SANI PRADOSHAM

Sani Pradosham 

Shani Pradosh January 2011 date – 
Sani Pradosham on Saturday 

Pradosh, or Pradosham, is a fasting dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and it is observed on the 13th day of the fortnight in a traditional Hindu Lunar Calendar. Shani Pradosh January 2011 date is January 1. Fasting and doing puja on the day is believed to help in removing the 
hardships caused by Sani Dev. 


In Hindu tradition, Saturday or Shanivar is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shani or Shaneeshwara – one among the Navgrahas. For those that believe in Hindu astrology and horoscope, Shani Bhagavan can create problems in life. It is believed that fasting and praying on Pradosh day will help in keeping removing the effects of Shani. Please note that concept of Shani Pradosh is more common in western parts of India. 

The Story of Pradosh Fasting – 
Pradosha Vrat Katha 

Pradosh Vrat, also known as Pradosham, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Pradosha fasting and rituals are observed on the 13th day of lunar fortnight. There is an nteresting story mentioned in the Puranas which narrate the origin of the Pradosh Fasting. 
The Pradosh vrat katha is associated with Samudurmanthana or Churning of ocean and Lord Shiva drinking the poison Halahala. 
To get Amrita or the elixir of life, Devas and Asuras started the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean on the advice from Lord Vishnu. The churning of the ocean produced the terrible poison Halahala which had the capacity to devour the universe. 
Lord Shiva came to the rescue of the Devas and Demons and he drank the poison Halahala. The demons and gods continued the churning of the ocean and finally they got the Amrut or elixir on the twelfth day of lunar fortnight. 
The Devas and Asuras thanked Lord Shiva on the thirteenth day. Pleased with the devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have danced between the horns of Nandi – the bull. The time when Shiva was extremely happy was the Pradosham period or the twilight time. 
It is believed that Lord Shiva is extremely happy during this period and blesses all this devotees and fulfills their wishes during the Pradosh period on Trayodashi day.  
Shiva devotees perform Pradosh for attaining moksha and fulfilling their dreams. 
How to do or observe Pradosham or Pradosha Vrata dedicated to Shiva? 

Pradosha Vrata is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight and there are two Pradosham in a Hindu month. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped in the evening during twilight on this day. In some regions, the day is dedicated to Nataraja form of Shiva. The fasting on this day is observed for success, peace and fulfillment of desires. It is said that mere darshan of any of the one form of Shiva removes ignorance.  


The importance of Pradosha Vrata and how to observe it is narrated in the Skanda Purana.  There are two methods of fasting on the day. Some people observe a 24-hour fast which includes not sleeping during night. Another method is fasting from sunrise till sunset and after Shiva puja in the evening the fast is broken.  


Pradosham is the twilight period just before sunset and after sunset. Pujas and prayers are performed during this period. Many people during this period spend the time in a Shiva temple or listening to the glory of Shiva. In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha, Kartik and Nandi. After 
the initial prayers, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Kalasha (sacred pot). The Kalasha filled with water is covered with darbha grass and a lotus is drawn on the pot. 


Another form of worship is the puja of Shivling. The shivling is bathed with water and Bilva leaves are offered. Some people use a painting or picture of Shiva for worship. It is said that offering Bilva leaves on Pradosham is highly auspicious. 


After this people listen to the Pradosha Vrata Katha or story or read chapters from Shiva Purana. Then the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is recited 108 times.  After this the water used in the puja ceremony is given as ‘Prasad’ along with sacred ash. The ash is applied on the forehead.  
It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosham period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding. Majority of Shiva devotees have a darshan of Shiva during Pradosham in a nearby temple.In all Pradosha vratas, Shani Pradosha and Soma Pradosham are the important days. 


Pradosham which falls on Shanivara (Saturday) is Shani Pradosh and on Somavara (Monday) is Soma Pradosham. In 2011, there are three Pradosh vrat dates in January and March and only one in February 2011. Here are the Pradosham 2011 dates: (Note: All the dates are given as per Indian Standard  Time, IST.): 

Pradosh in the year 2011: 

Pradosh in January 2011: 
1 January 2011 – Pradosham on Saturday – Shani Pradosh vrat 
17 January 2011 – Pradosh vrat on Monday – Soma Pradosham 
31 January, 2011 – Pradosh puja on Monday – Som Pradosh 
Pradosh vrat in February 2011: 
16 February 2011 – Pradhosha Vratam on Wednesday 
Pradosha puja dates in March 2011: 
2 March 2011 – Pradosham on Wednesday 
17 March 2011 – Pradosham Puja on Thursday 
31 March 2011 – Pradosha Pooja on Thursday 
 Pradosh in April 2011: 
15 April 2011 – Pradosh on Friday 
30 April 2011 – Pradosh on Saturday – Shani Pradosh 
Pradosh vratham in May 2011: 
15 May 2011 – Pradosh fasting on Sunday 
30 May 2011 – Soma Pradosham – Pradosh on Monday 
Pradosh fasting in June 2011: 
13 June 2011 – Som Pradosha – Pradosham on Monday 
28 June 2011 – Pradosh fasting on Tuesday 
Pradosham in July 2011: 
12 July 2011 – Pradosh Vratham on Tuesday 
28 July 2011 – Pradosha vrat on Thursday 
Pradosha puja in August 2011: 
11 August 2011 – Pradosha on Thursday 
26 August 2011 – Pradosha puja on Friday 
Pradosh September 2011 dates: 
9 September 2011 – Pradosh Vrata on Friday 
25 September 2011 – Pradosha puja on Sunday 
Pradosh October 2011: 
9 October 2011 – Pradosha on Sunday 
24 October 2011 – Som  Pradosha – Pradosh on Monday 
Pradosham November 2011: 
8 November 2011 – Pradosh on Tuesday 
23 November 2011 – Pradosham on Wednesday 
Pradosham in December 2011: 
7 December 2011 – Pradosh on Wednesday 
22 December 2011 – Pradosha fasting on Thursda