Pradosh Vrat is a sacred fasting day to please Lord Shiva. It falls on the ‘Trayodashi’ (13th day) of each lunar fortnight of the Hindu calendar. When Pradosh Vrat falls on a Tuesday it is called ‘Bhauma Pradosh Vrat’. The word ‘bhauma’ is another name for ‘Mangal' or the planet Mars, which is also the presiding deity of Tuesday (Mangalwar). The period of twilight is considered most beneficial for performing the Bhauma Pradosh Vrat rituals. It is stated in the Puranas that during this time Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are in a most favourable and propitious mood. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and observe a fast on this day to achieve fruitful results.
When Pradosh Vrat falls on Tuesday, it is known as Bhaum Pradosh. The benefit of Bhaum Pradosh Vrat is that it gives relief from health problems and enhances physical health. It also brings prosperity.
Abhishekam is performed on the five major Nandi statues at Arunachaleswarar Temple on the occasion of each Pradosham.
From east to west the five Temple Nandis are:
Periya Nandi in front of Vallala Gopuram Fifth Prakaram.
Chinna Nandi, Fourth prakaram
Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram
Ratha Vilaku Nandi, Second Prakaram
Pradosha Nandi, Moolastanam
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| Milk Abhishekam of Periyar Nandi |
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| Aarti of Periyar Nandi Alangaram |
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| Devotees 5th Prakam watching Periyar Nandi worship |
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| Ratha Vilaku Nandi at 2nd Prakaram |
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| The Gods on Procession |
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| Performing circumambulation of Siva Sannidhi, Big Temple |
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| Procession with Arunachala background |
The next Pradosham will be observed on Tuesday 6 June 2017. Bhauma Pradosh Vrat [19.12 to 21.15]
