Pradosh 2020: Worship Lord Shiva During Twilight!

Pradosham 2020, also called Pradosh Vrat 2020 or Pradosham Vrat 2020 is a fast devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pradosh or Sandhya Kaal is the period of evening or the ‘first part of the night’, and that is the duration when one concludes their fast and worship Mahadev and Adi Shakti. As per beliefs, fasting on this day results in the fulfillment of all one’s desires, as this is a day blessed by the Lord and Goddess.

The Pradosham occurs twice a month on the Trayodashi (thirteenth day) of every month. In the evening, Sandhyakal, of Trayodashi during both the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha, devotees worship their Bholenath and his Shakti, and keep fast. Several stories are associated with the festival, one of which is about how the Lord Moon, cursed by his father-in-law Daksh was dying, and Lord Shiva saved him during the Pradosh Kaal. All these stories conclude that the day is beloved to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Thus, when devotees fast on this day, in the Pradosh Kaal, Mahadev and Goddess Shakti are delighted with them and fulfill all their desires as a boon.

Here is a list of all Pradosham 2020 or Pradosh Vrat 2020 dates:

Pradosham 2020 Dates

As per the Hindu calendar, in every lunar month there are two Pradosham 2020. They are either observed in the Krishna Paksha or in the Shukla Paksha. Below is the entire list:

Before we go ahead and talk about the significance of Pradosham 2020, let’s first know what does Pradosh mean and what does the Pradosh Vrat signify?

Meaning Of Pradosham 2020

Pradosh means the dusk time. Pradosham is referred to the auspicious 3 hours period. This time of 3 hours is divided into two parts 1.5 hours before the sunset and 1.5 hours after the sunset. Vrat or fast means abstinence or reduction of some food items and drinks. Hence, Pradosh Vrat means abstinence from normal food (wheat, salt) during the time of twilight. Let’s now talk about the types of Pradosham 2020.

Different Types of Pradosh Vrat 2020

Pradosham 2020 is observed on the thirteenth day of each lunar fortnight during the time of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. Basically, Pradosh Vrat has its own benefits according to the days on which it occurs, and thus each Pradosham 2020 is known by a different name as per their significance. These Pradosh fasts as per the days are given as follows:

Som Pradosham 2020

When a Pradosham 2020 falls on a Monday, it is known as Som Pradosham 2020. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 fulfills all the desires of the devotees and brings positivity in their lives.

Bhaum Pradosham 2020

When a Pradosham 2020 falls on Tuesday, it is known as Bhaum Pradosham. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 offers one relief from health problems and brings prosperity in the life of devotees.

Saumyavar Pradosham 2020

When a Pradosham 2020 falls on a Wednesday, it is known as Saumyavar Pradosham 2020. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 bestows one with knowledge and helps them acquire education.

Guruvara Pradosham 2020

When a Pradosham 2020 falls on a Thursday, it is known as Guru Vaara Pradosham 2020. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 helps us attain blessings from our ancestors, as well as safeguards us against all dangers and enemies.

Bhriguvara Pradosham 2020

When a Pradosham 2020 falls on a Friday, it is known as Bhrigu Vara Pradosham 2020. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 helps one in attaining overall success, wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Shani Pradosham 2020

When a Pradosham 2020 falls on a Saturday, it is known as Shani Pradosham 2020. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 brings success in career for the devotees, in the form of promotion at work as well as new prospects and better opportunities.

Bhaanu Pradosham 2020

When the Pradosham 2020 falls on a Sunday, it is known as Bhaanu Pradosham 2020. Fasting during this Pradosh Vrat 2020 brings peace and tranquility in the lives of the devotees of Lord Shiva, as well as longevity.

These are the different types of Pradosham 2020 as per the days. Let’s find out the significance of Pradosh Vrat 2020 before you begin observing these fasts.

Significance Of Pradosham 2020

As per the Shiva Purana, Pradosham 2020 is considered to be the most beneficial fast in order to attain health, wealth, and children. The Pradosh Vrat 2020 liberates the devotees from all their past and present sins. When one observes the Pradosham 2020 with full devotion and dedication, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati fulfill all the desires of their devotees. However, before we begin with the Puja rituals, let us first know what is the real story behind observing the Pradosh Vrat 2020?

Legend Behind Pradosham 2020

Pradosham 2020 is a fast observed in the name of Lord Shiva or Neelkanth. Neelkanth is the name given to Lord Shiva post the event of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk).

It was during the time of Samudra Manthan when everything was submerged under water. Vasuki (the King of Nagas) served as a churning rope and mount Mandarachala acted as the churning rod. Many gems came out of the ocean, but so did some things evil among which was Halahal (one of the most lethal poison). This venom would have resulted in the end of the universe. Hence, all the Devas and Ausras who were trying to churn the ocean pleaded Lord Shiva to save the universe. Halahal, before causing any harm, was consumed by Lord Shiva on the twelfth Moon day. On knowing about the poison, Goddess Parvati stopped it from entering Lord Shiva’s body by grabbing his neck and not allowing the Vish from going any further, which turned Mahadev’s neck blue. Since then, Lord Shiva is known as Neelkanth.

Soon afterwards, Devas and Asuras finally received the Amrit along with a new life for the universe. In all their happiness and festivities, however, the people forgot to thank Lord Shiva. But on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi), as they realized their mistake, they asked for mercy. Lord Shiva forgave them and celebrations continued. It is believed that that time was Pradosh Kaal. Ever since then, whoever prays to Shiva during this time, Lord Shiva fulfills their wishes and one attains salvation.

Another myth associated to Pradosham Vrat is that of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that on the day of Trayodashi (the thirteenth day), during the time of dusk, the couple is in a very happy and favorable mood. Hence, if you offer your prayers with full devotion and sincerity, all your wishes come true.

So, on the day of Pradosham 2020, remember Lord Shiva with full devotion so that he blesses you with everything. Now that you know the legends associated with Pradosh Vrat 2020, let’s find out the rituals involved in performing the fast.

Rituals Of Pradosh Vrat In 2020

Pradosham 2020 is the time to worship Lord Shiva, however, there are certain rituals involved in observing the Pradosh Vrat:

1. During the Pradosham Vrat, people can observe a 24-hour fasting. This also includes a night vigil, where people usually do not sleep at night.
2. Another way of observing Pradosham 2020 is from sunrise to sunset. Post sunset, one can perform Lord Shiva’s Puja and end their the Pradosh Vrat.
3. People can visit Lord Shiva temples and perform the Pradosh Vrat Puja while observing Pradosh Vrat.
4. During Pradosham 2020, one needs to take a bath before sunset.
5. A preliminary Puja should be performed with all the deities and Lord Ganesha firstly.
6. Lord Shiva is then invoked in a Kalash (pot) placed over a square Mandala with lotus drawn on the Kalash and Durva (panicum) grass spread across.
7. After this ritual, a Pradosh Vrat Story is read and heard by the devotees of Lord Shiva.
8. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (special Mantra to overcome the fear of death) is to be chanted 108 times.
9. The Kalash water is partaken and the sacred ash is applied on the forehead.
10. During the Pradosh fast, you can donate pot, cloth, and image of Lord Shiva to the Brahmin in the temple.
11. During the time of Pradosh Vrat in 2020, follow these simple rituals with pure heart and sincerity. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati will grant all your wishes.

These are the traditional rituals which are followed while observing Pradosham 2020 to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Since time immemorial, it is believed that the gods and goddesses do not see the kind of rituals and the material wealth a devotee possesses. It is only the devotion, sincere dedication, and prayers which the divine beings demand. So, even if you fast or don’t, whether you visit a temple or not, if your heart is pure, your thoughts are true, and your deeds are right, Lord Shiva will bless you in each and every task you perform in your life. So, worship Lord Shiva this Pradosham 2020 and Lord Shiva will grant all your wishes.

We at MyKundali hope that this article on Pradosh Vrat 2020 will be beneficial for you!