Pradosha Puja Proper

Objective: To conduct the ritual steps of the Pradosha worship using specific mantras.
Prerequisites/Requirements: Prepared Kalasha, flower petals, incense, lamp, cut fruit (naivedyam).
Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Welcome: Chant “Om swagatam su swagatam – Om Shiva-ye namah” and offer flower petals (Pushpam).
2. Flower Offering: Chant “Om idam pushpam – Om Shiva-ye namah”.
3. Incense Offering: Chant “Om tato dhoopam aghraa-payaami – Om Shiva-ye namah”.
4. Lamp Offering: Chant “Om prat-yaksha deepam darshayaami – Om Shiva-ye namah”.
5. Note: Turn all offering items seven times around the Kalasha.
6. Food Offering: Chant “Om naivedyam samar-payaami – Om Shiva-ye namah” and offer cut fruit.
7. Forgiveness: Chant the forgiveness mantra “Om yaani kaani cha paapaani janmaantara kritaanee cha, taani sarvaani vinashyanti pradakshinaa pade pade //”.
8. Personal Prayers: Offer heart-felt requests to Lord Shiva and His family.
9. Final steps: Listen to the Pradosha katha and recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.