Pradosh Vrat or Pradosham

The word Padoshan is considered as an opportunity for the devotees to free himself from sins and remove negative karma.

"Pra" means remover and "Dosha" means malicious Karma. This Vrat varies from region to region because the duration of the Kaal varies from place to place.

When Pradosham day falls on Monday it is called Soma Pradosham, on Tuesday it is called Bhauma Pradosham and on Saturday it is called as Shani Pradosham.

Soma Pradosham : This pradosha can eliminate disease, rivals and can destroy the negative energies around. Therefore, it is considered auspicious.

Bhauma Pradosham : This provides financial assistance to the devotees.

Shani Pradosham : This is observed by the couples for the harmonious and compatible life.

STORY OF PRADOSHAN VRAT

Once, Devas and Asuras were churning the ocean to extract Amrit. King of snakes, Vasuki helped them to churn the ocean. Due to scratches on the body of Vasuki which was caused through churning, she emitted dangerous poison. Frightened by the appearance, devas and demons visited Lord Shiva for the help. To save the world from the poison, Lord Shiva swallowed it. He took the poison inside; Goddess Parvati choked his throat to stop the poison to get inflected in the body due to which his throat turned blue. After this, he got the name Neelkantha. As per philosophy, it is said that on 13th Hindu lunar day i.e. Trayodashi, Devas and Asuras understood that by not worshiping Lord Shiva they have committed a blunder. After realization, they requested Shiva to grant them forgiveness. Lord Shiva forgave them and then danced between Nandi's (celestial bull) horns. It is this time which is known as Pradosham. Worshiping Lord Shiva during this time, i.e. Pradosh Kaal results in the fulfilment of wishes, desires and wants

PRADOSH VRAT PUJA PROCEDURE

The fast commences after the bath before sunset. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Nandi are worshipped. Milk and water is offered to the Shivlinga. Kalash is filled with water and Durva grass is placed over the Kalash. Over the grass, a lotus is drawn. Flowers, betel nuts, betel leaf, coin and rice are offered to the deity. Lord Shiva's Mantra 'Maha Mrityunjaya ' is also chanted 108 times and sacred ash is applied on the forehead. It is believed that lighting a single Diya (lamp) on Pradosham appeases the deity and yields highly fruitful results.

Puja Ingredients

Milk, honey, lemon, sandal, rice, cooked rice, ghee, curd, coconut, sugar, sugarcane juice, panjamrutham

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