The Story about Pradhosham

P.Natarajan.

Today is 17th in the Tamil Month 'Thai' or Makara and corresponds with the Krishnapaksha Thrayodhasi. It is otherwise known as 'Prodhosham'. Thai Ammavasai occurs two days from today.

There is a story about Prodhosha and Lord Siva takes the centers stage. The Devas desired to have a life that will last for ever. They approached Lord Narayana who advised them to beget nectar or Amruth from the Ksheerapthi (ocean of milk). They made use of Vasuki, the serpent as a rope to churn the ocean with the help of the Meru Mountain. Vasuki felt the pain unbearable in the process and spit 'poison'. the 'alhala poison' grew in dimension and soon became a threat to the whole world. Devas approached Lord Siva to protect them and Parvathy Devi's merciful look compelled Lord Siva to devour the entire poison that got generated in the process of churning the Ksheerapthi. Parvathi Devi rushed to lord Siva and stopped His action and the poison got stayed at the throat level. Lord Siva came to be known as 'NEELAKANTA" from that day, as the name suggests his throat became Blue in color . Lord Siva who appeared very much tired after swallowing the 'alahala poison' brought his body flat in a lying position. The Devas and Parvathy Devi feared and in order to drive away their fear, Lord Siva began the 'Thandava' dance. It was Ekadasi day when Lord Siva took the poison. He was in the lying position on Dwadasi. On Thrayodasi day , Siva commenced his Tandava Dance. It was then 'Sandhya kalam' or twilight time. This time is considered as holy and from that day on wards came to be known as 'Prodhosham' and people worship Lord Siva and Prodosha Pujas are offered to lord Siva in Temples in elaborate style.. It is believed that those who worship Siva during Prodhosha for a period of 14 years continuously will not have rebirth.

The time when Night meets the Day is known as 'Ushath' Kala or simply known as the Dawn. Usha Devi, the consort of Surya is the presiding deity at Dawn. In a similar way, the time when the Day meets the Night is known as 'Prodhosha Kalam' or simply known as 'Sandhya Kalam'. The gramatic name is 'Prathushath kalam' which in days to come came to be better known as 'Prodosham' We all know dhosham means some deficiency and Pradhosham means 'Nil Deficiency". Sani Prodhosham is considered as sacred as it was
SATURDAY when SIVA's " Sandhya Thandavam " happened !

Nandi Perumal who takes Lord Siva always on him was immensely in enjoyment to look at Sivathandavam. That is why People look at Lord Siva through the horns of Nandi Deavar. People worship Nandi with a garland of fine grass.

On Prodosha Day, people worship Hari at dawn and Siva at the time of sandhya when they recite the Panchakshara Mantra " OM Nama SIVAYA ', "OM NAMA SIVAYA' ...RPT.....

pn