30th April 2011 is Sani Pradosham day. Shani Pradosh, or Sani Pradosham is the Pradosha Vrata falling on Shanivar (Saturday). Pradosham is an auspicious ritual fasting & worship day dedicated to Lord Shiva

Lord Sani is the presiding deity of Shanivara (Saturday). Shani is the presiding deity for duty and karma and therefore causes suffering to those who neglected their duties in their past lives or committed evil karmas. It is believed that fasting and praying on Shani Pradosham day will help in reducing the suffering caused by Saturn.

Uthama Sani Pradhosha is the Sani Pradhosham that comes during the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaigasi, Ayppasi and Karthigai during the waxing period. Mathima Sani Pradhosham occurs during the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaigasi, Ayppasi and Karthigai during waning period. All other Shani Pradhoshams come under this category Athama Shani Pradhosha.

Benefits of observing Pradosham

Pradhosha Vrata, or Pradhosham, is an important fasting day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pradosha occurs twice in a month – on the 13th day (Trayodashi) – during the waxing moon fortnight and the other during the waning moon fortnight. The puja and worship is done in the evening. The Pradosha period can be loosely indicated as 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset.

The Shiva Purana states that one undertakes fasting on Pradhosha will be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. The fasting and worship is specially undertaken by women who long to have children. It is said that those praying to Shiva during the auspicious time of Pradhosha will be freed from sins.

Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison that was churned up from the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan) during Pradosham.  Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati are in a propitious mood during the evening twilight on the Trayodashi day and hence are easily pleased and grants whatever that a sincere devotee asks.

Offering Bael or Bilva leaves during the period to Lord Shiva is considered auspicious.

There are Shiva devotees that observe fast on both Pradosha days in a month. Some only fast during the waning phase of moon. Staunch devotees opt for water only and will only eat the ‘prasad’ offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked food from next day morning. Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples.

Since Monday is dedicated to Shiva, the Pradosha falling on Monday is referred as Soma Pradosham and is considered highly auspicious. Pradosha falling on Saturday during the waning phase of moon is also auspicious. It is believed that all the Devas & Gods are assembled in the Shiva temples during Pradosham time. Further, the first pradosham was on a Saturday & hence "Sani Pradosham" is even more auspicious.