Ravi Pradosh Vrat, also known as Surya Pradosham or Bhanu Pradosham, is a sacred occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva and observed on a Trayodashi that falls on a Sunday. The vrat offers a powerful window for karma cleansing and spiritual healing.

In Ravi Pradosh, the blazing Sun bows to the One beyond time-Mahadev, the destroyer of all doshas.

Pradosham is a bi-monthly observance that falls on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of both waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) moon phases. The term ‘Pradosham’ signifies “removal of sins” (pra = removal, dosham = sin). It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva during the Pradosh Kaal-the 3-hour twilight period (1.5 hours before and after sunset)-offers liberation from past karmas and opens doors to prosperity.

When Trayodashi falls on a Sunday, it becomes Ravi Pradosh Vrat, ruled by Surya (the Sun)-the planetary deity governing soul, vitality, and ego. Thus, Ravi Pradosham is potent for healing one’s inner self, ancestral karma, ego blocks, and karmic burdens.

Deities/Gods/Goddesses Associated

• Lord Shiva – Supreme deity of transformation and destruction of karmas.

• Goddess Parvati – Divine consort, symbol of Shakti and forgiveness.

• Surya Bhagwan (Sun God) – Cosmic soul and symbol of vitality.

• Nandi – The divine bull, witness of all Pradosha pujas.

Origin :

As per Shiva Purana and Pradosha Mahatmiyam, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the lethal poison Halahala emerged. Lord Shiva, to protect all beings, consumed the poison and held it in his throat, turning it blue-earning him the name Neelkanth. On the next day (Trayodashi), the devas and asuras sought forgiveness for forgetting to thank him, and Lord Shiva forgave them during the twilight hour. This moment became the Pradosh Kaal-a window for divine grace and karmic relief.

Significance of Ravi Pradosh:

Ravi Pradosh is particularly effective for:

• Rejuvenating soul energy (Atma Shakti)

• Healing ego and pride (afflictions of Surya)

• Burnout relief and inner vitality

• Relief from Pitru Dosha and ancestral karma

• Success in government or leadership roles

It also clears the Vish Yoga (Moon-Saturn affliction), as Shiva is the only deity who can harmonize poison (Moon) and time-bound karmas (Saturn).

Astrological Relevance:

• Day: Sunday (Ravi-var), ruled by Sun

• Recommended for: Weak Sun in birth chart, strained fatherly relations, ego struggles, heart ailments

• Astro-remedy: Shiva Abhishekam during Ravi Pradosham helps pacify adverse Sun influences.

Customs, Traditions, and Rituals

• Waking up during Brahma Muhurta, taking a bath, and wearing clean clothes.

• Fasting from sunrise to the next sunrise (or from sunrise to Pradosh Kaal for partial vrat).

• Avoiding onion, garlic, grains, and tamasic food.

• Reciting Shiva Sahasranama, Rudram, Shiva Panchakshari Stotra, and Aditya Hridaya Stotra.

• Performing Abhishekam with milk, honey, curd, ghee, and Gangajal.

• Offering Bilva leaves, white flowers, raw rice, and sandalwood paste.

• Lighting ghee lamps and offering camphor during the aarti.

Devotees also meditate and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times.

Puja Vidhi & Puja Katha

Puja Vidhi:

1. Purification: Mix Gangajal in bath water and purify the body.

2. Altar Setup: Place a Shiva Linga on a white cloth. Decorate with flowers and garlands.

3. Invoke Shiva with Panchamrit Abhishekam.

4. Offerings:

   • Bilva leaves

   • White rice

   • Sandal paste

   • Incense, Deepam

   • Naivedya (milk-based sweets or fruits)

5. Mantras:

   • Panchakshari: Om Namah Shivaya

   • Mahamrityunjaya: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe…

   • Surya mantra: Om Hreem Suryaya Namaha

6. Read Ravi Pradosh Vrat Katha (Story of King Chandrasen)

7. Aarti and Bhajan: Offer camphor aarti and chant Shiva bhajans.

8. Parana (Breaking the Fast): Next day morning with sattvic food.

Katha Summary:

King Chandrasen of Ujjain was a devout Shiva bhakta. When attacked by enemies, a boy named Shrikhar observed Pradosh Vrat and prayed for the king’s protection. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva protected Ujjain and blessed both Shrikhar and Chandrasen. This tale is read during every Pradosh Vrat.

Celebrations Across India

• Ujjain (MP) – Major observance at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

• Tamil Nadu – Evening temple rituals in Chidambaram, Thiruvannamalai.

• Maharashtra & Karnataka – Devotees perform Rudrabhishek in large numbers.

• Odisha & West Bengal – Devotees visit Lingaraj and Tarakeshwar temples.

• Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi – Magnificent twilight aarti and mantra chanting.

How to Observe Ravi Pradosh Vrat

• Take a vow (sankalpa) to observe fast for spiritual growth.

• Fast with purity and devotion (either Nirjala or with fruits/milk).

• Perform Shiva puja during Pradosh Kaal.

• Donate food, clothes, and items to Brahmins or the needy.

• Break fast the next day and thank Lord Shiva for his grace.

Benefits of Celebrating Ravi Pradosh Vrat

✅ Spiritual:

• Karmic cleansing and soul purification

• Greater devotion and Shiva consciousness

✅ Health:

• Remedies Sun-related ailments (heart, bones, eyes)

• Balances body energy (linked to Surya chakra)

✅ Astrological:

• Strengthens Surya in horoscope

• Remedies for Pitru Dosha, Vish Yoga, ego issues

✅ Emotional/Social:

• Heals fatherly relationships

• Reduces arrogance, improves humility and self-respect