Shukra Pradosh Vrat on October 23, with puja time from 6:19 pm to 8:56 pm

The Pradosh Vrat is considered very important for seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is observed twice a month, once on the thirteenth tithi of the Krishna Paksha and once on the thirteenth tithi of the Shukla Paksha. The name of the fast and its religious significance depend on the day of the week on which it falls. A Pradosh Vrat that falls on a Friday is called Shukra Pradosh Vrat.

According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day brings happiness and peace to married life and keeps the household prosperous.

According to the Panchang, the Trayodashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin begins at 5:05 am on Friday, October 23, and ends at 4:06 am on October 24. Worship of Lord Shiva in the evening holds special significance in the Pradosh Vrat. This time, Trayodashi falls on Friday during Pradosh Kaal, so the Shukra Pradosh Vrat will be observed on Friday, October 23.

Worshipping Shiva during Pradosh Kaal is considered auspicious. The Shivling is anointed and Shiva is worshipped along with Goddess Parvati. The time prescribed for worship in the Shukra Pradosh Vrat is from 6:19 pm to 8:56 pm.

The method of worship is to wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes. Then meditate on Lord Shiva and take the vow of the fast. Eat fruit or keep a full fast, according to one's faith and health. In the evening, anoint Lord Shiva with water and Gangajal. Offer panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar, on the Shivling.

Offer sandalwood paste, bel leaves and white flowers to Lord Shiva. Offer kheer or a white sweet as bhog. Light a lamp before Shiva, recite the story of the Pradosh Vrat, and finish with the aarti of Shiva, praying for peace and well-being of the family.

Some remedies have also been suggested for happiness in married life. It is religiously believed that worshipping Shiva and Parvati on the day of Shukra Pradosh Vrat brings happiness and peace to married life. If there is tension or any trouble in married life, makhana kheer can be offered to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva on this day. After that, chant the mantra "Om Gauri Shankaraya Namah" 108 times. This worship is believed to increase love, trust and harmony between husband and wife.

Shiva is also worshipped on this day for relief from financial hardship. For this, mix water, a little Gangajal and raw milk in a copper or brass vessel and offer it on the Shivling, chanting the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya". According to religious belief, worship of Shiva brings peace of mind and inspires patience in difficult circumstances.