Pradosham comes from the words "pra" and "dosham." "pra" means "removes," and "dosham" means "sins." So, "pradosham" means "the time that removes sins."
Once upon a time, the gods and demons churned the ksheersagar, the ocean milk, in search of the nectar of immortality. Mount Mandara served as the churning rod. Serpent Vasuki served as the churning rope.
During the churning process, a lethal poison named Halahala emerged and annihilated everything in its path. As soon as the devas and asuras witnessed the havoc wreaked by Halahala, they fled to Kailasa, the home of the great god Shiva, for assistance. Vrushabha deva(Nandi God), the bull of god Shiva protected them by giving shelter under his own tongue by stretching it.
Lord Shiva heard their supplications and came to their aid. Gathering all the poison in his hands, Lord Shiva drank it.
The great god Shiva swallowed the poison and retained it in his throat as he protected all of the planets; as a result of this action, the colour of God Shiva's throat changed to blue. Because of this, he was given the name Neelakantha, which means "the one with the blue throat."
In an act of thanks, the devas began praying to God Shiva. Shiva then instructed the gods to also pray to his Vrushabha or Nandi, since he was the one who had initially shielded them.
The Nandi God expressed gratitude to Lord Shiva for his grace. Then, simultaneously, all the gods and other people began worshipping Shiva and Nandi God.
On a triodasi day, right before the hour of sunset, and more specifically on a Saturday, God Shiva consumed poison, thereby ensuring the safety of the devas.
Because of this, the pradosha became very important, which is why God Shiva and Nandi were worshipped at the same time during this time. So, prodasham is thought to be fortunate on Triodasi and also on Saturdays.
All the gods and demons praised Shiva. Pleased by their devotion, Shiva stood between the horns of Nandi, His Vahana, and did His Ananda Tandava, the Divine Dance of Bliss. On a day called Trayodasi, Shiva danced in happiness. The meaning of this is that when we are free from the bad effects of our karma, there is only Ananda, or happiness.
On this day, devotees worship God Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Karthikeya, Nandi, and other Shiva attendants. The devotee must also listen to or read the pradosha vrat story as stated.
These are the factors make Pradosha a day of exceptional sacredness.
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