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

The Pradosh fast is a sacred observance performed to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed on every thirteenth lunar day of both fortnights resulting in about twenty four or twenty five Pradosh fasts in a year. The most important feature is the Pradosh period, the powerful time between sunset and early night when Shiva worship removes sins, suffering and obstacles. Different weekdays bring different outcomes such as Som Pradosh for children, Shani Pradosh for relief from hardships and Shukra Pradosh for marital harmony.

Auspicious timing for Pradosh worship

The Pradosh period begins about forty five minutes before sunset and continues until forty five minutes after. The evening period between seven and nine is especially beneficial for offering prayers to Shiva.

Materials required for Pradosh worship

Bel leaves sacred water rice white sandalwood honey curd milk ghee white sweets flowers fruits incense lamp camphor rudraksha mala thread kusha mat Panchamrit sugar cloth in red or yellow and a Shivling or image of Lord Shiva.

Method of observing the Pradosh fast

Rise early, bathe and wear clean clothes.
Purify the worship area with sacred water and light a lamp.
Sit facing east or north east and perform the abhishek of the Shivling with water milk curd honey and ghee.
Offer bel leaves flowers, rice incense and a lamp.
Chant Shiva mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya and the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.
In the evening bathe again and worship during the Pradosh period.
Listen to the Pradosh story, perform aarti and offer bhog.
Break the fast the next day by feeding Brahmins and offering clothes.

Rules for Pradosh observance

Maintain purity discipline and a sattvic diet.
Observe fruit diet or dry fast if health allows.
Avoid tamasic food meat alcohol anger lies harsh speech and conflict.
Engage in Shiva meditation and mantra chanting throughout the day.
Take a vow beforehand and complete the fast with proper ritual.

The story of the Pradosh fast

A poor widow lived with her son and observed the Pradosh fast with devotion. One day her son went to bathe in the Ganga where robbers attacked him and soldiers mistook him for an accomplice. He was imprisoned without trial. That night the king received a dream in which Shiva instructed him to release the innocent boy. The next morning the king freed him and invited him to ask for a boon. The boy asked only for a handful of rice so his mother could prepare kheer for Shiva. Deeply moved, the king honored the mother and appointed the boy as his advisor. Through the grace of the Pradosh fast their lives became filled with prosperity and peace.

Mantras for Pradosh

Om Namah Shivaya
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Om Hreem Houn Joom Sah

Aarti for Pradosh

Jai Shiv Omkara
Brahma Vishnu Sada Shiva Ardhangi Dhara
Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raje
Hansanan Garudasana Vrishavahana Saje
Do Bhuj Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Sohe
Trigun Roop Nirkhata Tribhuvan Jan Mohe
Akshmala Vanmala Mundmala Dhari
Chandan Mrigmad Sohe Bhale Shashidhari
Shvetambar Pitambar Baghambar Ange
Sanakadik Garunadik Bhootadik Sange
Kar Madhya Kamandal Chakra Trishool Dhari
Sukhkari Dukhahari Jagpalan Kari
Trigun Swami ki Aarti Jo Nar Gave
Sukh Sampatti Pave.

Benefits of the Pradosh fast

Blessings of Shiva and Parvati.
Fulfillment of desires, family harmony and prosperity.
Relief from physical, mental and karmic suffering.
Reduction of planetary afflictions including Saturn and ancestral imbalance.
Spiritual growth, inner strength and success in endeavors.

What not to do

Avoid tamasic food, alcohol, anger, falsehood, harsh words, conflict and laziness.
Avoid neglecting worship and breaking the rules of the fast.

Emotional message

The Pradosh fast is an expression of faith, discipline and surrender. It brings inner strength during difficult times and opens the path to divine grace, peace and spiritual upliftment. Its rituals and story inspire every seeker to walk the path of purity, devotion and stability.

FAQs

• Can everyone observe the Pradosh fast
Yes it is suitable for all.

• Is dry fasting mandatory
No fruit diet is acceptable if health requires.

• Does the fast relieve planetary afflictions
Yes, especially those related to the Moon Saturn and ancestral energies.

• Which mantras are most beneficial
Om Namah Shivaya and the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.

• Is Pradosh day ideal for starting new ventures
It is best for worship and meditation rather than new beginnings.