Pradosh Vrat Katha (As described in the Skanda Purana)
In ancient times, there lived a widow Brahmani in a village. She had a young son. Every day, she would go out with her son to beg for alms and return home by evening. This was her only means of livelihood.
One evening, as she was returning with alms, she saw a very handsome and radiant boy near the riverbank. This boy was none other than Prince Dharmagupta of Vidarbha.
The prince’s father had been killed in battle by enemies who had also seized his kingdom. His mother, unfortunately, while bathing in the river one day, was devoured by a water-demon (jala-graha). Thus, the helpless child wandered alone in despair.
The Brahmani’s heart was filled with compassion. She took the boy home along with her own son and decided to raise him as her own child. Both the boys grew up together.
Some time later, one day the Brahmani went to a Shiva temple along with her two sons. There they met the great sage Rishi Shandilya. With his divine vision, the sage recognized that the boy was indeed the lost prince of Vidarbha. He told the Brahmani that this boy had come to her only by the grace of Lord Shiva.
Rishi Shandilya advised the Brahmani to observe the Pradosh Vrat (a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Shiva). He further said that if both the boys also observed this vrat, then by the special grace of Lord Shiva, all their difficulties would be removed. The Brahmani began observing the vrat with devotion, and both boys also performed it with great sincerity.
Meeting with the Gandharva Princess
Some time later, the two boys went to the forest to play. There they saw a group of Gandharva maidens. The Brahmin’s son returned home, but Prince Dharmagupta stayed behind and spoke with one of the maidens named Anshumati. Gradually, they became attracted to each other.
The Gandharva maiden invited Dharmagupta to meet her father for marriage. The next day when Dharmagupta arrived, the Gandharva king revealed—by the will of Lord Shiva—that he was indeed the rightful prince of Vidarbha. With Lord Shiva’s blessing, the Gandharva king married his daughter Anshumati to Prince Dharmagupta.
Restoration of the Kingdom
After the marriage, the Gandharva king gifted his powerful army to Dharmagupta. With the help of this mighty army, Dharmagupta defeated his enemies and regained control over his lost kingdom of Vidarbha.
All this was made possible only due to the power of Pradosh Vrat and the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Benefits of Pradosh Vrat
- Removal of Poverty – According to the Skanda Purana, one who listens to or reads the story of Pradosh Vrat with devotion never faces poverty for a hundred lifetimes.
- Blessings for Children – Children receive good values, success, and a prosperous life.
- Relief from Difficulties – Even the most severe hardships are removed by Lord Shiva’s grace.
- Wealth, Fame, and Prosperity – The household is filled with peace, happiness, and prosperity.
- Attainment of Punya (Merit) – The devotee receives the fruit of many virtuous deeds at once.
- Path to Liberation – Since this vrat is dear to Lord Shiva, it destroys sins and ultimately leads the soul towards moksha (liberation).
Why Should This Katha Be Heard?
- Listening to or reading the story increases faith and devotion in the heart.
- The moral message of the story teaches us that no matter how difficult life becomes, if one observes the Pradosh Vrat with faith in Lord Shiva, even the impossible becomes possible.
- The story inspires devotees with patience, discipline, and the power of devotion.
- Both the Shiv Purana and Skanda Purana state that the vrat is considered complete only when its katha is heard or read.
Thus, the story of Pradosh Vrat is not only fascinating but also deeply spiritual and inspiring. It strengthens the belief that Lord Shiva always protects His devotees in every situation and fills their lives with happiness, prosperity, and success.