Pradosh Vrat – A Powerful Fast Dedicated to Lord Shiva

People often ask about the timing of Pradosh Vrat. It falls on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) moon phases every month. Devotees worship Lord Shiva on this sacred day. Since this period marks the union of day and night, it holds special spiritual importance. Pradosh Vrat brings immense blessings, fulfills desires, and purifies one’s karma.

The Legend of Pradosh Vrat

According to the Skanda Purana, a widow and her son lived in a village, sustaining themselves by alms. One day, she found a young boy near the river. He was Dharmagupta, the prince of Vidarbha, whose father had been killed and kingdom usurped by enemies. The widow adopted him. Sage Shandilya later advised her to observe Pradosh Vrat. As a result, Dharmagupta married a Gandharva princess and reclaimed his lost kingdom.

Significance of Reading the Pradosh Vrat Katha

Just as Ekadashi brings merit through worship of Lord Vishnu, Trayodashi brings blessings through devotion to Lord Shiva. Observing Pradosh Vrat removes negative energies and grants children to the childless. Reading the story on the correct day of the week brings enhanced results, as each day links to specific wishes and divine blessings.

How to Perform the Pradosh Vrat

On Shani Pradosh (Saturday Pradosh), devotees wake up early, complete daily rituals, and bathe. They worship Lord Shiva while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the day. In the evening (between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM), they bathe again, wear clean white clothes, purify the prayer area, and conduct Shiva Puja either at home or in a temple.

What to Eat During Pradosh Vrat

Devotees fast without food during the day. They may drink milk after morning rituals. After evening prayers, they can eat fruits but must avoid salt.

Rules for Breaking the Fast

Devotees break the fast on the same Trayodashi evening. Traditionally, they complete 11 or 26 Pradosh fasts before the final Udyapan (concluding ritual). They perform Ganesh Puja the previous day and chant “Om Uma Shivaya Namah” 108 times during the Havan. They observe a complete fast on this day as well.

Importance of Pradosh

Although every Pradosh Vrat holds importance, Shani Pradosh brings special spiritual merit. As Lord Shani is a devoted follower of Shiva, this Vrat grants childless couples children and frees devotees from sins. People donate iron, sesame, black urad dal, sweet potatoes, radish, blankets, shoes, and coal to reduce Shani’s malefic effects.

Items Needed for Vrat

– Incense, ghee lamps, white flowers, white sweets, white sandalwood, white clothes, sacred thread, water-filled kalash, camphor, bael leaves, rice, gulal, madar flowers, dhatura, cannabis, Havan ingredients, mango wood.

Benefits of Pradosh Vrat by Day

Sunday (Ravi Pradosh): Grants good health and longevity.
Monday (Som Pradosh): Fulfills desires and promotes positive thoughts.
Tuesday (Bhaum Pradosh): Enhances health and prosperity.
Wednesday (Budh Pradosh): Fulfills wishes and grants peace.
Thursday (Guru Pradosh): Brings victory over enemies and ancestral blessings.
Friday (Shukra Pradosh): Eliminates negativity and blesses married life.
Saturday (Shani Pradosh): Assures success and the blessing of children.