Pradosha
pooja is
one of the most sacred and important am
ong the poojas performed by Shivites
to the Graceful Lord Shiva. In Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from new moon
to full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from full moon to new moon)
the evening of the Trayodasi (thirteenth moon day)
between
Pradhosha Purana:
Once Dhevas and Asuras
using the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara were trying to get
Amrutham (nectar) from the Khseerabthi (milk ocean). Then the terrible
poison Halahalam came up. All got frightened and pleaded to Lord Shiva
for rescue. Being the peak of mercy Lord Shiva ate that poison. Then as
per His order they resumed their effort to get Amrutham. They got it on
Dhwadhasi (twelfth moon day). Without praying and thanking the God, by
whom they got Amrutham, Devas started dancing and celebrating their
victory.
On
Thrayodhasi (thirteenth moon
day)
they realised their sin of not praying the God and pleaded for
forgiveness. The pleased graceful Lord Shiva forgave them and danced
between the horns of the Nandhi (Holy Bull). That time is called
Pradhosham. Whoever Prays Lord Shiva in that time, Lord Shiva fulfills
their wishes and give them mukthi.
During Prodhosha time anointing (Abhishekam) the Shiva deity with the Following is considered fruitful.
Oh Rudra, My
salutations to your anger and to your arrows. My salutations to your bow
and to your two hands.
Rudra is always known to be easily pleased
and through the praise contained in Sri Rudram, the fierce Rudra is
calmed and becomes ready to grant us every conceivable blessing as
requested in the Chamakam hymn.
HOW TO PERFORM SOMASUTRA PRADAKSHINAM
DURING PRADOSHAM
First saluting
the Rishabha Devar (Holy Bull or
Nandi) go anti-clockwise and salute
Chandishwarar (not crossing the Gomukhi). Now return in the
clockwise manner salute
Rishabham
and continue clockwise till the
Gomukhi (not
to cross it again). Then return in anti-clockwise direction salute the
Rishabham
again and proceed towards chaNdIshar. From there
return back clockwise without worshiping
Rishabham
and reach the gomukhi. Finally return back
anticlockwise from there to salute
Rishabham
and continue to
Chandishwarar
and return back to
Rishabham
and worship the shiva lingam (at the altar) by
viewing through the space between the two horns of the
Holy Bull.
This is one Pradakshinam. Three
such times Pradakshinam to be done.
If you carefully observe the curve traced by doing the pradakshinam is very similar to the periphery of the crescent. Hence this way of circumambulating is called Somasutra Pradakshinam.
PRADOSHA KALAM - PRADOSHA TIMINGS, EVERYDAY PRADASHA DETAILS
Everyday between 5.30 to 6.00
pm in the evening is called Dina Pradosham. Every thirteenth day of a
Paksha (15-day cycle, making it
two Pakshas every month - Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha) is called Maha
Pradosham. The time between 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the evening is called Pradosham
(Dina Pradosham). During the Pradosha period, it is significant to worship Lord
Shiva, as He performs the Holy Dance in Kailashparvatam., all Devtas assemble
there to watch this holy event, offer their Prayers to HIM. Thinking and
meditating during Pradosha Kalam is considered most sacred by Hindus and helps
derive benefits of having worshipped all Devatas at one go.