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Home > Temples of Kerala > Pradosham PradoshamPradosham is the thirteenth day (ie, Thrayodasi-thithhi) of a fortnight, provided the thithhi comes at the time of sunset. Even if the thithhi spreads over two days the day having the thithhi at sunset is only reckoned. Fasting and praying to Lord Siva are done on this day. The day is significant as it is believed that it was on the dusk of this day that Sree Parameswara appeared as Nataraja and danced to please the Goddess. The period of pradosha extends over a yaama (3 hours), ie, 3 3/ 4 naazhikas (1 1/2hours) each before and after the sun-set. It is believed that at this period all Gods and Goddesses assemble before Lord Siva for his services. Therefore it is stipulated that a devotee after deha-suddhi and with great devotion to God, should smear bhasma (cow-dung ashes) in the fore-head and body, wear Rudraksha-maala and recite Siva-beejaakshara-manthra (Om Namah Sivaaya) and fast for day time. In the evening after snana, he should recite panchakshara-manthra and worship Siva. The fast is completed by paarana, and taking of tender coconut offered to the deity Pradosha is observed in all Siva temples in Kerala.
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