Pradosh Vrat 2023: For Happiness and Prosperity
Pradosh Vrat is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati feel generous on the day of Pradosh and bless devotees with happiness and prosperity. The fast commences after the bath before sunset.
Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Nandi are worshipped. Milk and water are offered to the Shivlinga. Kalash is filled with water and Durva grass is placed over the Kalash.
Pradosh Vrat is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed on both Trayodashi Tithis, i.e. Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, in a lunar month. The 2023
Pradosh Vrat dates are as follows:
Bhauma Pradosh-Vrat: January 3, 2023
Guru Pradosh-Vrat: January 19, 2023
Guru Pradosh-Vrat: February 2, 2023
Shukra Pradosh-Vrat: February 17, 2023
Shani Pradosh-Vrat: March 4, 2023
Ravi Pradosh-Vrat: March 19, 2023
Soma Pradosh-Vrat: April 3, 2023
Soma Pradosh-Vrat: April 17, 2023
Bhauma Pradosh-Vrat: May 2, 2023
Bhauma Pradosh-Vrat: May 16, 2023
Guru Pradosh-Vrat: June 1, 2023
Guru Pradosh-Vrat: June 15, 2023
Shukra Pradosh-Vrat: June 30, 2023
Shukra Pradosh-Vrat: July 14, 2023
Ravi Pradosh-Vrat: July 30, 2023
Ravi Pradosh-Vrat: August 13, 2023
Soma Pradosh-Vrat: August 28, 2023
What is the significance of Pradosh Vrat?
Pradosh Vrat is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati feel generous on the day of Pradosh and bless devotees with happiness and prosperity.
How do people practice and celebrate this Vrata?
The fast commences after the bath before sunset. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Nandi are worshipped. Milk and water are offered to the Shivlinga. Kalash is filled with water and Durva grass is placed over the Kalash.
What is the story behind Pradosh Vrat?
According to one of the stories, during ancient times, there was a war raging between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons).
Devtas were losing and many of them had already lost their lives. Hence, they ran to Brahma-Vishu-Mahesh asking for help.
Lord Shiva appeared before them and agreed to help. He drank the poison that emerged from the ocean to save the universe. Goddess Parvati choked his throat to stop the poison from infecting his body due to which his throat turned blue. After this, he got the name Neelkantha. As per philosophy,
It is said that on the 13th Hindu lunar day i.e. Trayodashi, Devas, and Asuras understood that by not worshiping Lord Shiva they had committed a blunder. After realization, they requested Shiva to grant them forgiveness. Lord Shiva forgave them and then danced between Nandi’s (celestial bull) horns. It is this time which is known as Pradosham.
Image credit
Ramjit Tudu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
