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Core Concept• What it is: A highly sacred bi-monthly fast dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• When it occurs: On the Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) of both the waxing and waning moon phases.
• The Prime Window: The most crucial period is Pradosha Kaal—the twilight window roughly 1.5 hours before and after sunset.
The Legend in Brief
• During the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison called Halahala emerged.
• To save the universe from destruction, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison on a Trayodashi evening.
• This twilight time represents divine grace, where Shiva is believed to be in an exceptionally benevolent mood to dissolve negative karma.
How to Observe the Fast (Points)
• The Fast: Devotees maintain a strict fast from sunrise. It can be a complete waterless fast, or a partial fast relying on fruits and milk.
• The Evening Ritual: Before sunset, devotees take a bath and visit a Shiva temple or prepare their home altar.
• The Abhishekam: The Shiva Lingam and Lord Nandi (the sacred bull) are ritually bathed with milk, curd, honey, and tender coconut water.
• Key Offerings: Offering Bilva leaves (Vilvam) and arugampul (grass) to Nandi is highly auspicious.
• Chanting: Chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra during twilight.
• Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken after the evening Aarti and receiving holy prasadam, by consuming a simple vegetarian meal.
Immediate Upcoming Dates (Local Times)
• June 12, 2026 (Friday): Shukra Pradosham (Brings prosperity and harmony)
• June 27, 2026 (Saturday): Shani Pradosham (Highly powerful for dissolving heavy karmic debt)
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PICKERING ARULJOTHY SIVAN TEMPLE, 1734 Orangebrook Ct, Pickering, ON L1W 3G8, Canada
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