Pradosh Fast is observed on Trayodashi of every Moon month(Chandra Masa). This fast is kept in both Krishna and Shukla Paksha. The time of 2 hours 24 minutes, after sunset is known as Pradosh time. It keep changes according to the different territories. Normally, a period between sunset and starting of night is considered as Pradosh Kaal.
It is believed, that in Pradosh Kaal, Lord Bholenath, perform dance on Mount Kailash in a pleased mood. Devotees of Lord Shiva should observe the Pradosh Vrat of Trayodashi Tithi in a systematic way.
This fast joins a person with religious practices and salvation, and, free from the shackles of mean working. In this fast Lord Shiva is worshiped. People doing this Puja, get relived from their poverty, death, sadness and loans.
Significance of Pradosh Fast
As per the scriptures, observing this fast is like doing charity with two cow. There is a mythological story related to Pradosh Vrat, “One day when iniquity will spread everywhere, there will be monopoly of injustice and malpractice. People will do more of bad works.
That time person who keep the fast on Trayodashi and worship Lord Shiva have grace of God on him. Person observing this fast get the path of salvation and gets free from rounds of taking rebirths. He gets the excellent world”.
Auspicious Fruits of Pradosham Fasting
Different benefits are obtained by Pradosh Vrat as per the different days. Like,
As, Trayodashi is falling on Monday, this fast provides with good health. Observing Pradosh Vrat of Trayodashi helps to fulfil our wishes. The pradosh fast of Trayodashi, falling on Tuesday of a month, cure diseases and provide with benefits of health. And, Pradosh Vrat, of Wednesday, has chances of fulfilling the wishes of person observing the fast.
Guru Pradosh Vrat is observed for the destruction of enemies. Pradosh Vrat of Saturday is observed for the pleasure and happiness of married life. Also, people expecting to conceive a child, should observe this Pradosh fast of Saturday. When Praodsh Vrat is kept, keeping in mind the motive of fast then, the benefits gained from fasting are more fruitful.
Pradosh Vrat Procedure
Individual observing Pradosh fast of Trayodashi, should wake up early in the morning before sunrise. Complete the routine work and worship Lord Bholenath. No food is taken in this fast. After the full day fasting, one hour before sunset, bath is taken and white clothes are worn.
Using a solitary site for worshiping in the direction of Ishan kon is considered auspicious. Place used for worshiping should be cleaned with Ganga jal or any pure water. Then, a open hall(Mandap) is made using cow dung. Now, in this Mandap, a figure of lotus is created using five colors.
People observing Pradosh Vrat should use Kusha meditation mat. Preparing to the Puja, sit in a position facing north-east and pray to Lord Shiva. When worshiping, Lord Shiva should be offered water while chanting the mantra "ऊँ नम: शिवाय".
Udyapan(Ending) of Pradosh Vrat
After keeping the fast for 11 or 26 Trayodashi, the Vrat is concluded. It is also known by the name of Udyapan.
Procedure of Udyapan of Pradosh Vrat
For the conclusion of this fast, Trayodashi Tithi is selected. One day before Udyapan, Lord Ganesha is worshiped. One night before, Kritan and Jagran are performed. Early in the morning, the Mandap is made and decorated with clothes and lotus flowers. A rosary of (108 times) "ऊँ उमा सहित शिवाय नम:" is chanted and hawan is performed. Kheer is used in Aahuti(offering) in Hawan.
After the Hawan is over, Aarti of God Bholenath is performed and Peace mantra(Shanti Path) is recited. At the end, two Brahmans are offered food. Also, alms are given as per ones capacity and blessing are taken.
