Pradosh Vrat is a sacred Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pradosh Vrat falls twice a month, specifically on the thirteenth day of the lunar calendar. It occurs during Amavasya in Krishna Paksha and Poornima in Shukla Paksha. The first Pradosh Vrat of this year is on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, and is known as Ravi Pradosh Vrat. The second Pradosh Vrat is on Monday, May 20th, 2024, referred to as Som Pradosh Vrat.
Pradosh Vrat Date and Time May 2024:
| Ravi Pradosh Vrat Date | Sunday May 5, 2024 |
| Trayodashi Begins | 03:41, May 05 |
| Trayodashi Ends | 02:40, May 06 |
| Som Pradosh Vrat Date | Monday May 20, 2024 |
| Trayodashi Begins | 03:58 PM, May 20 |
| Trayodashi Ends | 05:39 PM, May 21 |
RITUALS
Pradosh Vrat, a special day dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Here's how you can prepare to welcome the blessings of this auspicious occasion with simple yet sincere rituals:
Clean & Calm Tidy your puja space and take a bath beforehand.
Shiva Bath Time In the evening, during Pradosh time (around sunset), pour water, milk, curd, and honey over the Shivalinga (Shiva's representation). Think of it as a holy shower!
Offerings for Shiva Give fruits, flowers, and bel leaves (special leaves for Shiva) to him. You can also make a simple fruit and sweet prasad (offering).
Light & Chants Light a lamp with ghee (clarified butter) and chant Om Namah Shivaya or other Shiva mantras while praying.
Aarti Time Wave a diya (Oil lamp) filled with ghee or camphor in front of the Shivalinga as a devotional offering.
Important mantras for Pradosh Vrat
Om Namah Shivaya: This is the most quintessential mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. It simply means "salutations to Shiva" and is a powerful chant for any Shiva puja.
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan, Mrithyor Mukshsiya Mama Ritam
Om: This mantra is known to ward off negativity and bring blessings for good health and longevity.
Shiva Panchakshara Mantra: This five-syllable mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya," is another popular mantra easily incorporated into your Pradosh Vrat puja.
Pradosh Vrat Rules: Do's and Don'ts
| DO | DON'T |
| Observe a pre-dawn bath for physical cleanliness. | Overeat, even during the non-strict fasting window. Focus on moderation and purity. |
| Consume fruits, sabudana (tapioca sago), and water if following the non-strict method during the Pradosh period (dusk to sunset) | Abstain from consuming grains. This includes rice, wheat, barley, and other cereals. Opt for fruits, nuts, and milk products during the fast. |
| Chant mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" or read scriptures like the Shiva Chalisa. | Consume grains like rice, wheat, and lentils, or meat, onions, and garlic (for both strict and non-strict methods). |
| Maintain a peaceful and prayerful demeanor throughout the puja. | Engage in negative thoughts or arguments during the holy period. |
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