Pradosh Vrat is an important fast in Hinduism which is observed to worship Lord Shiva. This fast is observed on Trayodashi Tithi (13th day of Hindu calendar) and comes twice in a month, once on Shukla Paksha (after full moon) and once on Krishna Paksha (after new moon). Observing Pradosh Vrat brings blessings of Lord Shiva and all kinds of sufferings and sins are destroyed.
Observing Rohini Vrat brings spiritual advancement, happiness and prosperity. Observing this fast with faith and devotion brings blessings of Lord Vasupujya and all sufferings are eliminated.
The story of Pradosh Vrat shows the glory of Lord Shiva and the importance of this fast. By following this story, the Vratdhari gets blessings of Lord Shiva and gets rid of all kinds of sufferings and sins.
Story of Pradosh Vrat
In ancient times, a Brahmin and his wife lived in a town. They both were great devotees of Lord Shiva and used to observe Pradosh Vrat regularly. But they had no children, which made them very sad. They prayed to Lord Shiva many times and finally one day they got the darshan of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva said to the Brahmin couple, "You both have observed Pradosh Vrat with great reverence and devotion. I am pleased with your devotion and bless you with a son."
With the blessings of Lord Shiva, they got a handsome and intelligent son. Their life became happy and they also taught their son the devotion of Lord Shiva and the importance of Pradosh Vrat.
Another Story
Once Chandrashekhar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, lived in his village. He used to observe Pradosh Vrat on every Trayodashi. One day a poor man came to him and prayed to him to relieve him of his sufferings. Chandrashekhar advised him to observe Pradosh Vrat.
The poor man observed Pradosh Vrat by worshiping Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared pleased with his devotion and removed all his sufferings. He received the blessings of Lord Shiva and happiness and prosperity came into his life.
Importance of Pradosh Vrat
Lord Shiva's Grace:By observing Pradosh Vrat, one receives the special grace of Lord Shiva. According to Shiv Puran, by observing this fast, a person gets freedom from all sins and attains salvation.
Happiness and Prosperity: By observing this fast, happiness, peace and prosperity comes into the house. This fast helps in fulfilling all the desires of a person.
Health Benefits:Observing Pradosh Vrat helps in getting rid of health related problems and gives a healthy body to the person.
Method of Pradosh Vrat
Bath and Purification:On the day of the fast, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
Preparation for Puja:Decorate a Puja plate in front of Vasivling or the idol of Lord Shiva, in which keep incense, lamp, sandalwood, flowers, fruits, and naivedya.
Vrat Sankalp:Meditate on Lord Shiva and take a vow to fast.
Puja and Aarti: In the evening, worship Lord Shiva and do Aarti before sunset. Recite Shiva Chalisa, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, and Shiva Purana.
Vrat Observance: Keep fast throughout the day. Some people consume fruits or water, while some also keep Nirjal Vrat.
Reciting religious texts: Recite religious texts throughout the day and remember the exploits of Lord Shiva.
Ending the fast: Next day, take a bath in the morning and break the fast after worshipping Lord Shiva.
Rohini Vrat, which is observed by the followers of Jainism to worship Lord Vasupujya and obtain his blessings,
Observing Pradosh Vrat with faith and devotion brings blessings of Lord Shiva and destroys all kinds of troubles.
