Pradosh Vrat 2024 – Pradosh Dates, Benefits, Rituals and Story

There are many festivals in India wherein either a full or a partial fast is generally practiced. One of them is the Pradosh Vrat (fast), which was first observed by Lord Shiva and is considered to be very fruitful. The fast can be observed by anyone who wants to fulfill his/her desires. Pradosh Vrat, which is also known as Pradosham in South India, is commemorated to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Pradosh Vrat is observed on both Trayodashi Tithis, i.e. Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, in lunar months.

When is Pradosh Vrat Observed?

Pradosh fast is observed on every Triyodashi – the 13th day of each lunar fortnight, i.e. during the Shukla Paksha as well as the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar month as per the Panchang. The upcoming Pradosh Vrat will fall on 13th November 2024.

For The Next Year Pradosh Vrat Date 2024: 4th January (Tuesday)

Pradosh Vrat Story

Numerous significant stories are attached to this divine fast. The story that is widely spread is of Lord Shiva. In ancient times, there was a war raging between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons). Devtas were losing and many of them had already lost their lives. Hence, they ran to Brahma-Vishu-Mahesh asking for help. Devtas were advised to swirl the ocean to gain the amrut (holy nectar) that will make them immortal. However, they weren’t sufficient in numbers to churn the ocean. Hence, they asked the help of Asuras to whirl the ocean and in return promised to give them their share of nectar.

When they started to churn the ocean, the first thing to come out was Halahala (poison). The poison was deadly enough to kill every being on the earth including the devas and asuras. Hence, Lord Shiva came to their rescue and swallowed the poison. Goddess Parvati then, with all her might, held the throat of the Lord to prevent it from going in his stomach, keeping it in his throat. Blessed by the mightiness of the supreme deity, the devas and asuras started singing praises for him to show their regards and gratitude. Pleased by them, Lord Shiva danced on the head of his supreme bull Nandikeshwara between its two horns. Hence, from that day, Pradosh Vrat is observed to worship and please Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

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Methods To Observe Pradosh Vrat

There are two ways to observe a fast as per the criteria of Skanda Puran.

1. The first method is when an individual fasts for 24 hours, including the day and the night without consuming water or food. He also has to stay awake at night to worship Lord Shiva.
2. The second method is not so strict and the individual has to observe a fast only from sunrise to sunset. He can break the fast by worshipping Lord Shiva and reading the Pradosh Vrat Katha after sunset.

Pradosh Vrat Rituals and Mantra to Perform Puja

• The worshippers have to take a bath, one hour prior to the sunset and prepare themselves for the puja. This puja is performed to worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, God Kartik, and Lord Ganesha. After the puja, Lord Shiva is called on in a water-filled ‘Kalasha’ (holy pot), which is placed on darbha grass (Desmostachya bipinnata).
• People at some places also worship Shivling by bathing it with milk, ghee, and curd. They also offer Bilva (Aegle marmelos) leaves as it is considered auspicious.
• Moreover, the people also hear the Pradosh Vrat Katha or recite stories from the Shiva Purana. The ritual includes chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times after this. Once the puja is ended, the Kalash water and the sacred ash are applied on the forehead of all the worshipers.
• Some people also tend to donate utensils.
• Upon the completion of all the rituals, the most important task of the day is performed where all the devotees visit Lord Shiva temples and light a lamp.

You can also appease Lord Shiva by performing the Rudrabhishek Puja from the comfort of your home!

Pradosh Vrat Day – Importance and Benefits

• It is believed that if you observe Pradosh Vrat, then you may be blessed with all the worldly pleasures such as wealth, comfort, and health.
• It is also known to fulfill people’s innermost desires.
• It is said that the supreme deity with his blissful glance will detach you from all your sins. You may also be freed from rebirth.
• This divine fast may remove all the negativity and mental health issues from your life as well.

There are some benefits that may be received based on the day on which Triyodashi falls. For instance,

• When Pradosh occurs on Sunday it is known as ‘Bhanu Pradosh‘. It is associated with a happy, peaceful and long life.
• When Pradosh occurs on Monday it is known as ‘Som Pradosh‘. It is done to get desired results and for acquiring positivity.
• When Pradosh occurs on Tuesday it is known as ‘Bhoum Pradosh‘. It is done to curb health-related problems and gain prosperity.
• When Pradosh occurs on Wednesday it is known as ‘Saumyavara Pradosh‘. It is affiliated with knowledge and education.
• When Pradosh occurs on Thursday it is known as ‘Guruvara Pradosh. It is observed to gain blessings from ancestors, and eliminate enemies and dangers.
• When Pradosh occurs on Friday it is known as ‘Bhruguvara Pradosh‘. It is done to achieve wealth, property, good luck and success in life.
• When Pradosh occurs on Saturday it is known as ‘Shani Pradosh‘. This is done to get promotion in jobs.

Pradosh Vrat 2024 Dates and Puja Time

With Ganesha’s Grace,
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