Pradosham Vrat 2017 Dates

The Pradosh vrat is a popular Hindu vrat that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Pradosha vrat or Pradosham is observed twice in the lunar month as per the Hindu calendar. This fast is observed on the Trayodashi (13th day) of both the Krishna Paksha (Amavasya) and Shukla Paksha (Poornima). The work �pradosh� in Hindi means the dusk of the evening tide or early night. As this sacred vrat is observed during the �Sandhyakaal� that is the evening twilight, it is called as the Pradosh vrat.

The Pradosh Vrat is observer in honour of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. In some parts of India, the disciples worship the Nataraj form of Lord Shiva on this day. As per the Skanda Puran there are two different methods of fasting on the Pradosh vrat. in the first method, the devotes observe strict fast for whole day and night, that is, 24 hours and which also includes keeping a vigil at night. In the second method the fasting is observed from the sunrise until sunset, and the fast is broken after worshipping Lord Shiva in the evening.

Significance of Pradosha Vrat:

The benefits of the Pradosha vrat are explicitly mentioned in the Skanda Purana. It is said that one who observes this revered fast with devotion and faith is bound to possess contentment, wealth and good health. This vratham is also observed for spiritual upliftment and fulfilment of one�s desires. The Pradosha vrat has been greatly lauded by the Hindu scriptures and is held very sacred for the followers of Lord Shiva. It is a known fact that even a single glance of the deity on this propitious day will end all your sins and bestow you with bountiful blessings and good fortune.

The benefits of the Pradosha vrat varies according to the day it falls on. The different names and respective benefits of Pradosha vrat is given below:

• Som Pradosha Vrat: It falls on a Monday and hence it is called as �Som Pradosha�. By observing the vrat on this day, the devotees will become a positive thinker and all their desires will come true.
• Bhaum Pradosha Vrat: When the Pradosham falls on a Tuesday it is called as �Bhaum Pradosh�. The devotees will get cure from their health problems and also improve their physical health. The Bhaum Pradosh vrat also brings prosperity.
• Saumya Vaara Pradosha Vrat: The Saumya Vaara Pradosha falls on a Wednesday. The devotees on this auspicious day seek fulfilment of their wished and are also blessed with knowledge and wisdom.
• Guruvaara Pradosha Vrat: It falls on a Thursday and by observing this fast, the devotees are able to put an end to all their existing dangers. Furthermore the Guruvaara Pradosha Vrat also invokes blessings from the Pitru or the ancestors.
• Bhrigu Vaara Pradosha Vrat: When the Pradosha vrat is observed on a Friday, it is called as the �Bhrigu Vaara Pradosha vrat�. This vrat will bring you all the contentment and success by eliminating the negativities from your life.
• Shani Pradosha Vrat: The Shani Pradosha falls on a Saturday is considered to be very important of all the Pradosha vrats. The individual who observes the vrat on this day will be able to revive his lost wealth and also seek promotion.
• Bhaanu Vaara Pradosha Vrat: It falls on a Sunday and the benefit of Bhaanu Vaara Pradosha Vrat is that the devotees will attain longevity and peace by observing the fast on this day.

 Rituals in the Pradosh Vrat :

• On the day of Pradosham, the twilight period that is the time just before sunrise and sunset is considered to be auspicious. All the prayers and pujas are observed during this time only.
• One hour before the sunset, the devotees take a bath and get ready for the puja.
• A preliminary puja is performed where Lord Shiva is worshipped along with Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartik and Nandi. After which there is a ritual where Lord Shiva is worshipped and invoked in a sacred pot or �Kalasha�. This Kalasha is kept on the darbha grass with lotus drawn on it and is filled with water.
• In some places, the worship of the Shivling is also performed. The Shivling is given a bath with sacred substances like milk, curd and ghee. The puja is performed and the devotees offer Bilva leaves on the Shivling. Some people also use a picture or painting of Lord Shiva for worshipping. It is believed that offering Bilva leaves on the day of Pradosha vrat is highly auspicious.
• After this ritual, the devotees listen to the Pradosha vrat katha or read stories from the Shiva Purana.
• The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is enchanted 108 times.
• After the puja is over, the water from the Kalasha is partaken and the devotees apply the sacred ash on their forehead.
• After the puja, most of the devotees visit the Lord Shiva temples for darshan. It is believed that lighting even a single lamp on the day of Pradosham is very rewarding.

The dates of Pradhosham for the year 2017 is given below.

Date	Day	Pradosham
10 January	Tuesday	Bhauma Pradosh
25 January	Wednesday	Pradosh
08 February	Wednesday	Pradosh
24 February	Friday	Pradosh
10 March	Friday	Pradosh
25 March	Saturday	Shani Pradosh
08 April	Saturday	Shani Pradosh
24 April	Monday	Soma Pradosh
08 May	Monday	Soma Pradosh
23 May	Tuesday	Bhauma Pradosh
06 June	Tuesday	Bhauma Pradosh
21 June	Wednesday	Pradosh
06 July	Thursday	Pradosh
21 July	Friday	Pradosh
04 August	Friday	Pradosh
19 August	Saturday	Shani Pradosh
03 September	Sunday	Pradosh
17 September	Sunday	Pradosh
03 October	Tuesday	Bhauma Pradosh
17 October	Tuesday	Bhauma Pradosh
01 November	Wednesday	Pradosh
15 November	Wednesday	Pradosh
01 December	Friday	Pradosh
15 December	Friday	Pradosh
30 December	Saturday	Shani Pradosh