Pradosham, also known as Pradosh Vrat, is an auspicious day
associated with Shiva and Parvati. March 2013 Pradosham dates are March 9 and March
24. Pradosham occurs twice in a Hindu month – once each during the waning
(Krishna Paksha) and waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) of the moon.
Pradosham
on March 9, 2013 falls on Saturday, therefore it
is also known as Shani Pradsoh. Fasting on Shani Pradosh is highly
meritorious as it will bring relief to people facing Shani related
troubles in horoscope.
The Pradosham period is in the evening from 1.5 hours before
sunset and 1 hour after sunset. The fast which began at sunrise is broken
during the period.
Most devotees make it a point to be present at a Shiva
temple or offer prayers at home.
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Pradosh Vrat, also known as Pradosham,
is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Pradosha fasting
and rituals are observed on the 13th day of lunar fortnight. There is an
interesting story mentioned in the Puranas which narrate the origin of
the Pradosh Fasting. The Pradosh vrat katha is associated with
Samudurmanthana or Churning of ocean and Lord Shiva drinking the poison
Halahala.
To
get Amrita or the elixir of life, Devas and Asuras started the Samudra
Manthan or churning of ocean on the advice from Lord Vishnu. The
churning of the ocean produced the terrible poison Halahala which had
the capacity to devour the universe.
Lord
Shiva came to the rescue of the Devas and Demons and he drank the
poison Halahala. The demons and gods continued the churning of the ocean
and finally they got the Amrut or elixir on the twelfth day of lunar
fortnight.
The
Devas and Asuras thanked Lord Shiva on the thirteenth day. Pleased with
the devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have danced between the horns
of Nandi – the bull. The time when Shiva was extremely happy was the
Pradosham period or the twilight time.
It
is believed that Lord Shiva is extremely happy during this period and
blesses all this devotees and fulfills their wishes during the Pradosh
period on Trayodashi day.
Shiva devotees perform Pradosh for attaining moksha and fulfilling their dreams.