Pradosham – Observe this Fast and Reap the Ultimate Blessings of Shiva!

Pradosha or Pradosham Vrat is observed two times in a month on the thirteenth day of every fortnight. According to the Hindu calendar, the period is called Trayodashi, which is the thirteenth day of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon. On this day, Lord Shiva and Parvati are worshipped as the legend about this Vrat is connected to them.

The Pradosham Vrat is observed for the whole day, and in the evening, 1.5 hours before and after the Sunset, devotees worship Lord Shiva during these three hours.

How to Observe Pradosham?

Devotees can either observe a 24-hour fast in which he doesn’t sleep in the night or till Sunset. Another way is to light a Diya in front of Lord Shiva, chanting the Mrityunjaya mantra 108 times, and worshipping the Shivling.

• Devotees should wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear green color clothes.

• You can also wear Rudraksha during the Vrat. Do the Abhishek of Lord Shiva with milk and water, apply sandalwood tilak (Tripund), offer Bilva leaves and food, light a Diya, or do the Puja with incense sticks.

• Chant his mantra as it brings more benefits to the devotee and liberates him from all ailments.

• During the day time, devotees can consume fruits and milk, or if there is no health issue, you may observe it without eating anything.

• The Vrat can be concluded in the evening by worshipping Shiva again and saying Shiva Arti. Bow down in front of the Shivling to get his blessings like health, wealth, and peace in your life. Thank the Lord for your life, and say your wishes.

• At last, you should distribute the food or prasad among poor children. After concluding the Vrat, you can have your dinner. You can also break your fast the next morning and consume a fresh meal or breakfast.

Pradosh Vrat Dates and Timing

Ashwina, Shukla TrayodashiPradosham, October 28, 2020, Wednesday

Begins – October 28, 2020, at 12:54 pm (IST)

Ends – October 29, 2020, at 3:15 pm (IST)

Pooja timing

October 28, 2020, Wednesday between 5:43 pm (IST) – 8:11 pm (IST)

Duration – 2 Hours 28 Minutes

Don’ts During Pradosh Vrat

• One should not eat any Tamsic food such as onion, garlic, or consume alcohol.

• One should refrain from any sexual activities.

• Do not think bad for anyone or speak any harsh words. Keep your thoughts clean, and your words soothing!

How are Different Planets Making this Day Even Fruitful?

On the day of Pradosham, it is Wednesday, which is the day of Mercury. So along with chanting the Shiva’s Mantra, Mercury Mantra doubles the positive effects in your life.

Worshipping the Mercury on this day comes more fruitful because of the position of Mercury in its friendly sign Libra and the Chitra nakshatra.

Mercury is also with the Sun in Swati Nakshatra that provides us recognition and increases our glory. However, since Mercury is retrograde and Sun is in Rahu star, this arrangement will also bring some adverse effects.

As Mercury is related to communication, you may feel unease at communication or make some rude statements. That is why keeping the PradoshVrat and worshipping Lord Shiva will help you remove these negative effects while only yielding the positive ones.

Another reason to worship Shiva on this day is the placement of the Moon in Uttarabhadra Nakshatra (Saturn Star) that brings stability into our lives.

Other than that, Lord Saturn is strongly placed in his own sign Capricorn, and Moon will also be sharing the sign with Mars. Thus, it is the best time to worship Lord Shiva and seek his forgiveness for all the sins committed.

Chant mantras like “Om NamahShivaya” or the MahaMrityunjaya mantra for Shiva’s blessings.

Chant “Om Sri Buddhaya Namah,” and Lord Mercury will give you the recognition and power of communication.

Observe fast on this Pradosham and let Lord Shiva take away all your sorrows, ailments and bestow you with positivity, health, and long life.

For more details on Pradosham and many other Vrats, visit Astropedia, and get enlightened!