October 14 Is Pradosh Vrat; Know Its Meaning, History And Significance

On October 14, India will be observing the Pradosh Vrat which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This Hindu vrat is observed on the Trayodashi tithi or 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (new moon day) and Shukla Paksha (full moon day). So Pradosh Vrat happens twice in a month according to the Hindu festival. The next Pradosh Vrat will be on October 28.

The ritual

Pradosh vrat etymologically means the fast that is observed during the twilight. Usually on this day, the devotees sit for special worship ritual for Shiva and Parvati during the twilight, i.e. after sunrise and before sunset. However, according to the Skanda Purana, there are two different ways in which this vrat is observed. Some devotees fast in the day and night, i.e. for 24 hours and consume food and water the next day of the Pradosh vrat. They also keep a vigil at the night dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.

While the other method is that the devotees can observe the fast from the sunrise till the sunset. They can consume food and water after performing a puja in the evening.

Also Read: October 13 Is Parama Ekadashi. Know Its Meaning And Significance

Why is the vrat dedicated to Shiva and Parvati?

It is believed that on this day of the month, Shiva and Parvati feel most delighted and are generous. So the followers of Shiva find this day auspicious to seek his blessings.

As far as the significance of the day goes, there is an interesting mythology behind it. Once there was a massive battle going on between the Gods and the Asuras. In this battle, it is said that the wicked Asuras were powerful enough to kill the Gods in numbers. Apprehensive of the loss, the Gods approached the holy trinity- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The trinity advised them to churn the ocean and extract Amrita (elixir) so that they consume it and not be killed by the Asuras. Both the Asuras and the Gods together churned the ocean as it wasn’t a task of few people. As the process began, in the initial stage, the ocean released poison called whose fumes started to kill those involved in churning. Then Lord Shiva came to rescue and consumed the whole poison. While, Parvati held his neck and did not let the poison pass down his throat. And so Shiva is venerated even today as the Neelkantha.

Significance of the fast

Skanda Purana has a special mention of this day and its significance on the devotees. It says that people who observe the Pradosh fast are bound to achieve happiness, contentment and wealth in life. Their pain will be mitigated and they can achieve spiritual upliftment and fulfilment of desires. The day is considered so auspicious that it is believed that even a sight of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s idol or linga can prove to be favourable.

The Festival from a feminist lens

The festival is less patriarchal compared to other rituals in Hindu religion. It venerates Shiva and Parvati together as couple with equal power, respect and importance. Moreover, the fast can be observed by any person irrespective of age and gender. The bottom line is that everyone has the right to have faith and religious beliefs but not on the cost of self respect and empowerment.

Also Read: Hindu Festival Calendar: A Comprehensive List of Festivals and Holidays