Pradosh vrat, also known as Pradosham, is a traditional Hindu vrat honouring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the Trayodashi tithi (13th day) of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, Pradosh vrat is observed. As a result, it appears twice a month in the Hindu calendar. ‘Belonging to or relating to the evening’ or ‘initial portion of the night’ is how the Hindi term ‘pradosh’ is translated. The Pradosh vrat is named for the fact that it is witnessed during the ‘Sandhyakaal,’ or evening twilight. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Parvati, feels immensely glad, pleased, and generous on the auspicious day of Pradosh. As a result, Lord Shiva’s devotees fast and worship their deity on this special day in order to get divine blessings. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, can participate in the Pradosh vrat. This vrat is observed with utmost commitment and attention by people from all around the country. In honour of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, this Vrat is commemorated. On this day, disciples in some regions of India worship Lord Shiva in his Nataraj form. There are two techniques of fasting on the Pradosh vrat, according to the Skanda Puran. The first technique requires devotees to fast for the entire day and night, or 24 hours, and to keep watch at night. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset in the second manner, with the fast being broken after evening worship of Lord Shiva.
SIGNIFICANCE OF PRADOSH VART
The Skanda Purana specifically mentions the Pradosh vrat’s benefits. It is stated that those who observe this sacred fast with devotion and faith would be blessed with happiness, money, and good health. Pradosha vratham is also observed for spiritual advancement and the fulfilment of one’s goals. The Hindu scriptures praise ningt, and devotees of Lord Shiva regard it as sacred. It is a well-known fact that simply a single glance from the deity on this auspicious day can cleanse you of all your sins and shower abundant blessings and good fortune upon you.
PRADOSH VART RITUALS AND POOJA
The twilight hour – the time immediately before sunrise and sunset – is considered fortunate on the day of Pradosham. During this period, all prayers and pujas are performed.
Devotees bathe and prepare for the puja one hour before nightfall.
Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartik, and Nandi are all worshipped at the preliminary puja. After that, Lord Shiva is worshipped and invoked in a sacred pot known as the ‘Kalasha.’ This Kalasha is filled with water and maintained on darbha grass with a lotus drawn on it.
The worship of the Shivling is also practised in some regions. The Shivling is bathed in sacred liquids like as milk, curd, and ghee. Devotees perform puja and place Bilva leaves on the Shivling. Some people also worship Lord Shiva by looking at a portrait or painting of him. Offering Bilva leaves on the day of Pradosh vrat is seen to be extremely auspicious.
The worshippers then listen to the Pradosh vrat katha or read stories from the Shiva Purana after this procedure. 108 times the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is chanted.After the puja, the devotees drink water from the Kalasha and apply sacred ash to their foreheads
Most worshippers seek darshan of Lord Shiva temples after the puja. On the day of Pradosham, it is thought that lighting even a single bulb is immensely rewarding.
DATE AND TITHI OF PRADOSH VART
Date: 21 December 2022
Tithi: Dwadashi upto 18:3
Nakshatra: Ardra upto 09:24
Yoga: Priti upto 21:11
First Karana: Baalava upto 18:39
Second Karana: Kauvala upto 31:40
Day: Wednesday
