Inner DarshanPradosh Vrat: Time to Worship Lord Shiva
Pradosh Vrat is observed on the Trayodashi date of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) and Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of every month. This fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to scriptures, Lord Shiva dances on Mount Kailash during Pradosh Kaal (the time after sunset and before nightfall). Therefore, worshipping Lord Shiva at this time removes all suffering and sins. Observing this fast in Kaliyuga is considered very auspicious and bestows Shiva's blessings.
Pradosh Vrat and its Benefits on Different Days
The results of Pradosh Vrat vary depending on the day.
- Sunday: It bestows long life and good health.
- Monday: Wishes are fulfilled. It is also called Som Pradosham.
- Tuesday: One gets relief from all diseases and health improves. It is called Bhaum Pradosham.
- Wednesday: Every kind of wish is fulfilled.
- Thursday: Enemies are destroyed.
- Friday: Good fortune increases in life and happiness and peace come in married life.
- Saturday: This fast is observed with the desire to have children. It is called Shani Pradosham.
Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi
Pradosh Vrat Puja is performed in the evening, during Pradosh Kaal.
- Wake up before sunrise: On Trayodashi, wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Preparation for Puja: Worship Lord Shiva with Belpatra (Bel leaves), rice grains, lamps, incense, Ganga water, etc.
- Waterless fast: During this fast, nothing is eaten throughout the day.
- Evening Puja: Take another bath shortly before sunset and wear white clothes. Purify the place of worship with clean water and make a mandap (circle of cow dung).
- Mantra Chant: Sit on a seat facing north-east. Chant the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' and offer water to Lord Shiva.
Udyapan of Pradosh Vrat
Devotees who have completed 11 or 26 Pradosh Vrats should perform the Udyapan ritual as per the prescribed rituals. Udyapan is performed only on Trayodashi Tithi. It involves performing a havan (fire sacrifice) and chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. After the havan, Brahmins are fed and given alms.
Pradosh Vrat Katha
The Skanda Purana tells a story about the Pradosh Vrat, which tells the story of a Brahmin woman and a prince. At the behest of sage Shandilya, the Brahmin woman and the prince observed this fast, which resulted in the prince regaining his lost kingdom. This story established the belief that whoever observes Pradosh fast with a true heart never has to face poverty and suffering in life.