August Fasts

Pradosh Vrata

It is observed on the Trayodashi of both the fortnight (Shukla and Krishna Paksha).

The Pradosha worship is to he done in the evening twilight on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight. It is the worship of Lord Shiva of Parvati for victory and success in all undertakings and the fulfillment of all your heart's cherished desires.

One who undertakes this Vrata has to keep vigil at night after the fast is over. One has to take bath an hour before sunset and has to perform the worship of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Skanda and Nandi. After the Ganesha worship, Lord Shiva is invoked in the special kalasha placed on a square mandala with drawn lotus spread over with darbha grass. After the formal worship has been completed, the Pradosh story is read out. This is followed by the recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. In the end the sacred Kalasha water is taken, the sacred ash is applied to the forehead and the sacred water which was used to bathe the Lord is drunk. A gift of a pot, a cloth and an image of God is given to a brahmin to conclude the worship.

Myth I
Repeatedly defeated by demons, the Gods approached Lord Shiva to bless them with a leader who could not be defeated. Gods approached Lord Shiva on trayodashi of both the fortnight (Shukla and Krishna Paksha). Lord Shiva immediately granted them their prayerful request and the demons were stopped from causing havoc.

Myth II
Sandilya Muni prescribed this Vrata to a certain brahmin lady. She came to the sage with two boys, her son Suchivrata and an orphan prince named Dharmagupta whose father was slain in battle and the kingdom was conquered by enemies.

Acting upon the sage's advice, the woman and the boys performed the Vrata with great devotion. After four months, i.e. during the eighth Pradosh, Suchivrata obtained the nectar pot and drank the ambrosia. Prince Dharmagupta won the hand of a celestial princess and with the help of the celestial king Lord Shiva his enemies were slayed and his kingdom was restored to him. Dharmagupta then attained the Lord's supreme abode.

Kalashtami

The eighth day of the second half of the month of Kartik is observed by fasting and the night is spent in prayers. As the legend goes that on this day Kala Bhairav, a creation of Lord Shiva, in his wrath chopped off one of the five heads of Lord Brahma and returned to Banaras. Since then Kala Bhairav has been the presiding deity of the sacred city (Banaras). The local Hindus observe this day annually in his honour.

Pooja is held at 12:00 am. The next day is also followed by pooja in noon. This celebration is held for one and half day.