Pradosh Vrat is a Hindu fast that is observed on the Trayodashi tithi (13th day) of each lunar fortnight, which occurs twice a month, once during the waxing moon period (Shukla Paksha) and once during the waning moon (Krishna Paksha).

The word “Pradosh” refers to the period of twilight just after sunset and is considered to be an auspicious time to worship Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hindu dharma.

Both Sukhla Trayodashi and Krishna Trayodashi (bimonthly occasion) are observed with great devotion by many Hindus, especially those who follow the Shaivite sect of Sanatan Dharma. The fast is believed to have numerous spiritual and physical benefits and is considered to be a way to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and attain spiritual growth.

Pradosh Vrat for Lord Shiva

According to Skanda Purana, the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) once decided to churn the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, which they believed was hidden in its depths.

They approached Lord Vishnu for help, who advised them to use Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as the rope. The Devas and Asuras agreed to work together to achieve their common goal.

As they began to churn the ocean, the first thing to emerge was a deadly poison, which threatened to destroy the entire universe. Lord Shiva, the lord of destruction, came forward and drank the poison to save the universe from destruction.

This event is known as the “Samudra Manthan,” and Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison during the Pradosh period, making Pradosh Vrat a significant day for worshiping Lord Shiva and seeking his blessings.

In another story, All devas (Hindu gods) decided to appeal to Lord Shiva to defeat powerful demons. They marched to Mount Kailash, where they were received by sacred bull (Nandi). Nandi on behalf of Devas, requested Lord Shiva to defeat all demons, to which Lord Shiva agreed. The timing Shiv agreed was Trayodashi, thus beginning the trend of having a Pradosha Vrat by worshipping Lord Shiva and Nandi.

Pradosh Vrat Stories (Vrat Katha)

1. The Helpless Prince

In ancient India, there lived a Brahmin priest who was very poor and struggled to make ends meet for himself, his wife, and their son. Unfortunately, one day, the priest passed away, leaving his wife and son helpless and with no means of sustenance. The widow was forced to beg for food to feed her child and herself.

One day, while returning home after collecting alms, the woman saw a handsome man who was wounded and lying on the side of the road. Being kind-hearted, she took him to her humble abode and nursed his wounds.

She offered him whatever little food she had to eat, and he gratefully accepted. The prince was named Dharmagupta, and he started living with the woman and her son in their small house.

While living there, Dharmagupta observed the widow performing the Pradosh Vrat. He inquired about the significance of the vrata and learned about its importance. From that day onwards, he also started performing the Pradosh Vrat with devotion.

Dharmagupta was, in reality, the prince of Vidarbha who had lost his kingdom due to an enemy’s attack. His father had been imprisoned, and he had barely managed to escape. He was wandering aimlessly when the kind-hearted widow took him in.

After a few days, thanks to the widow’s care, Dharmagupta recovered and regained his strength. One day, while wandering in a jungle, he met a beautiful Gandharva princess named Anshumati, who fell in love with him. She informed her parents, and Lord Shiva appeared in their dream and instructed them to marry Anshumati to Dharmagupta.

As per Lord Shiva’s instruction, Anshumati and Dharmagupta got married. With the help of the Gandharva army, Dharmagupta defeated his enemies and rescued his father from prison. He then took the poor woman who had helped him to the palace and offered her a comfortable life. He also made her son the prime minister of his kingdom.

Therefore, it is believed that performing the Pradosh Vrat brings the grace of Lord Shiva and can change one’s fate. Dharmagupta’s life turned around for the better after he began performing the Pradosha Vrata, and everyone should strive to do the same.

2. Vritrasura

During a battle, the gods found themselves incapable of vanquishing Asura Vritrasura. As a result, they approached theirguru, Brihaspati, for guidance.

Brihaspati informed them that Vritrasura was a king named Chitraratha in his previous life. Once, he was flying over Mount Kailash in his airplane when he saw Goddess Parvati sitting on Lord Shiva’s lap. He scornfully laughed and mocked them, which enraged Parvati. She cursed him to be reborn as a demon, which led to his birth as Vritrasura. Brihaspati suggested Lord Indra perform the Guru Pradosh Vrat if he desired to defeat Vritrasura. Following this advice, Indra observed the Guru Pradosha Vrata and emerged triumphant over Vritrasura.

3. Chandra Deva was saved by Lord Shiva

Once, the Moon God (also known as Soma or Chandra Dev) married 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati, but he had a special love for Rohini and neglected his other wives. As a result, his other wives complained to Daksha about this.

Daksha advised Chandra to treat all his wives equally, but he did not pay heed to his advice. Enraged, Daksha cursed him with a wasting disease, which began to affect Chandra’s body instantly. However, this was catastrophic for the world, and the gods sought Lord Brahma’s help to find a solution.

Lord Brahma advised Chandra to worship Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam, and Chandra did penance for six months. Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of a Jyotirlinga and blessed Chandra, thereby reducing his curse (Chandra’s curse was not lifted completely as he had committed a significant sin previously).

Lord Shiva told Chandra that he would decline day by day in one fortnight and increase steadily in another to increase the glory of the region and the moon. Lord Shiva also stayed there in the form of Someshwara.

Chandra received Lord Shiva’s blessing on the day of Trayodashi during Pradosha Kaal, which is now considered the best time to worship Lord Shiva.

• On the day of Pradosh, wake up during the Brahma Muhurta and take a bath and other purification rituals.

• Then take a handful of rice in your hand and declare your vow by saying “Ahamadya Mahadevasya Kripapraptyai Som Pradosh Vratam Karishye”.

• Next, go to a nearby Shiva temple in the morning and perform the puja of Shiva Linga with offerings like bel leaves, akshat, diya, incense, gangajal, water, flowers, sweets, etc.

• After the puja, observe a fast for the entire day and perform acts of charity.

• On Pradosh Tithi, keep chanting “Om Namah Shivay” in your mind and also recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra using a Rudraksha mala.

• On Trayodashi Pradosh, three hours before sunset time during the Pradosh Kaal, perform the Shiv Puja.

• Perform the Abhishek of Shiva Linga with Panchamrit and offer all the items of puja.

• Recite the Shiva Chalisa and chant the Shiva Mantras after the puja.

• Finally, you can break your fast by consuming food and water after taking a bath before sunset.

1. Panchakshari Shiva Mantra

ॐ नमः शिवाय – Om Namah Shivaya

Meaning – I bow to Shiva

The literal meaning is “I bow to Shiva”. Shiva here is the supreme reality, or in other words, the inner Self. Thus, while you are chanting this mantra, you are calling for the inner self. Shiva Panchakshari mantra is mostly for those seeking protection and safety. It boosts inner potential and strength and also fills life with positive energy. It is for everyone and there is no restriction on this mantra. You can repeat it any way you want to.

2. Mahamrityunjaya mantra

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

Om Try- Ambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam | Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-[A]mrtaat ||

Meaning – Om, We Worship the Three-Eyed One, Who is Fragrant, Increasing the Nourishment. From these many Bondages similar to Cucumbers (tied to their Creepers), May I be Liberated from Death (Attachment to Perishable Things) So that I am not separated from the perception of Immortality (Immortal Essence pervading everywhere).

Mahamrityunjay mantra is said to be the most powerful Shiva mantra. Unlike chanting Om Namah Shivaya, where you can chant any time or any way you want, this mantra has some restrictions. As such, you need to be aware of when and how to chant it.

Chanting Mahamrityunjay mantra 108 times adds courage and other significant benefits to your life. The Sanskrit word “Mahamrityunjaya” means “victory over the dead”. So, if you want to overcome your fear of death and other kinds of material suffering and ultimately gain spiritual upliftment, then this mantra is for you.

3. Rudra Mantra

ॐ नमो भगवते रूद्राय ।

Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay

This Rudra mantra is the shortcut to please Lord Shiva. It is used to get the blessing from the Lord Rudra. Chanting this Rudra mantra is used to get your wishes fulfilled by the Lord himself.

4. Shiva Gayatri Mantra

ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात ।

Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahadevaay Deemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat

Meaning – Om, Let me meditate on the great Purusha, Oh, greatest God, give me higher intellect, and let God Rudra illuminate my mind.

Everyone knows that Gayatri Mantra is one of the most powerful Hindu mantras, and so is the Shiva Gayatri Mantra. If you want peace of mind and if you want to please Shiva, you can chant the mantra.

1.अगर आप धन प्राप्त करना चाहते हैं तो आप ॐ नम: शिवाय मंत्र का 108 बार जाप करें। इस मंत्र को आप रुद्राक्ष की माला से ही जपे। मंत्र पढ़ने के समय शिव जी के सामने शुद्ध देसी घी का दीपक जलाएं।

2.अगर आपकी कोई मनोकामना पूरी नहीं हो रही है तो आप आज नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय
नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगंबराय तस्मे न काराय नम: शिवाय: मंत्र का जाप करें। इससे जल्द ही आपकी इच्छा पूरी होगी।

3.सोमवार के दिन सिर्फ शिव जी का ही नहीं बल्कि माता पार्वती का ध्यान करने एवं उनके मंत्र का जाप करने से भी खुशहाली आती हे। इसके लिए ॐ ऐं ह्रीं शिव गौरीमय, ह्रीं ऐं ॐ मंत्र का जप करें।

4.अगर किसी की कुंडली में मृत्यु योग हो या दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने का डर वो तो आज शिव जी के  महामृत्युंजय मंत्र का जाप करें। ये एक प्रभावशाली मंत्र है। इसके जब से प्राणों की रक्षा होती है।

5.महिलाएं अपने पति की लंबी आयु एवं सौभाग्य के लिए भगवान शिव का दूध से अभिषेक करते हुए
ॐ ह्रीं नम: शिवाय ह्रीं ॐ मंत्र का जप करें।

6.धन प्राप्ति के लिए मां लक्ष्मी के ॐ श्रीं ऐं ॐ मंत्र का जप करें। ये मंत्र शाम के समय लक्ष्मी मां की मूर्ति व तस्वीर रखकर, दीपक जलाकर पढ़ें। मंत्र को कमल गट्टे व चंदन की माला से जपें।

7.यदि किसी व्यक्ति की शादी में देरी हो रही है व रुकावट आ रही हो तो शिव और पार्वती के इस मंत्र, हे गौरी शंकरार्धांगि यथा त्वं शंकरप्रिया, तथा मां कुरु कल्याणी कान्तकांता सुदुर्लभाम। ये मंत्र आपको 21 व 51 बार पढ़ना होगा।

9.परिवार की खुशहाली एवं शांति बनाएं रखने के लिए ॐ साम्ब सदा शिवाय नम: मंत्र का जप करें। ये बहुत प्रभावशाली मंत्र है। इसे नियमित तौर पर पढ़ने से परिवार पर कभी संकट नहीं आता है। परिवार के सदस्यों के बीच बेहतर तालमेल रहता हैं।

10.मनोकामनाओं की पूर्ति के लिए भगवान शिव के अलावा श्रीकृष्ण के मंत्र भी बहुत प्रभावशाली हैं। इन्हीं में से एक है, श्रीकृष्ण:शरणं मम्। इस मंत्र के जप से व्यक्ति पर कभी कोई मुसीबत नहीं आती है। ऐसे लोगों की शत्रुओं से भी रक्षा होती है।

Temples in India and Abroad:

• India:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

  • Somnath Temple, Gujarat

  • Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain

  • Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu

• Abroad:

  • Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Mukti Gupteshwar Temple, Minto, Australia

  • Shiva-Vishnu Temple, Melbourne, Australia

  • Sri Siva Durga Temple, Singapore

  • Shiva Mandir, London, UK

  12 Jyotirlinga temples, as mentioned in the Shiva Purana, are considered to be the most sacred places of worship for Shaivites in India. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are believed to be the sites where his divine light manifested. The 12 Jyotirlinga temples are located in different parts of India as mentioned in the Shiva Purana are

  1. Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat

  2. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

  3. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

  4. Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh

  5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

  6. Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra

  7. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

  8. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra

  9. Baidyanath, Dham Deoghar, Jharkhand

  10. Nageshwar, Dwarka, Gujarat

  11. Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

  12. Grishneshwar, Ellora, Maharashtra

  Pancha Bootha Sthalas / Five Elemental Manifestations:

  In South India, there are five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which are collectively known as the Pancha Bootha Sthalas, or the Five Elemental Manifestations. These temples are believed to be particularly significant as they represent Lord Shiva’s manifestation in the five fundamental elements of nature, namely earth, water, fire, air, and space. Each of these temples is associated with one of the five elements, and they are located in different parts of South India. The five temples are

  1. Jambukeshwara Swamy           Water      Thiruvanaikavalu, Tamil Nadu  

  2. Arunachaleswara Swamy         Fire  Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

  3. Kalahastheeswara Swamy       Air    Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

  4. Ekambareswara Swamy            Earth    Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

  5. Nataraja                                    Sky   Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

  Pancharama Temples:

  The Pancharama Kshetras or Pancharamas are a group of five ancient Shiva temples situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These temples are home to Sivalingas made from a single large Sivalinga, which according to legend, once belonged to the demon king Tarakasura. Due to the immense power of this Sivalinga, Tarakasura was unbeatable. However, Lord Subramanya Swamy managed to break the Sivalinga into five pieces and defeat Tarakasura. These five pieces of the Sivalinga then fell in different places in Andhra Pradesh, where the Pancharama Kshetras were later established. They are

• Amararama- Amaralingeswara Swamy

• Draksharama - Bhimesvara Swamy

• Somarama - Someswara Swamy

• Ksheerarama - Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy

• Bhimarama - Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy