A well-known Hindu festival called Pradosh vrat or Pradosham is devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the Trayodashi tithi (13th day) of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, pradosh vrat is observed. Thus, it occurs twice each month according to the Hindu calendar.

In Hindi, the word “pradosh” means “the first part of the night” or “belonging to or relating to the evening.” This holy fast is known as the Pradosh vrat because it is kept during the ‘Sandhyakaal,’ or evening twilight.

On this day, devotees in some regions of India worship Lord Shiva in his Nataraj form. There are two different ways to fast on the Pradosh vrat, according to the Skanda Puran. The first technique has the followers following a strict fast for the entire day and night, or for a full 24 hours, as well as keeping vigil at night. In the second approach, the fast is observed from sunrise to sunset, and it is then broken in the evening after worshipping Lord Shiva.

Meaning of Pradosh Vrat

The Skanda Purana specifically mentions the advantages of the Pradosh vrat. One is considered to be guaranteed contentment, money, and good health if they observe this famous fast with devotion and faith. Pradosha vratham is also observed for one’s spiritual development and wish fulfilment. Pradosh vrat is highly revered by devotees of Lord Shiva and is praised highly in Hindu texts. On this auspicious day, it is a recognised fact that catching even the slightest glimpse of the deity will atone for all your sins and grant you a wealth of blessings and good fortune.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati experience immense joy, happiness, and generosity on the auspicious day of Pradosh. In order to receive divine benefits, Lord Shiva’s devotees observe a fast and worship their god on this particular day.

Significance of pradosh vrat in Sawan

Astrologers claim that by observing the Pradosh fast on Monday, all of your wishes will come true and all of the impediments to your goals will vanish. On Tuesday, Pradosh fasts are said to cure all illnesses. Additionally, Mars’ unfavourable influence is greatly diminished.

Children who observe Budh Pradosh Vrat have better health overall and are intellectually endowed. By fasting on Thursday, enemies are vanquished and worshippers receive blessings from their ancestors. Pradosh Vrat is observed on Friday to promote a happy marriage. Poverty is eliminated.

Couples who desire to start a family observe pradosh fasts on Saturday. Devotees also practise this fast to get rid of Shani dosha and mental issues. Fasting on Sundays promotes health and longevity. People in your society will respect you and see you as a vital member of the group.

Rituals & Puja for the Pradosh Vrat 

The time between sunrise and sunset on the day of Pradosham is regarded as auspicious. During this period, all prayers and pujas are performed.

During this preliminary puja, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartik, and Nandi are worshipped. Then follows a ritual in which Lord Shiva is invoked and worshipped while within a sacred container known as a “Kalasha.” This Kalasha is kept on darbha grass and has a lotus drawn on it. It is also filled with water.

Shivling worship is also practised in some locations. With holy ingredients like milk, curd, and ghee, the Shivling is bathed. The Shivling is decorated with Bilva leaves during the puja. Some individuals will also worship Lord Shiva by looking at a photograph or painting of him. Offering Bilva leaves is thought to provide benefits.

Following this ceremony, the worshippers read from the Shiva Purana or listen to the Pradosh vrat katha. 108 times the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is sung. The devotees drink water from the Kalasha and apply the holy ash to their foreheads.

Most of the worshippers go to the Lord Shiva temples for darshan after the puja. On the day of Pradosham, it is said that lighting even one diya is immensely gratifying.