What Is Pradosh Vrat? Vidhi, Puja Time, and the Meaning of Som Pradosh and Shani Pradosh
Published:
What is Pradosh Vrat and how to keep it? The Trayodashi tithi, Shiva puja in the evening Pradosh period, the abhishek vidhi, Som and Shani Pradosh and the fasting rules.
Pradosh Vrat is kept on the Trayodashi tithi of each lunar paksha, that is twice a month. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. The main time for worship is the Pradosh Kaal, the twilight around sunset. It is believed that worshipping Shiva at this time is especially meaningful.
**Key Takeaways** - Tithi: Trayodashi of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha - Puja time: the Pradosh period around sunset, so check your city's sunset - A Pradosh falling on Monday is Som Pradosh and on Saturday Shani Pradosh - Shiva puja includes abhishek with water, milk and bel leaves and chanting Om Namah Shivaya
What Is Pradosh Kaal?
Pradosh Kaal is the twilight around sunset. Its exact timing depends on sunset, which changes by city and by day. You can check your city's sunset and the Trayodashi timing on the panchang page. Read about the Trayodashi tithi in the list of tithis. For example, Kartik Krishna Trayodashi is Dhanteras.
Pradosh Vrat Vidhi
- 1.Bathe in the morning and take the vrat sankalp. Eat fruit or sattvic food through the day.
- 2.In the evening, bathe again before Pradosh Kaal and wear clean clothes.
- 3.Perform abhishek of the Shivling or an image of Shiva-Parvati with water, milk and bel leaves. The right way to do the abhishek is in How to Offer Water on a Shivling.
- 4.Light a lamp and offer flowers and bhog.
- 5.Chant Om Namah Shivaya and, if you like, recite the Shiv Tandav Stotram.
- 6.Hear the Pradosh vrat katha and perform the Shiv aarti.
- 7.By tradition, break the fast after the puja or the next morning.
Som Pradosh and Shani Pradosh
The Pradosh is named after the weekday on which Trayodashi falls. Som Pradosh falls on Monday, Shiva's day, so it is regarded as special. Shani Pradosh falls on Saturday. Bhauma Pradosh falls on Tuesday. Read about weekdays and their deities in Which God Is Worshipped on Each Day.
Keep in Mind
- Choose your food according to your health. A waterless fast is not mandatory.
- Try to do the puja in the Pradosh period, though if that isn't possible it can be done at a calm time in the evening.
- The full benefit of the vrat is seen in devotion and restraint, not as a guarantee of any outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pradosh Vrat kept?
On the Trayodashi tithi of each lunar paksha, in both Shukla and Krishna Paksha, so twice a month.
What is Pradosh Kaal?
The twilight around sunset, when Shiva worship is considered especially meaningful. Its exact time depends on your city's sunset.
What is Som Pradosh?
When the Trayodashi Pradosh falls on Monday, Shiva's day, it is called Som Pradosh. On Saturday it is Shani Pradosh.
Whom is worshipped in Pradosh Vrat?
Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, with abhishek using water, milk and bel leaves and chanting of Om Namah Shivaya.