PRADOSHA

Pradosha

is a bi-monthly occasion on the thirteenth day of every fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It is closely related to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva. The auspicious period of 3 hours, 1.5 hours before and after sunset is one of the optimal times to worship Lord Shiva.

Pradosha Vrata is a Hindu vrata for worshiping Shiva and Parvati. Pradosha worship is performed in the evening twilight or sandhya Kala in the Trayodashi of both lunar fortnights (Shukla and Krishna Paksha). These are the thirteen tithi, or lunar, days of the New Moon (Amavasya) and the Full Moon (Poornima).

Types of Pradosha

Of all the pradosha, Shani Pradosh and Soma Pradosh are considered important.

Sani Pradosham is the Pradosha Vrata that falls on Saturday. And

Soma Pradosh is observed when Pradosha falls on a Monday.

Maha Pradhosh is the Pradosha that falls before or on Maha Sivarathri in the month of Maagha on the traditional Hindu calendar.

The performance of the vrata involves a fast followed by a vigil. Take a bath an hour before sunset and worship Lord Shiva, the Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Skanda and Nandi. After this, Lord Shiva is invoked. Pradosh's story is read after the formal worship service concludes.