Pradosh Vrat Katha and Puja Vidhi – Happiest Day of Lord Shiva

Pradosh Vrat is also known as Pradosham and marks as a major sacred observation by the followers of Sanatana Dharm. The Pradosh fasting and rituals are observed on the 13th day of a lunar fortnight which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Why Observe Pradosh Vrat?

It is believed that Lord Shiva is extremely happy during this period and blesses all his devotees and fulfills their wishes during the Pradosh period on Trayodashi day. Shiva devotees perform Pradosh for attaining moksha and fulfilling their dreams.

When To Observe Pradosh Vrat?

Pradosh Vrat worship is done in the evening on the Trayodashi tithi of both lunar fortnights – Shukla and Krisha Paksha. These are the 13th tithi or the lunar days from the new moon or full moon; Amavasya and Poornima.

Pradosh Vrat is basically of five types.

1. Nitya Pradosh – This vrat is observed every evening between the period of sunset, till all the stars are visible in the sky.
2. Paksha Pradosh – This vrat is observed on every fourth day after Amavasya.
3. Maasa Pradosh – This vrat is observed twice a month.Sandhya Krishna Paksha Trayodashi (13th Lunar day after Full Moon) every month.
4. Maha Pradosh – Sandhya time of Krishna Paksha Trayodashi which falls on a Saturday.
5. Pralaya Pradosh – The time when the entire universe gets annihilated of merged with Lord Shiva. Pradosh Vrat is observed on every 13th Lunar day after full and new Moon, by the wife and husband jointly with the hope of being free from, miseries or for gaining material prosperity.

Pradosh Vrat that falls on a Monday, is called Som Pradosh or Pradosham. The one that falls on a Tuesday is called Bhauma Pradosh/ Pradosham and when it falls on a Saturday, it is called Shani Pradosham.

Origin Of Pradosh Fasting (Pradosh Vrat Katha)

The Puranas have mentioned this very interesting Katha of Pradosh Vrat which is associated with the Samandar or Samudra Manthan advised by Lord Vishnu. The very famous Amrit – which had the capacity to make anybody live forever was extracted from the sea by churning it. The Devtas and Asuras were involved in the churning which produced the Amrit along with a very powerful poison which had the capacity to destroy the entire universe. Read more...