Importance of Ravi Pradosh Vrat

Ravi Pradosh Vrat is an important Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva performs a divine dance or Tandava during the Pradosh Kaal (twilight) on this day. This Vrat is observed on the 13th day of each fortnight of the Hindu lunar month. The Vrat is observed during both the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) and the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon).

The Pradosh Vrat that falls on March 22nd, 2024, is considered particularly auspicious for Lord Shiva’s worship. Devotees of Lord Shiva observe a fast on this day, which begins at sunrise and ends after sunset. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva, recite his mantras and chant hymns to seek his blessings. Some devotees also visit Lord Shiva temples and perform puja rituals. It is believed that observing the Ravi Pradosh Vrat helps to attain spiritual enlightenment and blessings from Lord Shiva. This Vrat is said to remove all sins and obstacles in the devotee’s life and grant them peace, prosperity, and good health. It is also believed that observing the Ravi Pradosh Vrat during the month of March can help to increase wealth and prosperity.

Puja Vidhi for Ravi Pradosh Vrat

The Puja Vidhi or the procedure for performing the worship of Lord Shiva during Ravi Pradosh Vrat is as follows:

1. Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers, garlands, and other decorative items.

2. Place a Shivalinga or an idol of Lord Shiva in the centre of the puja room.

3. Light incense sticks and offer them to Lord Shiva.

4. Light a lamp using ghee or oil and place it in front of the idol or Shivlinga.

5. Offer water, milk, and honey to Lord Shiva while reciting mantras.

6. Offer flowers, fruits, and other sweets to Lord Shiva.

7. Recite the Maha Mrityunjay Mantra or other mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.

8. Offer Akshat or unbroken rice grains to Lord Shiva while reciting mantras.

9. Perform aarti by rotating the lamp in a circular motion in front of Lord Shiva and offer prayers.

10. Finally, seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and conclude the puja.

It is important to observe the fast with sincerity and devotion and perform the puja rituals with a pure heart and mind. Devotees can also recite the Shiva Chalisa, Shiva Tandava Stotram, or other devotional songs and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva during the puja.

Pradosh 2024 Dates

Day	Date	Pradosh Vrat
Tuesday	09-Jan-24	Bhauma Pradosh Vrat
Tuesday	23-Jan-24	Bhauma Pradosh Vrat
Wednesday	07-Feb-24	Budha Pradosh Vrat
Wednesday	21-Feb-24	Budha Pradosh Vrat
Friday	08-Mar-24	Shukra Pradosh Vrat
Friday	22-Mar-24	Shukra Pradosh Vrat
Saturday	06-Apr-24	Shani Pradosh Vrat
Sunday	21-Apr-24	Ravi Pradosh Vrat
Sunday	05-May-24	Ravi Pradosh Vrat
Monday	20-May-24	Soma Pradosh Vrat
Tuesday	04-Jun-24	Bhauma Pradosh Vrat
Wednesday	19-Jun-24	Budha Pradosh Vrat
Wednesday	03-Jul-24	Budha Pradosh Vrat
Thursday	18-Jul-24	Guru Pradosh Vrat
Thursday	01-Aug-24	Guru Pradosh Vrat
Saturday	17-Aug-24	Shani Pradosh Vrat
Saturday	31-Aug-24	Shani Pradosh Vrat
Sunday	15-Sep-24	Ravi Pradosh Vrat
Sunday	29-Sep-24	Ravi Pradosh Vrat
Tuesday	15-Oct-24	Bhauma Pradosh Vrat
Tuesday	29-Oct-24	Bhauma Pradosh Vrat
Wednesday	13-Nov-24	Budha Pradosh Vrat
Thursday	28-Nov-24	Guru Pradosh Vrat
Friday	13-Dec-24	Shukra Pradosh Vrat
Saturday	28-Dec-24	Shani Pradosh Vrat

​Ravi Pradosh Vrat Katha

There are several stories associated with Ravi Pradosh Vrat. One of the popular legends associated with this fast goes as follows:

Once, there was a wealthy merchant named Chandan who lived in a city. Despite his immense wealth, Chandan was unhappy as he had no children. He decided to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and performed rigorous penance for many years. 

 

Impressed by Chandan’s devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him to seek a boon. Chandan expressed his desire to have a child, and Lord Shiva blessed him with a son.

However, Chandan soon became too busy with his business and forgot about his devotion to Lord Shiva. He became proud and arrogant and started neglecting his spiritual practices. One day, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and warned him of the consequences of forgetting his devotion. He told Chandan that he would lose his wealth and happiness if he did not rectify his ways. Realizing his mistake, Chandan began observing Ravi Pradosh Vrat and dedicated himself to Lord Shiva. He became humble and kind and started serving the poor and needy.

 

As a result of his devotion, Chandan’s business started to flourish, and he became even more prosperous than before. He realized the importance of spiritual practices and continued observing Ravi Pradosh Vrat for the rest of his life.

This story emphasizes the importance of devotion and spiritual practices in one’s life. Observing Ravi Pradosh Vrat with sincerity and dedication can bring immense blessings and prosperity to the devotees and help them attain spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Do’s:

1. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the vrat.

2. Offer water, flowers, and incense to Lord Shiva.

3. Light a lamp using cow’s ghee or sesame oil and offer it to Lord Shiva.

4. Recite the Ravi Pradosh Vrat Katha, which narrates the significance of the vrat.

5. Observe a fast during the day and break it after the evening puja.

6. Chant the Shiva mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” during the puja.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco during the vrat.

2. Do not engage in any negative or harmful activities on this day.

3. Avoid sleeping during the day and engage in activities related to Lord Shiva.

4. Do not speak ill of anyone or engage in gossip.

5. Do not break the fast before the evening puja.

6. Do not skip the puja or the vrat as it may be considered disrespectful to Lord Shiva.

You may read more about other Hindu vrat dates, Indian festivals, today panchang  and  muhurat.