Pradosh Vrat: Rituals, Puja Timing, Materials, Story, Mantras, Aarti, Rules, Benefits and More

Pradosh Vrat is one of the most revered rituals in Sanatan Dharma, performed to earn the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This vrat is observed on the 13th day of both the waxing and waning phases of the moon (Trityodashi Tithi), resulting in 24 or 25 Pradosh Vrats each year. The most significant aspect of this vrat is the Pradosh period, which is the time between sunset and the arrival of night. The worship of the Shivling, water offerings, Bilva leaf offerings and listening to the Pradosh Vrat story hold special significance. According to Vedic astrology, the Shiva worship during this time removes sins, diseases, grief and obstacles in life while bringing spiritual energy, family peace and harmony.

Pradosh Vrat Puja Timing

Pradosh Puja is performed during the Pradosh period, which begins 45 minutes before sunset and continues for 45 minutes after sunset. This time is considered extremely auspicious for invoking Shiva's blessings. According to the Panchang, the time between 7 PM and 9 PM on the 13th day of the month is particularly favorable for performing Pradosh Vrat.

Materials Required for Pradosh Vrat Puja

• Bilva leaves
• Ganga water
• Akshat (rice)
• White sandalwood
• White sweets
• Fruits and flowers
• Incense, lamp, camphor
• Rudraksha mala and Kalava (sacred thread)
• Kush grass mat
• Panchamrit (mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee and sugar)
• Honey
• Thread
• Mishri (crystal sugar)
• Yellow or red cloth
• Shivling or image of Lord Shiva

Pradosh Vrat Rituals

1. Wake up in Brahma Muhurta, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
2. Purify the puja space with Ganga water, make a rangoli and light a lamp.
3. Sit facing East or Northeast on a Kush grass mat.
4. Perform Abhishekam of the Shivling using water, milk, yogurt, honey and ghee.
5. Offer Bilva leaves, Akshat, flowers, incense and lamp to Lord Shiva.
6. Chant Shiva mantras such as "Om Namah Shivaya" and the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.
7. In the evening, bathe again and worship the Shivling.
8. Listen to the Pradosh Vrat story, sing the Aarti and offer bhog (food) to Lord Shiva.
9. Conclude the vrat with a Parana the next day, offering food and clothes to Brahmins.

Rules for Pradosh Vrat

1. Maintain a sattvic lifestyle, observe self-discipline and practice celibacy.
2. You may observe a fruit fast or a waterless fast (Nirjala Vrat).
3. Avoid tamasic food, meat, alcohol, garlic, onions and negative emotions such as lying, anger and quarrels.
4. Meditate on Lord Shiva, chant mantras and listen to Shiva stories throughout the day.
5. Take a vow (Sankalp) to complete the vrat and perform the rituals as per the prescribed method.

Pradosh Vrat Story

In a city long ago, there was a poor widow Brahmin living with her son. They earned their living by begging and performed the Pradosh Vrat with great faith for many years. One day, her son went to take a holy dip in the Ganga but on his way, robbers snatched his belongings and the soldiers, mistaking him for a thief, imprisoned him. The king threw him into prison without a trial. That night, the king had a dream in which Lord Shiva appeared and instructed him to release the innocent boy. The next morning, the king freed him and called him to the palace. When the king asked him what he desired, the boy only asked for a handful of rice so that his mother could make kheer (a sweet dish) for Lord Shiva. The king was moved by his devotion and honored the boy’s mother, making her his advisor. Thanks to the blessings of Pradosh Vrat, the Brahmin and his son lived a prosperous and happy life.

Pradosh Vrat Mantras

• Om Namah Shivaya
• Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
• Om Hreem Haum Joom Sah

Pradosh Vrat Aarti

• Jai Shiv Omgara
  

Brahma Vishnu Sada Shiv Ardhangi Dhara
Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raaje
Hansanan Garudaasan Vrishavahan Saaje
Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Ati Sohe
Trigun Roop Nirakhata Tribhuvan Jan Mohe
Akshamala Vanmala Mundamala Dhaari
Chandan Mrigamad Sohe Bhaale Shashidhari
Shwetambar Peetambar Baagambar Ange
Sanakadik Garunadik Bhutadik Sange
Kar Ke Madhya Kamandal Chakra Trishul Dhaari
Sukhaari Dukhhaari Jagpalan Kaari
Brahma Vishnu SadaShiva Jaanaat Aviveka
Pranavakshar Mein Shobhita Ye Teenon Eka
Trigun Swami Ji Ki Aarti Jo KoI Nar Gaave
Kath Shivaand Swami Sukh Sampati Paave

Benefits of Pradosh Vrat

Special blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Blessing of progeny, success in childbirth and family peace. Removal of physical, divine and material sufferings. Liberation from planetary afflictions, Pitr dosh and Shani's hardships. Fulfillment of desires and spiritual progress.

What to Avoid During Pradosh Vrat

Avoid consuming tamasic food, alcohol, meat and intoxicants. Refrain from lying, anger, quarrels and abusive speech. Do not violate the rules of the vrat.

Emotional and Spiritual Message

Pradosh Vrat is not just a ritual but a symbol of faith, trust and devotion. This vrat teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, through faith, discipline and devotion, happiness, peace, success and Lord Shiva’s blessings are bound to come into our lives. The Pradosh Vrat story, rituals and rules provide a message of spiritual strength, patience and positivity to every practitioner.