Shivashtakam and Pradosh Vrat: Divine Connection Explained

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Shivashtakam and Pradosh Vrat: Divine Connection Explained

Shivashtakam and Pradosh Vrat: Divine Connection Explained" Explore the significance of Shivashtakam during Pradosh fasting. Learn its spiritual benefits and how it enhances devotion to Lord Shiva.

Shivashtakm on Pradosh Fasting. Pradosh Vrat is observed on Trayodashi Tithi in both fortnights of every month, holding profound significance in Hindu tradition. Often, while Ekadashi is associated with Vishnu, Pradosh is revered in connection with Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Shiva once cured the Moon of tuberculosis on a Trayodashi Tithi, bestowing upon the day the name Pradosh. Like Ekadashi, Pradosh occurs twice a month on Trayodashi, both of which are linked to the Moon. Those who observe fasting and consume fruits on Pradosh strengthen the Moon in their horoscopes, which in turn enhances Venus and Mercury. This alignment of celestial bodies is believed to bring auspiciousness into one's life, simplifying the journey ahead and eradicating unfavourable influences.

The glory of Pradosh varies depending on the day it falls upon. For instance, Pradosh on Sunday is known as Ravi Pradosh, on Monday as Som Pradosh, and so on. Each day's Pradosh is accompanied by its unique significance, fulfilling various desires and aspirations. For example, Shani Pradosh is believed to fulfil the desire for progeny.

Observing Pradosh Vrat is a revered way to please Lord Shiva and invite blessings of happiness, prosperity, and abundance into one's life. Worshipping Shiva during the Pradosh period is highly auspicious, with historical accounts suggesting that even Ravana attained siddhis by pleasing Shiva during this time.

Devotees often recite the Shivashtakam hymn during Pradosh Vrat, seeking blessings for a blissful life filled with familial happiness and material wealth. This fast is straightforward yet immensely rewarding, offering a plethora of fruits. Its sanctity is extolled in ancient scriptures, such as the Skanda Purana.

On the day of Pradosh Vrat, devotees purify themselves through morning bathing and fasting while keeping Lord Shiva in mind. An hour before sunset, they take another bath and prepare worship materials, including fragrances, flowers, incense sticks, and offerings. Seated facing northeast, they worship Lord Shiva, offering water while chanting the Panchakshar Mantra and presenting seasonal fruits. Devotees fervently pray for the fulfilment of their wishes, seeking blessings not only from Shiva but also from Parvati and Nandi. It's advised not to offer vermilion, turmeric, Tulsi, Ketaki, or coconut water to Lord Shiva today.

Shivashtakam--

प्रभुं प्राणनाथं विभुं विश्वनाथं जगन्नाथ नाथं सदानन्द भाजाम् ।

भवद्भव्य भूतेश्वरं भूतनाथं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 1 ॥

गले रुण्डमालं तनौ सर्पजालं महाकाल कालं गणेशादि पालम् ।

जटाजूट गङ्गोत्तरङ्गैर्विशालं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 2॥

मुदामाकरं मण्डनं मण्डयन्तं महा मण्डलं भस्म भूषाधरं तम् ।

अनादिं ह्यपारं महा मोहमारं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 3 ॥

वटाधो निवासं महाट्टाट्टहासं महापाप नाशं सदा सुप्रकाशम् ।

गिरीशं गणेशं सुरेशं महेशं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 4 ॥

गिरीन्द्रात्मजा सङ्गृहीतार्धदेहं गिरौ संस्थितं सर्वदापन्न गेहम् ।

परब्रह्म ब्रह्मादिभिर्-वन्द्यमानं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 5 ॥

कपालं त्रिशूलं कराभ्यां दधानं पदाम्भोज नम्राय कामं ददानम् ।

बलीवर्धमानं सुराणां प्रधानं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 6 ॥

शरच्चन्द्र गात्रं गणानन्दपात्रं त्रिनेत्रं पवित्रं धनेशस्य मित्रम् ।

अपर्णा कलत्रं सदा सच्चरित्रं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 7 ॥

हरं सर्पहारं चिता भूविहारं भवं वेदसारं सदा निर्विकारं।

श्मशाने वसन्तं मनोजं दहन्तं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ 8 ॥

स्वयं यः प्रभाते नरश्शूल पाणे पठेत् स्तोत्ररत्नं त्विहप्राप्यरत्नम् ।

सुपुत्रं सुधान्यं सुमित्रं कलत्रं विचित्रैस्समाराध्य मोक्षं प्रयाति ॥