicious time and is known for worshipping Lord Shiva. Pradosha tithi is considered to be very important. Worshipping Lord Shiva during this period gives fruitful results.

Fasts kept during this period are believed to fulfill all wishes. Fasts of Pradosha Kaala are kept on every month’s shukla paksha and krishna paksha’s thirteenth day.

Significance of Pradosha Kaala

Lord Shiva has also been considered to be the Lord of destructive forces. The night time is considered to be full with negative energies and destructive forces. This can be inauspicious. According to shastras, Lord Shiva is the Lord of ghosts and is known as bhootabhavana. Lord Shiva controls these ghosts. Worshipping Lord Shiva during Pradosha Kaala relieves a person from these negative forces and purifies the surroundings.

According to religious texts, Sun has been considered to be a form of Lord Shiva. Hence, in the day time, these negative forces are minimum due to Lord Shiva’s blessings. But during the night time, all these forces come into play and can create problems. Hence, Lord Shiva should be worshipped during Pradosha Kaala to free oneself from all sorts of problems.

According to a belief, Lord Shiva is the Lord of the night time and goes on a stroll during the Pradosha Kaala. It is also believed that Jyotirlinga is strongest during the Pradosha Kaala due to which it is considered auspicious.

Fast of Pradosha

Pradosha Kaala comes twice every month on the thirteenth day of shukla and krishna paksha. If this day falls on a Monday, it is known as Som Pradosha fast. If it is a Tuesday, this is known as Bhaum Pradosha fast and on a Saturday, it is known as Shani Pradosha fast. Fasting on this day provides a person with peace and contentment. A person should donate, worship etc.

Lord Shiva should be worshipped during this fast. Food should not be consumed and Lord Shiva should be worshipped in the evening. A person can also sacrifice water on this day if he wants. A person should take a bath in the morning and worship Lord Shiva. He should again take a bath in the evening before worshipping Lord Shiva. This fast relieves a person from all problems and sins.

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.

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 Parvati, Ganesha, Kartik 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 Shivalinga. Abhisheka will be done to the shivalinga and Bilwa leaves are offered. It is said that offering Bilwa leaves on Pradosha is highly auspicious.

After this people listen to the Pradosha 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 ‘Teertha’ along with sacred ash (vibhuti). The ash is applied on the forehead.