What is Pradosham & How Is It Observed?

Bykalaiselvan

Pradosham Vrat is observed twice every month on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon to seek the blessings of Shiva and Parvati. When Pradosham falls on Monday it is Soma Pradosham, on Tuesday it is Bhuama Pradosham and on Saturday it is Shani Pradosham. These three days are considered auspicious. Fasting on Pradosham cleanses us of our sins and helps us attain power, courage, health and wealth. You can observe complete fasting or consume milk/fruits, if needed.

How Planets Help Receive The Divine Blessings Of The Day?

This time the Pradosham is falling on a Friday, which is fortunate. Today, the Day Lord Venus is in its own sign Libra, and is in the independent and success bringing Swati Nakshatra (ruled by Rahu) having Pradhvamsa Shakti, the self-dependent and ambitious star. Venus is with Mercury, which is in the saintly and mature Vishaka Nakshatra (ruled by Jupiter). Mars is aspecting Venus and Mercury from Pisces. This means if we pray to Shiva today, we can get immense wealth due to our bright mind, talent, and skills. Since Mars is aspecting Venus and Mercury, it can also cause some emotional imbalances, aggression, and communication problems with others due to anger and make us come across as impatient and rude. Praying to Shiva today can remove all our problems, and make our speech bright and bold so that we can become wealthy and victorious in all our pursuits in life.

The Moon is in the victorious, highly charismatic, and swift Ashwini Nakshatra of Ketu, and is aspected by Venus and Mercury. If we pray to Shiva today, we can get wealth, creativity, mental clarity, wisdom, institution, and communication skills to remove any hurdles. Shiva will rid us of our sins and will remove our mental stress and make us succeed in our personal and professional life.

Dos

  • Observe fasting if health permits
  • Meditate and chant mantras for Shiva and Venus
  • Chant the sacred hymn, Rudram Chamakam
  • Feed the poor and needy
  • Wear white color clothes
  • Offer raw milk and Bilva leaves on Shiva Lingam
  • Offer fruits and flowers to Shiva Lingam

Don’ts

  • Refrain from immoral acts
  • Do not consume non vegetarian food or alcohol
  • Do not hurt or be rude to anyone
  • Do not talk unless necessary and use polite & kind words
  • Do not be egoistic and do not get angry on anyone

Mantras to be chanted at least 108 times 

Om Namah Shivaya

Meaning – I bow to Shiva

Om Sri Shukraaya Namaha

Meaning – I bow to Shukra (Venus)