Soma Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat is an important observance for Lord Shiva followers that occur twice in every Hindu lunar month. Also known as Pradosham, this fasting is observed on the ‘Trayodashi’ (13th day) during ‘Krishna Paksha’ and ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the waning and waxing phase of moon). When Pradosh Vrat falls on a Monday it is referred as Soma Pradosh Vrat. It is believed that observing this fasting ends all the negative karma or dosh. On the day of Soma Pradosh Vrat, devotees all across India, offer special prayers and pujas in Lord Shiva temples. Fasting on the day of Soma Pradosh Vrat is best for spiritual empowerment and also frees the observer from the continuous cycle of birth and death.

Lord Shiva

Rituals during Soma Pradosh Vrat:

• On the day of Soma Pradosh Vrat devotees get up at the time of sunrise and take an early bath. The morning time is most suitable for meditation.
• The puja on the day of Soma Pradosh Vrat is done during the twilight period (the time 1.5 hours prior to sunset and 1 hour post sunset). An abhishekam of the lord is done with milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar. Several offerings are made as flowers, bilva leaves, coconut, fruits, dhoop and incense sticks. Lighting a lamp on the day of Soma Pradosh Vrat is believed to be highly rewarding.
• After the puja, devotees listen to the ‘Soma Pradosh Vrat Katha’ and read the chapters from Shiva Purana. It is also considered very meritorious to chant ‘Maha Mritunjaya Mantra’ 108 times on the day of Soma Pradosh Vrat.
• The fasting of Soma Pradosh Vrat begins at the dawn and ends after completing the puja in the evening. Staunch devotees abstain from eating anything all through the day and they break their fast by eating only the Prasad. Proper food is eaten by them only in the following morning. However some devotees even keep a partial fast by intaking fruits and water. Such people can end their fast by eating cooked food after the evening puja rituals. The severity of the fast is decided by the devotees.
• Devotees also visit the temples in the evening and participate in the special pujas held during that time. People engage themselves in kirtans and bhajan programs singing glories of Lord Shiva.

Important Timings On Soma Pradosh Vrat 2024

Significance of Soma Pradosh Vrat:

Soma Pradosh Vrat is a fasting day that falls on a Monday. This day is considered very auspicious and it is considered that during this time Lord Shiva together with Goddess Parvati are in their best mood and shower generous blessings on their devotees. Pradosh refers to the period just before and after sunset and performing the puja during the twilight period is considered to be more propitious. Hindu devotees observe this sacred fasting for a peaceful and prosperous family life. In Hindi language, Monday is known as ‘Somwar’ and this day is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence the name Soma Pradosh Vrat. The significance and the method to observe this vrat is mentioned in several Hindu puranas and scriptures. Women observe the Soma Pradosh Vrat for a loyal and good husband. It is stated in the Shiva Purana that the observer of Soma Pradosh Vrat will be blessed with happiness, honour, wealth and children.

All Soma Pradosh Vrat dates in 2024

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