In Hinduism, fasts (vrats) and festivals hold special significance. They not only strengthen religious faith but also serve as means for spiritual purification and mental peace. One such highly virtuous fast is Bhaum Pradosh Vrat. While Pradosh Vrat is observed on every Trayodashi (13th lunar day) of the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) phases of the moon, when it falls on a Tuesday, it is called Bhaum Pradosh Vrat. This vrat is primarily dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and is believed to grant the devotee various material and spiritual benefits.
What is Bhaum Pradosh Vrat?
Pradosh Vrat is observed on the Trayodashi tithi of both the Shukla and Krishna paksha of every lunar month. It is performed during the “Pradosh Kaal” – a period of approximately 1.5 hours after sunset, which is considered extremely auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva.
When this Trayodashi falls on a Tuesday, it is termed Bhaum Pradosh Vrat. The word Bhaum refers to Tuesday, which is associated with the planet Mars (Mangal Graha). Mars is believed to govern strength, courage, blood, war, and land. On this day, along with Lord Shiva, Mars is also specially worshipped.
Significance of Bhaum Pradosh Vrat
Bhaum Pradosh Vrat is considered highly effective and rewarding. Its spiritual, religious, and social benefits include:
1. Freedom from Debt and Loans:
This vrat is especially beneficial for individuals suffering from financial debt or economic crises. It is believed that observing this vrat gradually removes the burden of debt from one’s life.
2. Resolution of Land Disputes:
Since Mars is the significator of land, this vrat helps in resolving property disputes and court cases related to land ownership.
3. Health Benefits:
Mars represents blood, muscles, and energy in the body. Hence, this vrat is helpful in curing blood disorders, high blood pressure, and muscle-related illnesses.
4. Protection from Enemies and Dangers:
Bhaum Pradosh Vrat safeguards against enemies and removes obstacles and fears. With the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mars, the devotee becomes fearless and courageous.
5. Mental Peace and Spiritual Strength:
Worshiping Lord Shiva during the Pradosh Kaal calms the mind, removes restlessness, and leads the devotee towards spiritual growth.
Legend (Katha) of Bhaum Pradosh Vrat
According to an ancient tale, a poor widow had only one son who was severely ill. She was extremely worried and prayed for his life. One day, a sage advised her to observe the Bhaum Pradosh Vrat. With full devotion, she followed the vrat and worshiped Lord Shiva. Pleased with her sincere faith, Lord Shiva blessed her son with new life and health.
This story conveys that with true devotion and faith, even the impossible can be made possible.
How to Observe Bhaum Pradosh Vrat
1. Resolve to Fast:
Wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and meditate on Lord Shiva while taking a vow (sankalp) to observe the vrat.
2. Fasting Method:
Depending on devotion, one may observe a waterless (nirjal) fast or consume only fruits (phalhaar).
3. Preparation for Worship:
Clean the home and set up a Shivling (symbol of Lord Shiva). Offer Bilva leaves, water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Ganga water. Light incense and lamps, and offer flowers, sandalwood, rice, etc.
4. Pacifying Mars:
Offer red clothes, red sandalwood, lentils (masoor dal), and jaggery to Lord Shiva. Recite the Mars mantra:
“Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah”
5. Shiva Worship during Pradosh Kaal:
Perform special worship of Lord Shiva during the Pradosh period (after sunset). Recite Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, Shiva Tandava Stotra, or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
6. Aarti and Vrat Katha:
Perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva and read or listen to the story (katha) of Bhaum Pradosh Vrat.
7. Brahmin Feeding and Donations:
The next day after the vrat, feed a Brahmin and offer donations such as clothes, copper, red lentils, jaggery, and other items.
What Not to Do on Bhaum Pradosh Vrat
- Avoid telling lies.
- Avoid anger, conflicts, or impure conduct.
- Do not consume meat, alcohol, onion, or garlic.
- Avoid eating late at night. Ideally, eat only once during the day if observing the fast.
Remedies and Totkas (Spiritual Tips) Related to Bhaum Pradosh Vrat
1. To Get Rid of Debts:
Offer masoor dal on a Shivling and chant “Om Namah Shivaya”.
2. To Resolve Land Disputes:
Pour water with red flowers and jaggery from a copper vessel on the Shivling.
3. For Health Benefits:
Perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of Shivling with red sandalwood and Ganga water.
4. To Defeat Enemies:
Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.
What to Eat on Bhaum Pradosh Vrat
- You may eat fruits, milk, sabudana, peanuts, water chestnut flour (singhada atta), potatoes, etc.
- Use only rock salt (sendha namak).
- Consume only fresh and sattvic (pure) food.
Bhaum Pradosh Vrat is not just a religious tradition but also a powerful spiritual practice. It frees the devotee from worldly sufferings and grants spiritual strength. Worshiping Lord Shiva and pacifying Mars through this vrat is believed to bring peace, prosperity, health, and success in life.
The person who observes this vrat with true devotion gets absolved of all sins and attains liberation (moksha).
