Bhauma Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat is a sacred fasting day observed by Hindus to please Lord Shiva. It falls on the ‘Trayodashi’ (13th day) in each lunar fortnight of the traditional Hindu calendar. This implies that there are two observances of Pradosh Vrat, in ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the waxing phase of moon) and ‘Krishna Paksha’ (the waning phase of moon) of every Hindu month. When this occurrence of Pradosh Vrat falls on a Tuesday it is called ‘Bhauma Pradosh Vrat’. The word ‘bhauma’ is another name for ‘Mangal or planet mars, which is also the presiding deity of a Tuesday or Mangalwar.

The period of twilight is considered most befitting for performing the Bhauma Pradosh Vrat rituals. It is stated in the Hindu Puranas that during this time the divine couple (Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) are in the most favorable and propitious mood. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and observe a fast on this day to benefit fruitful results.

Bhauma Pradosh Vrat 2022 is on March 15

Rituals during Bhauma Pradosh Vrat

• On that day of Bhauma Pradosh Vrat, devotees get up and take an early bath. The observer of this vrat must also take bath again before sunset.
• The puja is performed in the northeast corner of the home and during the ‘Pradosh Kaal’ (the period before dusk). The place of worship is cleaned with Gangajal before the placing of Lord Shiva. Devotees perform ‘Abhishekam’ and make several offerings to the Lord. While ding the rituals, one must chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. Aarti is performed in the end and the Prasad is given to all present for the occasion.
• Fasting is the prime ritual of the day. A person who keeps the Bhauma Pradosh Vrat benefits from good health and is freed from all diseases. The fasting begins from the time of sunrise and continues till the completion of puja rituals. The fast is broken in the evening by eating only the Prasad offered to the lord.
• On the day of Bhauma Pradosh Vrat, Hindu devotees feed the Brahmins and offer donations in the form of clothes, food, or money. They also visit the temples of Lord Shiva in the evening and offer prayers.

Significance of Bhauma Pradosh Vrat

The glories of Bhauma Pradosh Vrat are sated in ‘Shiva Purana’ and other religious Hindu scriptures. Bhauma Pradosh Vrat is an important day for followers of Lord Shiva. When the observance of Pradosh Vrat coincides with a Tuesday, it is popularly referred to as Bhauma Pradosh Vrat or Bhaum Pradosh Vrat. This day holds special significance as there are several legends associated with Lord Shiva and Mangal. According to the Hindu scriptures, Baum or planet Mars observed severe ‘Tapas’ and was bestowed with Mangal Loka by Lord Shiva.

It is therefore believed that a person who devotedly observes the Bhauma Pradosh Vrat and worships Lord Shiva will be granted fulfillment of all his/her desires. Women observe this sacred vrat to be blessed with a mal child. The power of Bhauma Pradosh Vrat is such that it removes all the obstacles and negative forces in life and also purifies the surroundings. A person having ‘Mangal Dosh’ in his/her horoscope should perform this puja and fasting. The observer of the Bhauma Pradosh vrat is blessed with the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and ultimately seeks salvation.