The Hindu mythology embodies the accounts of several gods and goddesses, the spiritual powers that have influence over the living beings. Among these many, the Shiva remains one of the most celebrated deities, is also one of the Tridev and a source of immense power. Shiva is often associated with destructive powers and their use in elimination of evil strengths. However, he is also someone who is a conqueror of various emotions, as well as, a creator of harmony amidst differences. The Divinity is worshipped in many ways by the humans, by offering prayers to Lord Shiva idols or Shiv Lings. Among the various rituals that are observed the Pradosh Vrat is a method, highly conducive to fulfilment of desires
The Muhurta of the Puja:
For every Puja there is an injunction related to the timing, during which the rituals prove to be efficacious. The Tithi of the Pradosh Vrat falls on the 13th day or Trayodashi of every lunar fortnight of Hindu calendar. Thus there are two festivities in a month. It is also called Trayodashi Vrat due to its timing. The darker stage of the twilight is known as Pradosh Kaal (dusk). It is said that this moment gives the chance of Pradosham or annihilation of the negative karma. This is the moment when the Puja should be performed on the day of this festivity and hence the name Pradosh Vrat.
The Vidhi of the Pradosh Vrat & Puja:
On the day of the fast, the followers should pray to the Shiva along with their regular prayer. The devotees should take bath and wear clean white clothes before commencing the rituals in the evening. About an hour before the sunset, a worshipper should perform a small Puja of Shiva and His family. Thereafter a Kalash or pot is filled with water and then covered with grass or Durba. The design of a lotus flower is drawn on it and the Shiva is evoked with offerings of betel nuts, betel leaves, flowers, coin and rice as well as chanting of Mantra. Some people also use Lord Shiva idols, images or Shivling for their devotional practise. Water and Bel Leaves (Bilva Patra) are proffered on the Shivlings.
The reading of the Pradosh Katha is followed after the rituals and people may also perform Havan to end the Puja. People can observe fasts for the whole day, as well as, till the completion of the formal worship after sunset, as per their convenience on this day. The all night waking is considered to be productive for the various wishes to become true.
The Importance of the Rituals:
Apart from the spiritual upliftment and the health benefits, the fast and the worshipping act provides a lot many boons to the pious followers. The day is said to be highly auspiscious since Shiva and Parvati are believed to be in a propitiating mood on this particular Muhurta. Wealth, strength, prosperity, etc. shower on the devotees who pray with all their heart on this occasion. There are various mythical stories related with this special Tithi, where Shiva granted the fruits of material happiness to the humans and demigods who asked for it. The followers of Shiva should definitely observe the ceremonial fast buying Puja Samagri online or offline for the Vidhi to invite prosperity and remove the sins.