Occurring between 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Trayodashi, the Pradosha time is propitious to pray Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Pradosh day will relieve from sins and gives Moksha.

Occurring between 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Trayodashi, the Pradosha time is propitious to pray Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Pradosh day will relieve from sins and gives Moksha. Among the poojas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, the Pradosha puja is considered to be more auspicious. It is believed that during Pradosha period all the universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. The importance of observing Pradosha is described in Pradosha Mahatmyam from Shiva Purana and hence Shiva devotees observe Pradosha Pooja with high sanctity. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. Lord Shiva and Parvati are worshipped in the evening during twilight on this day. In some regions, the day is dedicated to Nataraja form of Shiva. The fasting on this day is observed for success, peace and fulfillment of desires. It is said that mere darshan of any of the one form of Shiva removes ignorance.

The very first step that people need to take during Pradosh Vrat is rise up early in the morning, before sunrise and have a bath. Then worship Lord Shiva & Parvati. After this some Mantras are recited. Most important of them all is Maha Mrityunjaya. This verse is recited one hundred and eight times. During this worship a pot of water is placed in front and is worshipped as a representation of Shiva. The water from this pot is distributed to all the devotees. Puja and prayers are performed during this period. Many people during this period spend the time in a Shiva temple or listening to the glory of Shiva. In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartik and Nandi. The worship is the puja of Shivling. The shivling is bathed with holy water and Bilva leaves are offered. Some people use a painting or picture of Shiva for worship. It is said that offering Bilva leaves on Pradosham is highly auspicious. People listen to the Pradosha Vrata Katha or read Shiva Purana. It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosham period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding.

Pradosh Vrat that falls on a Monday, is called Som Pradosh or Pradosham and the one that falls on a Tuesday is called Bhauma Pradosh. When it falls on a Saturday, it is called Shani Pradosham. There are two methods of performing this fast. Some people fast for the entire day. In this case, fasting is not just not eating anything; it includes sleep. People observing this fast do not sleep even at night. On the other hand, there are people who fast for the entire day and break it in the evening after conducting Shiva Puja. It is considered auspicious for couples to observe this fast together. Staunch devotees opt for water only fasting and will only eat the prasad offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked from next day morning. Another method of fasting is by eating fruits and such devotees eat cooked food on the day after the evening prayers. The strictness of the Pradosha fasting is usually decided by the devotee. Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples.

And Last but not least, If you light one lamp in Shiva temple or at home in front of his idol on Pradosham, Lord Shiva will be immensely pleased and grant you all your wishes. The main purpose of Pradosh Vrat is to simply ask Lord Shiva for forgiveness, prosperity and joy. These are enough for you to achieve Moksha (salvation).
Jai ShivaShakti ~ Jai Shiva Shankar!!