Pradosh Vrat Katha

Once, there lived a poor widowed Brahmin woman in a village with her young son. To earn a living, they begged for alms every day and survived on whatever food they received. The Brahmin woman had faithfully observed the Pradosh Vrat for many years.

One day, on Trayodashi Tithi, her son went to take a holy dip in the River Ganga. While returning home after the bath, he encountered a group of robbers who stole all his belongings and fled. Soon afterward, some of the king's soldiers arrived at the scene. Mistaking the innocent Brahmin youth for one of the robbers, they arrested him and presented him before the king. Without listening to his explanation, the king ordered that he be imprisoned.

That night, Lord Shiva appeared in the king's dream and instructed him to release the innocent Brahmin youth. After delivering His command, the Lord disappeared.

The king woke up immediately and went straight to the prison, where he ordered the young man’s release. He then brought him to the royal palace, honored him with great respect, and asked him to request any gift he desired.

To the king's surprise, the young man requested only a handful of rice as alms. Astonished, the king asked, "What will you do with just a handful of rice? Ask for something greater. Such an opportunity does not come often."

The humble youth replied, "O King, at this moment, this handful of rice is the most precious treasure in the world for me. I will give it to my mother so she can prepare kheer (sweet rice pudding) and offer it to Lord Shiva as bhog (sacred offering). After the offering, we will eat it and satisfy our hunger."

Deeply moved by the young man's devotion and humility, the king ordered his minister to bring the Brahmin woman to the royal court with due respect. When she arrived, the king narrated the entire incident and praised her son's honesty, devotion, and noble character.

Impressed by his virtues, the king appointed the young Brahmin as his royal advisor. From that day onward, the lives of the poor Brahmin woman and her son changed forever, all through the grace of Lord Shiva.

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