Pradosh Vrat holds special importance in Hinduism. According to religious beliefs, observing this fast fulfills wishes and brings blessings. On this day, Lord Shiva is worshiped. When Pradosh Vrat falls on a Saturday, it is called Shani Pradosh Vrat. Shani Pradosh Vrat will be observed today, on December 28, 2024. On this occasion, a story associated with a merchant and his wife is traditionally recited.
Shani Pradosh Vrat Story
Gargacharya said, “Oh revered sage, you have described the significance of all Pradosh fasts to please Lord Shiva. Now, we wish to hear about the Shani Pradosh ritual. Kindly enlighten us.”
Sutji replied, “Oh great sage, your deep devotion to the feet of Shiva and Parvati is evident. I will narrate the Shani Trayodashi Vrat method. Listen carefully.”
A long time ago, there was a poor Brahmin whose wife, troubled by their poverty, approached Sage Shandilya and said, “Oh great sage, I am deeply distressed. Please suggest a remedy to end our suffering. My two sons are under your guidance. My elder son, Dharma, is a prince, and my younger son, Shuchivrat, is devoted. We are impoverished, and only you can uplift us.”
Hearing this, the sage advised observing the Shiva Pradosh Vrat. All three began observing this fast with devotion. After some time, during one Pradosh Vrat, the younger son, Shuchivrat, went to a pond for a ritual bath. On his way, he found a golden urn filled with treasures. Joyfully, he brought it home. Seeing the wealth, his mother said, “My son, this wealth is a blessing from Lord Shiva.”
The mother then told the elder son, “This wealth is Shiva’s blessing. Both of you should share it equally.” Hearing this, the prince replied, “Oh mother, this treasure belongs to my brother. I shall only accept what Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati bestow upon me.”
A Journey to Prosperity
One day, both brothers decided to explore the countryside. During their travels, they came across a group of celestial maidens playing. Shuchivrat cautioned his brother not to proceed further, but the prince, enchanted, ventured ahead. Among the maidens was a beautiful young woman who became enamored with the prince.
She approached him and said, “Who are you, and why are you here in this forest? Please introduce yourself.” The prince replied, “I am the son of the King of Vidarbha. May I know who you are?”
The maiden introduced herself as Anshumati, the daughter of the celestial king Bidravik. She expressed her feelings for the prince and adorned him with a pearl necklace as a token of her affection. Accepting it, the prince said, “Oh beautiful maiden, I am honored, but I am poor.” She reassured him and sent him back home.
Divine Intervention
Three days later, the celestial king arrived with his daughter and said, “I visited Mount Kailash, where Lord Shiva instructed me to help Dharma, the prince who is currently impoverished. Lord Shiva asked me to bring my daughter here for marriage.”
The celestial king performed the wedding rituals, bestowing great wealth and happiness upon the prince. Eventually, with Shiva’s blessings, the prince regained his kingdom and lived a prosperous life.
This story emphasizes the significance of devotion and faith in Lord Shiva, highlighting how observing the Shani Pradosh Vrat can lead to wealth, success, and divine blessings.