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Pradosham is very auspicious day for Hindus. People worship Lord Shiva and Nandi (Shiva's scared bull) during the period of pradosham. Pradosham comes on thirteenth day of lunar cycle which falls twice in Hindu calendar. The pradosham that comes after amavasai (new moon day) is called Sukhla Paksha Pradosham, since it falls on bright phase of the month in Hindu calendar. The pradosham that comes after pournami (full moon day) is called Krishna Paksha Pradosham since it falls on dark phase of the month in Hindu calendar.
Pradosham is a combination of two words pra and dosham in which “Pra” stands for removes, and “Dosham” stands for sins. Thus it is the time for the removal of sins. People who undergo fasting, worship God on this time will be relieved from all doshas, hence the name 'pradosham'. The idol time of 3 hour period, 1.5 hours before and after the sunset is one of the optimum time for worship of Lord Shiva.
It is said that one who observes this pradosham fast with devotion and faith is bound to possess contentment, wealth and good health. At the time of Pradosh fast, chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya Mantra' for 108 times will yield lot of welfare and benefits. Pradosh Vrat is very auspicious and it will be beneficial for life.
Pradosham falling on Saturday is called 'Sani Pradosham'. Sani pradosham is considered to be very important among other pradoshams. According to astrology, Saturn is often associated with challenges and hardships. This particular Pradosham is considered more significant for those seeking relief from the malefic influence of the planet Saturn (Shani) present in their astrological charts. Therefore, Sani Pradosham is believed to be a good time to seek the blessings and protection from Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the deity responsible for mitigating the adverse effects of Saturn and alleviating suffering. 'Krishna Paksha' Pradosham that falls on Saturday is very auspicious pradosham and it is called as 'Maha Pradosham'. To overcome the bad influence of Shani, devotees observe a vrat on Shani Pradosh and offering prayers to Lord Shiva during the day. One can perform "Thiru Neela Kantam" Mantra Writing 1008 times to Lord Shiva, on this pradosham day reduce their sins.
Pradosham falling on Monday is called ' Somavara Pradosham'. Somavara pradosham is considered to be very important among other pradoshams. It is the day ruled by his consort, Mother Parvati who rules over the Moon. The Moon rules emotions and emotions influence thought. Karma is created by thought. Observing a fast and offering prayers to the lord asking for a good and loyal spouse. Also the vrat assists in attaining prosperity and a peaceful in family life. Praying to Shiva, Shakti and Nandi on Somavara Pradosham with sincerity in the heart will help to destroy the negative karma and also it helps to control the mind and in turn remove our anxiety.
Pradoshams that comes in the months of chitirai (mid-April to mid-May), vaigasi (mid-May to mid-June), aippasi (mid-October to mid-November), and karthigai (mid-November to mid-December) are considered to be very significant. During the period of pradosham, abisekha will be done to Lord Shiva and Nandi. Devotees who undergo fasting, worship god and do all rituals will be relieved from doshas and he will be blessed with happy life.
The benefits of the Pradosha vrat are explicitly mentioned in the Skanda Purana. It is said that one who observes this pradosham fast with devotion and faith is bound to possess contentment, wealth and good health. This vrat is also observed for spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of one’s desires. The Pradosha vrat has been greatly lauded by the Hindu scriptures and is held very sacred for the followers of Lord Shiva. It is a known fact that even a single glance of the deity on this propitious day will end all your sins and bestow you with bountiful blessings and good fortune.
Once, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) decided to churn the ocean of milk (Ksheer Sagar) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the churning rope. As they began churning, various divine gifts and blessings emerged from the ocean, including precious gems, Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow), and the celestial nymph Rambha. However, as the churning continued, something extremely dangerous and poisonous arose from the depths of the ocean. This poison was called Halahala, and its deadly fumes threatened to engulf the entire world. Fearing the destruction of the universe, the gods and demons sought the help of Lord Shiva to save them from this calamity. In response to their pleas, Lord Shiva appeared and consumed the poison to save all of creation. He held the poison in his throat (hence the name "Neelakantha" or "the blue-throated one") and prevented it from spreading further. His divine act of consuming the poison not only saved the world but also demonstrated his boundless compassion and his role as the protector of the universe.
This event is said to have occurred on the 13th day of the lunar fortnight, which is known as Pradosham. It is believed that during Pradosham, Lord Shiva's divine act of consuming the poison is remembered, and devotees seek his blessings to overcome the challenges and poisons (both physical and spiritual) in their own lives. Pradosham serves as a reminder for Lord Shiva's benevolence, his role as the savior, and the importance of seeking his grace and protection during times of adversity. It is also a time when devotees can purify themselves and seek spiritual growth through dedicated worship and devotion to Lord Shiva.
The primary focus of Pradosham is the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts, visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and perform special prayers and rituals during this time. Some of the common rituals and practices associated with Pradosham include:
Pradosham is considered as a time of purification and spiritual growth. It is believed that observing Pradosham with devotion and sincerity can help to remove sins, grant blessings, and fulfill the wishes of the devotees. Additionally, it is an occasion to seek Lord Shiva's forgiveness and grace. Many people also listen to or read the stories and legends associated with Lord Shiva during Pradosham. The specific dates for Pradosham may vary each month depending on the lunar calendar, so it is essential to check a Hindu calendar for accurate timing and details of Pradosham observances.
Visiting temples dedicated to Lord Shiva during Pradosham is a cherished tradition among devotees. Here are some of the important Shiva temples renowned for Pradosham observances:
Remember that Pradosham occurs twice a month, so one can visit any nearest Shiva temple during these auspicious times.