Pradosham: "The Removal of Sins"

The below photographs are of the July 5, 2013 Pradosham as observed at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai. 

Pradosham is a time especially meant for praying to Lord Shiva, as it is the time that Shiva absorbs devotees’ karma. Thus, it is believed that praying during the time of Pradosham will free us from sins and eventually lead to moksha. The twilight, Pradosham, marks the end of the day light and beginning of night. The day is ruled by Gods, angels and saints while night is ruled by evil spirits. 

Nandi the Bull at Big Temple Flagstaff

It was the Devas that approached Shiva during Pradosham to get relief from the demons. In their distress, Shiva and his mount Nandi assisted the Devas and from this legend has emerged the pratice of worshipping Shiva along with his sacred mount Nandi, at the time of Pradosham. 

Circumambulating the Shiva Sannidhi

For more complete information about Pradosham, please check out my earlier posts available at this link here.

To learn how to perform (during Pradosham) the special type of circumambulation called Soma Sutra Pradakshina, please view this link.

June 6, 2013 -- Pradosham, Big Temple

On June 6, 2013, Pradosham was celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Pradosham is a worship connected to Lord Shiva and is a bimonthly occasion which falls on the thirteenth day of every fortnight in the Hindu Calendar. 

When Lord Shiva delivered the Shiva Sutras to the Goddess, Nandi was guarding the entrance to ensure that the Lord’s instructions were delivered without interruption. Thus during Pradosham, the bull Nandi (in South India Shiva Temples) is worshipped and the idol of Shiva with Parvati in a seated pose on Nandi is taken in procession in the Temple compound. 

During the day of Pradosham a fast observed from sunrise to sunset is considered highly beneficial. 

The next Pradosham is June 21st, 2013. To learn more about the significance of Pradosham, go to this link here.