Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli – Pradoshams
Pradosha
is celebrated with great shradha, popularity and vigour here and as per
beliefs, it was here where practice of celebrating Pradosha
Kalam started in origin. Pradosham is an important
event in this temple and is conducted on Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from New
moon to Full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from Full moon to New
moon), the evening of Trayodasi between 4:30PM to 6:30PM.
Pradosham
is considered as one of the important rituals performed to Lord Shiva. The
Pradhosha Nandhi here is present in a big open mandapam that can withstand a big
crowd in a way that everyone can have a clear Dharshan. Additionally, if you
buy a 50 Rs ticket, one person is allowed in the inner reserved area and for a
250 Rs ticket, 4 persons are allowed and are given the Pradhosha prasadam.
All the
Gods and Goddesses have assembled during Pradosham. So Pradhosha worship gives
the blessings of all these Gods and Goddesses. Devotees should not go in
between Shiva lingam and Nandhi in any temple in normal time itself and
especially during the Pradhosha time. Devotees should worship Nandhi, then
Shiva through the gap in between the two horns of the Nandhi. Since Nandhi is
the one who takes one’s prayers to Shiva, we can tell our wishes and prayers to
the ears of Nandhi. Arugampul garland and Kapparisi neivedhyam to Nandhi are
very sacred.
Maha Pradosham
comes yearly during the month of Masi before Maha Shivarathri. The Pradosham
coming on Somavaram (Monday) is called Soma Pradosham. Monday is a special day
for Shiva. Saturday is the day when Shiva swallowed poison and this is called
Sani Pradosham. It is categorized into three depending upon the month of the Pradosham:
Uthama Sani Pradosham (Maximum power) – The Sani Pradosham that comes during
the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaikasi, Aippasi and Karthigai during the Growing
Lunar Cycle (Valar Pirai), i.e., New moon to Full moon period.
Mathima
Sani Pradosham (Normal power) – The Sani Pradosham that comes during the Tamil
month of Chithirai, Vaikasi, Aippasi and Karthigai during Diminishing Lunar
Cycle (Thei Pirai), i.e., Full moon to New moon period. Athama Sani Pradosham
(Minimum power) – All the other Sani Pradoshams
If the
Maha Pradosham comes on Saturday, it is called Sani Maha Pradosham. According
to the duration of Thrayodhasa star Pradosham is categorized into three: Uthama
Pradosham (Maximum power) – If the Thrayodashi period is present from dawn to
the next day dawn; Mathima Pradosham (Normal power) – If the Thrayodashi period
is present from dusk to the next day dusk. Athama Pradosham (Minimum power) –
If the Thrayodashi period comes after the sunset and goes before 4:30 PM the
next day.
A
Pradhosha worship gives the benefit of worshipping a Shiva temple daily
throughout the year. A Sani Pradhosha worship gives the benefit of worshipping
a Shiva temple daily throughout the year for five years. Continuous 120
Pradhosha worships give limitless benefits and salvation. It is believed that
seeing a Pradosham at Kutraleeswarar temple of Koyambedu, will fetch the
benefit of seeing 1000 Pradoshams.