The reason for Pradosh Vrat is that the Trayodashi Tithi of the month falls during Pradosh Kaal. Pradosh Kaal starts 45 minutes before sunset and ends 45 minutes after sunset.
Shani Pradosh Vrat
When the Pradosh day falls on Monday on a weekly day, it is called Som Pradosh, Pradosh falling on Tuesday is called Bhaum Pradosh and Pradosh falling on Saturday is called Shani Pradosh.
Though Trayodashi Tithi is the best for the worship of Lord Shiva, it is even more beneficial to worship Shiva during Pradosh.
Fact to note: Pradosh Vrat can be different for two different cities of the same country. Since Pradosh Vrat depends on the dominance of Trayodashi at the time of sunset. And the sunset time of two cities can be different, the Pradosh Vrat time of those two cities can also be different.
That is why sometimes it is seen that Pradosh Vrat is observed a day before Trayodashi i.e. on the day of Dwadashi.
The time of sunset is different for all cities, so before observing Pradosh Vrat, do check the sunset time of your city, even if those cities are in the same country. Pradosh Vrat is observed on both Trayodashi days of Shukla and Krishna Paksha of the lunar month.
Pradosh fast Procedure
❀ To observe Pradosh fast, a person should wake up before sunrise on Trayodashi day.
❀ After finishing the daily chores, remember Lord Shri Bhole Nath.
❀ Food is not taken in this fast.
❀ After observing fast for the whole day, one hour before sunset, one takes bath and wears white clothes.
❀ After purifying the place of worship with Gangajal or clean water, a pavilion is prepared by smearing it with cow dung.
❀ Now Rangoli is made in this pavilion using five colors.
❀ Kusha seat is used to worship Pradosh fast.
❀ After preparing for the worship in this way, one should sit facing the north-east direction and worship Lord Shankar.
❀ In the worship, water should be offered to Shiva while chanting Lord Shiva's mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
Pradosh Vrat Importance
❀ According to belief and faith, both men and women observe this fast. It is said that this fast liberates many defects and removes troubles. This fast also has weekly importance.
❀ Pradosh fast falling on Sunday can increase life span and provide good health benefits.
❀ The fast observed on Trayodashi falling on Monday provides health and all the desires of a person are fulfilled.
❀ If Pradosh fast of Trayodashi falls on Tuesday, then observing the fast of that day provides freedom from diseases and health benefits.
❀ If Pradosh fast falls on Wednesday, all the wishes of the devotee are fulfilled.
❀ If Pradosh fast falls on Thursday, then the result of fasting on this day leads to destruction of enemies.
❀ Pradosh fast falling on Friday is observed for good luck and happiness and peace of married life.
❀ If you wish to have a child, you should observe Pradosh Vrat on Saturday.
❀ When Pradosh Vrat is observed keeping your objectives in mind, the benefits of the fast increase.
Pradosh Vrat Udyapan
❀ After keeping this fast for eleven or 26 Trayodashis, the fast should be concluded.
❀ The fast should be concluded on Trayodashi Tithi only.
❀ One day before Udyapan, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. Jagran is held the previous night while doing kirtan.
❀ By getting up early in the morning, a mandap is prepared and the mandap is decorated with clothes and rangoli.
❀ Havan is performed by chanting 'Om Uma Sametha Shivay Namah' mantra one rosary i.e. 108 times.
❀ Kheer is used for offering in havan.
❀ After the havan is over, Aarti of Lord Bholenath is performed and Shanti Paath is recited.
❀ In the end, food is served to two Brahmins and blessings are obtained by giving donations as per one's capacity.
When should the worship of Pradosh fast be done?
Pradosh fast should be done in Pradosh period according to the sunset time of your city.
What not to do in Pradosh?
Do not eat food without worshipping Lord Shiva in Pradosh period. Do not consume grains, salt, chillies etc. during the fast.
What to keep in the worship plate in Pradosh fast?
Worship with abir, gulal, sandalwood, black sesame, flowers, dhatura, bilvapatra, shami patra, janeu, kalava, lamp, camphor, incense sticks and fruits in the worship plate.
