What is Pradosh Vrat and Why Should One Observe It?

Vrat, or fasting, is an integral part of the Hindu Ideology. As part of worship and pleasing the gods, fasting also contributes to ride the body, mind, and soul off the sins, thus purifying them. With a long list of Vrats happening across the year, there are various benefits that one can get from observing them. One such important Fast is the Pradosh Vrat, or simply, Pradosham. observed to celebrate and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pradosh is celebrated on the 13th day of both the phases of a Lunar Hindu Calendar Month.

What is Pradosh Vrat and Why Should One Observe It?

This means that there are two dates in every month of the Hindu calendar for observing the Pradosh Vrat, one in the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and one in Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon). But why is the Pradosh Vrat kept, and how it became such an important date in the Hindu calendar?

Why Keep a Pradosh Vrat?

As per Lord Shiva, and various Shiva and Skanda Puranas, the benefits of keeping this fast brings in happiness, peace, prosperity, and the blessings of a child. Another great benefit of keeping this fast is that it purifies your body of all sins, bringing you back on the righteous path.

Types of Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat is observed in two ways.

  • A devotee can keep a fast for a day, completing 24 hours. The fast is a strict one and needs a vigil throughout the night.
  • The fast can begin before the sunrise and end post the sunset. Before breaking the fast, one must pray to Lord Shiva.

Apart from this, the types of Pradosh Vrat also vary according to the day of the week. With ritual remaining the same on all days, the benefits that you get vary as per the day the Pradosh Vrat falls on.

  • Sunday: Bhanu Pradosh happens on Sunday and is undertaken for a happy, peaceful, and long life.
  • Monday: Som Pradosh falls on Monday and gives the devotee immense positivity and desired results.
  • Tuesday: Bhoum Pradosh is celebrated on Tuesdays and grants prosperity and relief from health problems.
  • Wednesday: Saumyavara Pradosh falls on Wednesday and is observed to gain enhanced knowledge and to prosper in education field.
  • Thursday: Guruvara Pradosh happens on a Thursday and brings blessings from ancestors, and eliminates dangers and enemies.
  • Friday: Bhruguvara Pradosh occurs on Fridays and is observed for wealth, property, good luck, and success in life.
  • Saturday: Shani Pradosh is observed on Saturdays for promotion in the job.

Legend of Pradosh Vrat

Legend has it that in the ancient times when the gods churned the sea, it emitted such an extreme poisonous potent, that even its fumes were capable of destroying the whole entirety of creation. To save the world from this massive destruction, Shiva collected the poison and drank it all himself. Parvati touched his neck and stopped the poison there, resulting in Shiva’s other name, Neelkanth (blue-necked). It was the day of the Pradosh, and ever since, it is said that Shiva is always in a benevolent mood on this very particular day.

What is Pradosh Vrat and Why Should One Observe It?

Ridding of the sins, fulfilling the desires, and getting back on the track of salvation; that is why devotees worship Lord Shiva on Pradosh Vrat. For more information on the legends and rituals concerning this day, you can visit the best Vastu expert in Delhi, Pandit Pawan Kaushik. A highly revered and renowned Astrologer and Vastu expert, he offers wide-ranging services covering wide-ranging subject.