Ravi
Pradosh
Katha

Among all Pradosh fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ravi Pradosh Vrat holds a special place. It is observed when Trayodashi Tithi falls on a Sunday. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day helps remove obstacles, promotes good health, brings harmony to married life, and fulfills sincere wishes.

Ravi Pradosh Vrat Katha

Once, for the welfare of all living beings, a great assembly of sages was organized on the banks of the sacred River Ganga. Learned rishis had gathered there to discuss spiritual matters and seek answers that could benefit humanity.

At that time, the revered Suta Ji Maharaj, an expert in the Puranas and a devoted narrator of divine stories, arrived at the gathering while singing the glories of the Lord. Seeing him, all the sages rose from their seats and welcomed him with great respect.

After everyone had settled down, the sages humbly asked: "O revered one, please tell us who first observed the auspicious Ravi Pradosh Vrat and what blessings were obtained through it."

Suta Ji smiled and replied: "Listen carefully. I shall narrate a sacred story that reveals the greatness of Ravi Pradosh Vrat and Lord Shiva's grace upon His devotees."

Long ago, in a village, lived a poor but kind-hearted Brahmin and his wife. Though they had very little wealth, they were content and devoted to righteousness. The Brahmin's wife regularly observed the Pradosh Vrat with deep faith and sincerity. They had only one son, who was the light of their lives.

One day, the young boy set out to take a holy bath in the Ganga. On his way, a group of thieves surrounded him.

They said, "Tell us where your father has hidden his wealth, and we will spare your life."

The frightened boy folded his hands and replied honestly, "We are poor people. We do not possess any hidden treasure."

The thieves then pointed to the small bundle he was carrying and asked, "Then what is inside that bundle?"

The boy answered without hesitation, "My mother packed some rotis for me before I left home."

Hearing his innocent reply, one of the thieves said, "This child belongs to a family that struggles even for daily meals. Let him go. We will look elsewhere."

Feeling pity for him, they released the boy.

After walking for a long distance, the exhausted child reached another town. There, beneath the shade of a large banyan tree, he lay down to rest and soon fell asleep.

At the same time, the king's soldiers were searching for the real thieves. When they came near the banyan tree, they found the sleeping boy and mistakenly assumed that he was one of the criminals they were pursuing.

Without investigating further, they arrested him and presented him before the king.

Believing the soldiers' account, the king ordered that the boy be imprisoned.

Meanwhile, when the child failed to return home, his parents became deeply worried. They searched anxiously, but there was no sign of him.

The next day happened to be Pradosh Vrat.

Despite the pain in her heart, the Brahmin's wife observed the vrat with complete devotion. She worshipped Lord Shiva and silently prayed: "O Mahadev, wherever my son may be, please protect him and bring him back safely."

Moved by the sincerity of her prayer, Lord Shiva accepted her devotion.

That very night, the Lord appeared in the king's dream and warned him: "The boy you have imprisoned is innocent. Release him at once. If you fail to do so, your kingdom and prosperity will be destroyed."

The king awoke in fear.

At daybreak, remembering the divine warning, he immediately ordered the boy's release.

When questioned, the child narrated everything that had happened—from meeting the thieves to being wrongfully imprisoned.

Realizing his mistake, the king felt ashamed. To make amends, he sent his soldiers to bring the boy's parents to the royal court.

When the Brahmin and his wife arrived at the palace, they were frightened and unsure of what awaited them.

The king reassured them and said: "Do not be afraid. Your son is innocent. I have wronged him through haste and poor judgment. Please forgive me."

As repentance for his mistake, the king gifted the Brahmin **five villages**, ensuring that the family would never have to suffer poverty again.

By the grace of Lord Shiva and the merit of sincere Pradosh devotion, the Brahmin family was reunited and began living a peaceful and prosperous life.

Suta Ji concluded: "Just as Lord Shiva removed the sufferings of this devoted family, may He bless all those who observe Ravi Pradosh Vrat with faith and listen to this sacred katha."

Such is the glory of Ravi Pradosh Vrat.

Har Har Mahadev.