In Sanātana Dharma, the Trayodashi Tithi holds special significance. When this date falls on a Friday, it is called 'Shukra Pradosh Vrat'. This fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that observing this fast with a sincere heart and performing the puja brings happiness, prosperity, love, and wealth. Specifically for unmarried individuals, this fast is considered to pave the way for early marriage, while for married couples, it enhances love and understanding in their lives. This auspicious fast falls on May 9th, 2025. Let's learn about the significance of this day, special remedies, and the mythological story behind it.
Vrat Date and Auspicious Muhurat
- Date: Friday, May 9th, 2025
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 2:56 PM on May 9th
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 5:29 PM on May 10th
- Best Time for Puja (Pradosh Kaal): 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM (Local Time)
Significance of Shukra Pradosh Vrat
The Pradosh Vrat that falls on Trayodashi Tithi on a Friday is called 'Shukra Pradosh'. The planet Venus (Shukra) symbolizes love, material pleasures, marital harmony, art, music, splendor, and prosperity in life. If a person's horoscope has Shukra dosha (Venus affliction) or Venus is in an inauspicious position, this fast is considered helpful in balancing it.
The worship of Lord Shiva during the first prahar of the night, i.e., at sunset, is considered extremely fruitful on this day. It is said that a devotee who performs abhishekam of the Shiva Lingam at this time and listens to the Pradosh Vrat Katha is freed from diseases, debts, and enemies.
Special Remedies to Perform on Shukra Pradosh Vrat Day
Remedy for increase in wealth: On the Pradosh Vrat of Friday, donate 1.25 kilograms of whole rice and a small amount of milk to a Shiva temple. This remedy strengthens your family's financial situation and brings wealth into the home.
- For relief from financial difficulties: If financial hardships have gripped your life and all attempts to gain wealth are failing, tie seven turmeric lumps in a yellow silk cloth and place them under a banana tree. This remedy performed on Pradosh Vrat eliminates financial crises.
- For a good job and promotion: Fill a raw earthen pot with wheat, close the lid, and donate it to a deserving Brahmin. After the donation, touch their feet and seek their blessings. This leads to career advancement and resolves job-related problems.
- For business success and career growth: Take a peepal leaf and draw a swastika symbol on it with turmeric. Offer it at the feet of Lord Vishnu and chant the 'Om Namo Bhagavate Narayanaaya' mantra. Offer yellow sweets or a banana. This remedy brings progress in business and heights in a career.
- For liberation from enemy obstacles: Wash a Shami Patra (Prosopis cineraria leaf) with clean water and offer it to the Shiva Lingam. Chant the 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra 11 times. This provides relief from enemies and brings mental peace.
Shukra Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi
- The observer of the fast should take a bath in the morning and make a Sankalp (resolve).
- Observe a fast throughout the day; you can consume fruits.
- In the evening, bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Perform abhishekam of the Shiva Lingam with Ganga water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
- Offer Bilva Patra (Bael leaves), Datura, and white flowers.
- Light a lamp, offer incense, and perform Shiva Stuti (praises).
- Chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' and the 'Mahamrityunjaya Mantra'.
- Be sure to listen to the Pradosh Vrat Katha (story).
Shukra Pradosh Vrat Katha
Once upon a time, in an ancient city, three friends lived – a king's son, a Brahmin's son, and a merchant's son. All three were married, but the merchant's son couldn't bring his wife from her parents' home.
One day, the Brahmin's son, while extolling the virtues of women, said that a house without a woman is inhabited by ghosts. Hearing this, the merchant's son decided to bring his wife. His parents dissuaded him because Venus was in an inauspicious position (Shukra Asta). It is believed that bringing a woman to her husband's home during Shukra Asta is inauspicious.
The merchant's son ignored his parents' advice and brought his wife home. On the way, their cart wheel broke, both were injured, and then robbers looted them. They somehow reached home, but there a snake bit the merchant's son. The physicians declared his death certain.
The Brahmin's son advised sending him back to his in-laws' home with his wife. This misfortune occurred due to the departure during Shukra Asta; he could recover only by returning there. The merchant sent his son and daughter-in-law back, and a miracle happened – the merchant's son recovered completely. This was made possible by the grace of Shukra Pradosh Vrat.
This story shows that the position of celestial planets has a profound effect on our lives, and we can balance it through religious practices.
Shukra Pradosh Vrat is a fast that brings happiness, prosperity, love, and wealth into life. It not only bestows material wealth but also provides mental peace and spiritual balance. Those who observe this fast with devotion never lack wealth; married life becomes blissful, and unmarried individuals find suitable life partners.
