When Pradosh Vrat occurs on a Monday it is called Som Pradosh Vrat. Lord Shiva is worshipped early morning on this day. Our ancestors have been observing Pradosh fast on the Trayodashi Tithi of both Pakshas every month. The Pradosh Vrat is then associated with the weekday on which it falls.
When will Som Pradosh Vrat occur in 2024 ?
This year Som Pradosh Vrat will be celebrated on
20 May 2024
An individual’s all wishes are fulfilled by observing the Pradosh Vrat. All projects materialise. When one worships Lord Shiva with complete devotion and follows all the rituals all his/her wishes come true. As per religious scriptures, Pradosh Vrat not only provides happiness but it ensures the welfare of the person who observes this fast. On the day of Pradosh Vrat, the devotee should wake up in Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, finish all daily chores and then worship Lord Shiva with complete focus.
Som Pradosh Vrat Katha
Listening to Som Pradosh Vrat Katha on the day of the fast is considered auspicious. The fruits of the fast increase by listening and reading the Som Pradosh Katha. Several mythological stories on Som Pradosh Vrat are heard. The most popular one is as follows:
A widow whose husband had died long ago lived in a city with her only son. They lived in a small house and had no other shelter. They did not even have the means to fulfill their basic meals. They depended on Bhiksha for their livelihood. She used to regularly wake up early and go out with her son asking for Bhiksha. Bhikshtan was her only option and both the mother and son depended on it for their livelihood.
One day, on her way back from Bhikshtan, the Brahmini saw an injured child. The child was crying in pain. The Brahmini pitied the child and brought the child home. She took good care of him and treated him to the best of her abilities.
That child was the son of the King of Vidarbha. Enemies had attacked his territory. The enemies took control of the King’s territory and arrested him. But the prince escapes. On a run, he meets the Brahmini and starts living with her and her son.
The prince stays there for a very long time, without revealing his identity. Once upon a time, Anshumati, a Gandharva girl, spots the prince. The prince’s handsome looks and qualities impress Anshumati and she decides to marry the prince.
Anshumati proposes to the prince and asks him to meet her parents. The parents of Anshumati like the king. After a few days, Lord Shiva comes in the dreams of Anshumati’s parents and asks them to get her married. The Gandharva couple agrees for the marriage of the prince and their daughter. Finally, the marriage is solemnised.
The Brahmani, as a rule, always observed the Pradosh Vrat. As a result, the prince along with the help of the Gandharva community gets his territory back and defeats the enemies. After capturing his kingdom, the prince appoints the son of the Brahmini as his Raj Mantri. Just as the life of the prince, Brahminni and her son turned around owing to the glory of Pradosh fast, similarly Lord Shiva turns around the days of all the devotees who observe the Pradosh Vrat.
Get the auspiciousness of Moon from Som Pradosh Vrat
Among all the celestial bodies, the Moon is considered to be the most important and calm. The Moon affects everyone’s mind and body. If in a horoscope, the Moon is not giving auspicious results or is weak, then in such a case observing Som Pradosh Vrat is considered highly auspicious. On observing the Som Pradosh Vrat, a person will definitely experience peace.
Som Pradosh Vrat : Udyapan Vidhi
Hindu scriptures provide a lot of details on Som Pradosh Vrat such as the importance of the fast, how to observe it, rituals to be followed and so on. A detailed explanation can be found in the Shiv Puran and Skanda Purana. In this fast, Udyapan is performed after observing 11 or 26 Pradosh fasts. Udyapan commences a day before the Pradosh Vrat ie. on Dwadashi Tithi. Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped by following Shodshopchar Vidhi and Jagran is also observed.
On the day of Pradosh Vrat, the devotee should wake up early in the morning, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Next, the devotee should place a red cloth on the altar and then place the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Puja should be done by following all the rituals and Som Pradosh Vrat Katha should be heard and read. After that, Aarti should be performed and Bhog should be offered. Food and Dakshina should be offered to one, five or seven Brahmins as per one’s capability. After this, the Bhog should be distributed amongst the family members.