प्रदोष स्तोत्रम् — Benefits & How to Chant
प्रदोष स्तोत्रम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting प्रदोष स्तोत्रम्
Reveals the special glory and merit of worshipping Shiva during Pradosha Kaal (twilight of Trayodashi)
The third verse promises growing wealth, grain, family well-being and prosperity in this very life to Pradosha worshippers
Frees one from the poverty said to follow those who neglect Pradosha worship, birth after birth
Establishes that at Pradosha, worship of Shiva pleases all the gods at once, who gather at his side
Inspires single-pointed devotion to the lotus-feet of the Lord as the one true essence of human life
A beautiful contemplation of Shiva's cosmic dance on Kailasa amid the music of Brahma, Vishnu and the Devas
How to Chant प्रदोष स्तोत्रम्
Instructions
This stotram is most powerfully recited during Pradosha Kaal, the auspicious twilight of the thirteenth lunar day, ideally before a Shiva Lingam or image of Nataraja with Nandi. After lighting a lamp, recite the verses with a single-pointed mind, contemplating the Lord's dance on Kailasa as all the gods worship at his side. It is traditionally chanted as part of Pradosha Vrata, often along with abhishekam of the Lingam. It may also be recited on Mondays and Maha Shivaratri. Worship offered with this hymn at Pradosha is said to please all the deities at once.
Spiritual Significance
The Skanda Purana relates the story of a poor Brahmin boy who, through the grace earned by Pradosha worship of Lord Shiva, was lifted from destitution to royal fortune — illustrating the hymn's promise that sincere worship at the Pradosha hour brings abounding prosperity in this very life, while pleasing all the gods who gather at Hara's side.
Origin & History
Source: Skanda Purana (Pradosha Stava / Pradosha Mahatmya)
Author: Traditional (from the Skanda Purana)
The Pradosha Stotram is drawn from the Pradosha Mahatmya of the Skanda Purana, which extols the supreme merit of worshipping Lord Shiva during Pradosha — the twilight of Trayodashi. By tradition, it was at the churning of the ocean that Shiva drank the deadly halahala poison to save the worlds, and the grateful gods worshipped him at this twilight hour; ever since, Pradosha has been sacred to Shiva. The hymn paints the scene on Kailasa where, as the Lord dances with Gauri seated beside him, Brahma keeps time, Saraswati plays the veena, Vishnu the mridanga and Lakshmi sings — all the gods gathered in worship. It concludes that at this hour Shiva alone is to be adored, for then every deity is pleased.