Pradosh Vrat Vidhi – Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi

Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight and there are two Pradosham in a Hindu month. Here is a brief idea about Pradosh Vrat Vidhi. Lord Shiva and Goddess 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.

Pradosh Vrat is observed when the Trayodashi Tithi is there during the twilight period. This is important.

The importance of Pradosh Vrat and Vrat and Puja Vidhi is explained in the Skanda Purana.

Pradosh Vrat Vidhi

There are two methods of Vrat or fasting on the day. Some people observe a 24-hour Vrat which includes not sleeping during night.

Another method is fasting from sunrise till sunset and after Shiva puja in the evening the Vrat is broken.

Fasting is complete without any food – if this is not possible then partial fast is kept by eating fruits and drinking plenty of water and fruit juices. Normal Vrat food like Sabudana Khicadi and Vada can be eaten. Pregnant women, children, those having health issues, those taking serious medications and older people should not keep complete fasting.

Pradosh period is the twilight period just before sunset and after sunset.

Pujas 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.

Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi

In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha, Kartik and Nandi. Dhoop, Aarti etc that are done during usual puja can be performed.

After the initial prayers, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Kalasha (sacred pot).

The Kalasha filled with water is covered with darbha grass and a lotus is drawn on the pot.

Another form of worship is the puja of Shivling.

The shivling is bathed with 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 Pradosh Vrat day is highly auspicious.

After this people listen to the Pradosh Vrat Katha or story or read chapters from Shiva Purana.

Then the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is recited 108 times. If not you can simply chant "Om Namah Shivaya"

After this the water used in the puja ceremony is given as ‘Prasad’ along with sacred ash. The ash is applied on the forehead.

It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosh period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding. Majority of Shiva devotees have a darshan of Shiva during Pradosh in a nearby temple.

प्रदोष व्रत का उद्यापन

ज्योतिष विद्वानों के मुताबिक ग्यारह या फिर 26 त्रयोदशियों तक रखने के बाद त्रयोदशी तिथि पर ही प्रदोष व्रत के दिन ही उद्यापन करना चाहिए।

उद्यापन के एक दिन महादेव के पुत्र श्री गणेश जी की पूजा अवश्य करें।

'ॐ उमा सहित शिवाय नम:' मंत्र का एक माला यानि 108 बार जाप करते हुए हवन करें, इसमें खीर का प्रयोग ज़रूर करें।

हवन समाप्त होने के बाद भोलेनाथ की आरती के उपरांत शान्ति पाठ करें।

अंत: में बच्चों को भोजन करवाकर अपनी सामर्थ्य अनुसार उन्हें दान दें।