Pradosh Vrat

The word ‘pradosh’ in Hindi means ‘belonging or relating to the evening’ or ‘first part of the night’. This fast is observed during the ‘Sandhyakaal’ that is the evening twilight.

Pradosh Kaal is the most auspicious time to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Observing Pradosh Vrat alleviates sufferings and blesses one with health, wealth, and good fortune. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva liberated Chandra Dev from a King’s curse on this day.

Those who keep this day-long fast, pray for long life, peace and good fortune. As per the Hindu mythology, those observing the Pradosh Vrat get free from all their past and present sins.The renowned story of Lord Shiva drinking poison from a river to save the world is the reason behind celebrating observing Pradosh vrat.

There are two ways of fasting on this auspicious day. One could either observe a 24-hour fast without sleeping in the night or fasting from sunrise till sunset. The other way of observing Pradosh vrat could be worshipping the Shivling, chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra 108 times, lighting a single lamp in the period. The day begins by bathing and observing a fast before the sunrise. It is then followed by worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.