Pradosham

WHAT IS PRADOSHAM?


Pradosham literally means the removal of sins. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. Pradosha, also spelled Pradosh or Pradosham, falls on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. Occurring between 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Trayodashi, the Pradosha time is propitious to pray Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Pradosh day will relieve from sins and gives Moksha. Among the poojas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, the Pradosha puja is considered to be more auspicious. It is believed that during Pradosha period all the universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. The importance of observing Pradosha is described in Pradosha Mahatmiyam from Shiva Purana and hence Shiva devotees observe Pradosha Pooja with high sanctity. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis.

Pradosha Vrat or Observing Pradosham


According to Hindu Puranas, the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras) were stirring the milky ocean to extract amrutam (nectar), with Vasuki (the serpent king) as a rope. As Vasuki underwent severe scratches due to the churning, she emitted a powerful poison which is capable of destroying the world. The helpless celestials pleaded Lord Shiva to save them. In order to save them, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. Goddess Parvati stopped the poison in Lord’s throat and it is believed that his throat turned to blue. As a result of this, Lord Shiva came to be known as Thiruneelakandan or Neelakandan (the one with Blue Throat). It is said that on the Trayodhasi (thirteenth moon day) day, the gods and demons realized that they had committed a sin of not praying the God and prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva Shankar forgave them and danced in between the horns of the Nandhi’s (Celestial Bull) forehead. This time is called Pradhosham. It is believed that if anybody prays Lord Shiva in that time, he fulfills their wishes and gives them mukthi.

Shani Pradosham and Maha pradosham


Mahaa Pradosh Kalam comes yearly during the month of Maagh/Maashi before Mahaa Shiv Raatri. If the Mahaa Pradosha comes on Saturday, it is called Shani Mahaa Pradosha. Saturday is the day when Lord Shiva swallowed poison and this is called Shani (Sthira in Samskritam) Pradosha. It is categorized into three categories of importance depending upon the month on which Pradosha falls:

1) Uttama Sthira Pradosha - Maximum power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Medam, Yedavam, akh,Karkadikom, Vruschikam, during the Growing Lunar Cycle (Shukla Paksha), i.e from New to Full moon period.
2) Madhyama Sthira Pradosha - Normal power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Medam, Yedavam, akh,Karkadikom, Vruschikam, during Diminishing Lunar Cycle (Krishn Paksha), ie Full to New moon period.
3) Adhama Sthira Pradosha - Minimum power - All the other Sthira Pradosha. The Pradosh that falls on any Saturday is called MahaA Pradosha (Sthira Pradosh).

It is believed that each day of the week has different benefits during Pradosh time:
Sunday (Bhaanu Vaara Pradosha)
Peace to all (Mangalam to all)
Monday (Indu Vaara Pradosha)
Positive (perception) thinking
Tuesday (Bhauma Vaara Pradosha)
No Poverty (Prosperity to all)
Wednesday (Saumya Vaara Pradosha)
Blessings with progeny, Knowledge and education
Thursday (Guru Vaara Pradosha)
Divine blessings through the Pitru's, all dangers will be eliminated
Friday (Bhrgu Vaara Pradosha)
Nullifying (negativeness) opposition
Saturday (Sthira Vaara Pradosha)
Elevation (promotion) getting back the lost wealth.
Jayasala42

 

There is no special procedure for vrataham.If possible take mere fruits in the morning. Chant Om Nam Shivaya 108 times. Do your household or office duty with involvement. In the evening visit a shiva temple. If possible give half a liter of milk for abhishekam and a packet of vilva leaves( if available at your place). After Shiva Darsan you can have dinner. More than starving prayer and concentration on duty are more important.Karma yoga is the best solution for many problems more than pooja, chanting of mantras etc. Work is worship. If starving does not suit your health. Don't starve.You can take food in reduced quantities.
Jayasala42