Pradosh Vrat and Second Somvar Vrat

 16th July-Second Somvar Vrat and also Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh VratPradosh is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiv on  the 13th day of a lunar fortnight in Hindu traditional calendar. Pradosh occurs during the two different phases of moon (waxing and waning) in a Hindu Lunar month. This year Som  Pradosh fall on 16^th and 30^th of July 2012 and in Shravan month. This is a very rare happening that two Mondays in shravan month are dedicated to pradosh fasting. The Prayers and Pujas are offered to Lord Shiva  and Goddess Parvati during the evening twilight period on this day.  Pradosh as the name indicates is a period 1 and 1/2 hours before the sunset and 1 and 1/2 hours after the sunset. Fasting starts from sunrise and ends with the evening Poojaa. Most devotees prefer to pray to Lord Shiva or remain in Shiv temples during the Pradosh period.

How to Do This Vrat

There are two ways to do this Vrat.
--Some people observe a 24-hour fasting, which includes not sleeping at night.
--Another method is fasting from sunrise to sunset and after Shiv Puja the fast is broken.
Since Pradosh is a Kaal - period (from 1.30 hours before sunset to 1.00 hour after sunset) all Poojaa is done during this period only. If there is a temple of Shiv, one can go there too to perform Puja.
--Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiv during the Pradosh period or visit temples.

Take the bath an hour before sunset, and first perform a preliminary worship of Shiva, together with all the others of his Divine family, namely, Nandee, Shiv, Paarvatee, Ganesh, and Skand - in this order. After the worship of Ganesh, Shiv is invoked in a special Kalash placed on a square Mandal with a lotus drawn on the Kalash and Darbhaa grass spread over the Mandal. After the formal worship has been completed, a Pradosh story is read and heard by the devotees. This is followed by the recitation of the Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. In the end the sacred Kalash water is partaken of, the sacred ash is applied to the forehead, and the water which was used to bathe the Lord, is drunk.

Food to be Taken
Although one should not take salt in this Vrat. Staunch devotees opt for water only throughout fasting time and will only eat the Prasaad offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat  from next day morning. But as people know, there is not much hard and fast rules in Hindu Vrat and festivals. Whatever is available according to time, place and one's physical condition may be used for worship and Vrat. One should never worry about all this. It is rather important to lift oneself spiritually by self control.

A very important point to be remembered in this connection is that during this auspicious period all the hosts of celestial beings and gods come down from the Heavens and attend the worship in their subtle forms. This adds immensely to the sanctity of the worship. This Vrat is highly lauded by the scriptures and is of very great sanctity and importance to worshippers of Shiva.  Even a single Bel leaf (Bilva Patra) offered to the Lord at this unique, auspicious moment equals a hundred Mahapuja. It is usual to have special additional lights in the shrine during the Pradosh. To light even a single wick at this juncture is highly meritorious and productive of untold benefits, spiritual as well as material.  According to Veda, worship Lord Vishnu in the morning and Lord Shiva in the evening, especially during Pradosh Kaal is highly beneficial to the Saadhak, especially when the 12th Tithi (Dwaadashi) in Krishn Paksh or Shukla Paksh ends before midnight.

Daily Panchang & Muhurtha Monday 16th  July 2012

Based on British Standard Time (London)
[Ashaadha- Shravana]
Second Somvar vrat

Sunrise: 05:04:17 Sunset: 21:08:05 Moonrise: 02:33:54
Nandana (1934) Vikrami(North): 2069, Vishvaavasu
Vikram(Gujarat): 2068
Ritu: Varsha
Ashaadha/Shravan Krishna Paksha
T: Trayodashi 27:19:41+ N: Mrigashirsha 26:53:34+
Y: Vriddhi 06:57:03
K: Garaja 14:28:43 K: Vanija 27:19:41+
Sun : Karka at 04:59:31 Moon : Mithuna at 13:43:51
RK: 07:04:45-09:05:14 YM: 11:05:42-13:06:11
GK: 15:06:40-17:07:08 AJ: 12:42:11-13:30:11
DM: 13:38:19-14:42:34 DM: 16:51:04-17:55:20
V: 06:37:23-08:23:08
AK: 17:11:55-18:57:40
Sun in Punarvasu
TY: Amrita 26:53:34+ TY: Siddha
AN: Ananda 26:53:34+ AN: Kaldanda
Agnivasa: on Earth

Abbreviations

T: Tithi N: Nakshatra Y: YogaK: Karana RK: Rahukaal YM: Yamakaal GK: Gulika iAJ: Abhijit Muhurta DM: Durmuhurtham V: Varjyam AK: Amritkalam AN: Anandadi yoga TY: Amritha, Siddha Marana Yoga used in Tamil Panchangam

Agnivasa(location of Fire) :Doing Havan if Fire on earth gives Happiness, in Heaven  could gives loss of life, in Paatala gives loss of wealth

Bad Period -Rahukalam -Yamagandam – Gulikai – Durmuhurtham – Durmuhurtham –Varjyam –

Good Time -Abhijita Muhurta – Amrita Kalam – 

Rest all hours that are not part of Bad Period are Good time.When bad period overlaps into good period, that much time of badperiod should be eliminated from good period.

(Panchang differs from place to place please request for your city)

Shanivar Vrat: Saturday Fasting Dedicated To Hindu God Shani and Hanuman

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Shanivar (Saturday)
Saturday is dedicated to alleviating the bad influence of Lord Shani. The Vrat on this day is mainly observed by those people who believe in Hindu astrology. Black is the color of the day and people visit Shani shrine or Navagraha shrines. Food is only consumed once on the day. Talk about Shani or Sani to a Hindu and the first reaction will be fear and then the mentioning of ill effects and troubles. Shani is dreaded by Hindus, especially by those who believe in astrology. Many people observe an Upvaas or fast to avoid the adversities and misfortunes on Shanivar or Saturday. It is believed that those who have the blessing of Lord Hanuman are protected from the wrath of Shani. Therefore many people make it a point to worship Hanuman at home or in temples. Black is the preferred color on Saturday.

Shani, one of the Navagrahas, is worshipped in numerous temples and there are also temples exclusively dedicated to Sani. Devotees who are observing Shanivar Vrat usually visit Shani shrines. Black colored items like sesame til, sesame oil, black clothes, and black gram whole are offered to Shani. It must be noted here that the color of the idol of Shani is always black in color.

Those devotees who fast on Saturday only take a single meal that too in the evening after prayers. Food prepared usually consists of sesame til or black gram or any other black colored food item. Salt is avoided by many on the day.

Shani is represented as a deity carrying bow and arrows and riding a vulture. Some devotees worship a black iron idol of Sani. Some worship the Peepal Tree and tie thread around its bark. Black colored items like sesame oil and black clothes are also donated on the day. Shani is so dreaded that many Hindus avoid journeys on Saturday. There are also numerous tales regarding the evil effects of Shani.

But generally it is believed that Lord Hanuman devotees are unharmed by Sani. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman had rescued Shani from Ravana. This happened during the burning of the Lanka episode in the epic Ramayana. Lord Shani had then promised that he would not trouble Lord Hanuman devotees.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Shukravar Vrat or Upvaas: Friday Dedicated to Santhoshi Ma and Shukra or Venus

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Shukravar (Friday)
Friday is dedicated to Mother Goddess – Mahalakshmi, Santhosi Ma, Annapuraneshwari and Durga. Sweets are distributed on the day. Those devotees observing the Vrat make it a point to eat at night. In Hindu religion, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular God or Goddesses. Friday or Shukrawar is dedicated to Shakti – the Mother Goddess in Hinduism – and Shukra or Venus. One of the most important Vrat or Upvaas (fast) on the day is dedicated to Santhoshi Matha (an incarnation of Shakti). The fasting is also known as ‘Solah Shukravar Vrats because a devotee fasts for 16 consecutive Fridays. White color is given importance on Friday.

Another deity that is propitiated on the day is Shukra, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. The period of Shukra in one’s astrological chart is considered to be most productive and luckily period.

Worship of Shakti – Durga, Kali and other forms – on Friday is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India attract large number of devotees on this day.Devotees wear white colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset. The person fasting only partakes in the evening meal. White colored food like kheer or milk is the most preferred.Fast is kept for various reasons which include removal of obstacles, for a child, happy family life etc.

There are numerous stories associated with Shukravar. In almost all the stories, Lord Shukra or Venus is dishonored in the beginning and the devotee later realizes his/her folly through numerous untoward incidents. Then the devotee realizes the mistake and propitiates Shukra and is finally rewarded.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Brihaspativar Vrat – Thursday Dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and Brihaspati

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Brihaspativar (Thursday)
Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. Pujas are conducted using milk, ghee etc. Food is only eaten once and that too containing milk products. People read Srimad Bhagavad Purana on the day.

In Hinduism, each day in a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is dedicated to Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas. Thurdsay is also popularly known as Gurubar or Guruvar. Yellow is the color of the day. A fast is observed on the day and food is consumed only once. In some areas, people make it a point to visit Hanuman Temple on Thursdays. There are numerous stories associated with the reason for observing Upvaas, or fast, on Brihaspativar. Many of the stories are part of local folklore and stories vary from region to region.

Almost all stories suggest that those who perform pujas and Vrats on Thursdays will be blessed with wealth and happy life. In some stories, Lord Vishnu appears in the guise of a Sadhu to test the devotees on Thursdays. In other stories, it is Brihaspati. First the person in the story denies alms and is lethargic but later realizes his/her mistake and observes Thursday Vrat and pleases the Gods.

Those devotees fasting on the day wears yellow colored dress and offers yellow colored fruits and flowers to Vishnu and Brihaspati. Food is only consumed once and includes Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) and ghee. Basically, yellow colored food is eaten on the day.

In some regions, banana or plantain is worshipped and watered.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Budhvar Vrat: Hindu fasting dedicated to Krishna and Mercury

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Budhvar (Wednesday)
Wednesday is dedicated to planet Mercury and Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. Green color leaves, especially Tulsi leaves, are used in Pujas. The day is highly auspicious for starting new ventures and it is believed that those who observe the Vrat are bound to get blessed with fortunes. People also give alms on the day. Budhvar, Wednesday, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the planet Budh or Mercury. The day is also associated with Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. In some regions, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. Keeping a fast (Upvaas) on Budhvar is believed to help in leading a peaceful family life.

Those devotees who undertake a fast on the day only take a single meal in the afternoon. The fasting is observed mainly by husband and wife together. Green color is considered highly auspicious on the day. In Astrology, mercury is considered to be compassionate and generous. Mercury is usually depicted riding a lion.

In some regions, people start new ventures on Wednesday as Mercury or Budh is considered to help new business ventures. Educational activities begin on Wednesday in some places.

 It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Mangalvar Vrat: Tuesday Dedicated to Hindu God Lord Hanuman

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week

Mangalvar (Tuesday)
Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Durga, Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman. Most devotees visit Devi and Hanuman shrines. Those people who fast avoid taking food containing salt at night

In Hinduism, each day in a week is dedicated to a particular deity in the Hindu pantheon. Tuesday or Mangalvar is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Upvaas (fasting) on the day is dedicated to Hanuman and Mangal or Mars.  Mangalwar, Tuesday, takes its name from the god Mangal or mars who rules the day and is considered to be a trouble maker, and the fast is to ward off the harmful effects. Red is the preferred color on the day.

It must be noted here that the Hanuman might not be worshipped on Tuesday in all regions. Some communities might be worshipping some other deity. For example, in South India the day is dedicated to Skanda or Muruga or Kartikeya (Kartik). But generally Tu esday is dedicated to Hanuman.

 Mangalvar Vrat is observed by those couples who wish to have a son. Other benefits include happiness in the family. People who believe in astrology observe fast to alleviate the harmful effects associated with the planet mangal or mars.

Those who undertake the fast on Tuesdays only take a single meal. It is a whole day fast. The single meal on the day usually any food made of wheat and jaggery. Most people observe the fast for 21 Tuesdays without a break.

People wear red colored clothes on the day and offer red flowers to Lord Hanuman.

It is believed that Lord Hanuman will help his devotees in overcoming difficulties in life especially those that arises from the activities of Mangal graha

.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Ravivar Vrat: Sunday Fasting Dedicated to Hindu God Surya

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Ravivar(Sunday).

Ravivar, or Sunday, is dedicated to Lord Surya or Suryanarayana. Upvaas or fasting on the day is dedicated to the Sun God. Red is the color of the day.Those people who undertake fast on the day only eat food once that too before sunset. Salt, oil and fried food items are avoided.

Red color flowers are offered while praying. Red color sandalwood paste is applied as tilak on forehead. Extra care is given on cleanliness of the body and surrounding.

It is believed that Ravivar Vrat will help in fulfilling desires. People with skin diseases observe the Vrat to get relief. Many devotees also give alms on the day.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.