Falling on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of each lunar fortnight, Pradosham occurs twice a month, once during the Valarpilai and once during the Theypirai. These sacred hours, approximately 1.5 hours before sunset, are considered the most auspicious to seek Lord Shivan’s blessings for liberation from karmic burdens.
It is believed that during this twilight period, Lord Shivan and Goddess Parvati are in a blissful and compassionate state. Devotees perform abhishegam (ritual bathing of the Shivan Lingam) with sacred items, milk for longevity, ghee for spiritual liberation, and sandalwood for the grace of Goddess Lakshmi.
Speaking about Pradhosam, let’s get to know about the story…
According to ancient scriptures, Pradosham holds a deep connection to the legend of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). When the deadly Halahala poison emerged, Lord Shivan drank it to save creation, and it was during this sacred twilight that He absorbed its effects. From then on, this time became known as Pradosham, the divine hour when Shiva removes the suffering and sins of His devotees.
Another legend describes how the Devas and Asuras, after realising their sin of neglecting Lord Shivan, prayed for forgiveness. The compassionate Lord pardoned them and performed His cosmic dance, the Ananda Tandavam between the horns of Nandi. Hence, praying during Pradosham is believed to grant forgiveness, fulfil wishes, and bring spiritual elevation.
The types of Pradhosams
Each Pradosham that falls on a specific weekday carries its own special significance:
Soma Pradosham (Monday) – Dedicated to both Lord Shivan and Goddess Parvati. It is considered the most auspicious Pradosham and is believed to grant peace, prosperity, and a harmonious family life.
Bhauma Pradosham (Tuesday) – Known to remove debts, anger, and obstacles related to Mars (Mangal).
Shani Pradosham (Saturday) – Highly revered for easing karmic burdens. As Saturn (Shani Deva) is the agent of karma, worshipping Lord Shiva on this day helps lessen the effects of past misdeeds and hardships.
Among these, Soma Pradosham and Shani Pradosham are regarded as especially powerful.
Performing abhishegam and prayers during Pradosham is said to be equivalent to visiting a Shiva temple for 15 days. Observing 11 Pradoshams equals witnessing a Kumbhabhishekam, and devotees who faithfully worship Lord Shiva for 120 Pradoshams are said to attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
It is believed that the sacred bull, Nandi, was sent to Earth to initiate the daily removal of sins during this divine period.
Devotees often chant or write the mantra “Thiru Neela Kantam” : invoking Lord Shivan in His blue-throated form 1,008 or 10,008 times on Pradosham to dissolve accumulated karmas and invite peace into their lives.
Source / Image Credit : Universal Divine Art