Pradhośha pūjā is one of the most important among the pūjās performed to Lord Śhiva which falls in Śhukla Pakṣha (15 moon days from New moon to Full moon) and Kriṣhṇa Pakṣha (15 moon days from Full moon to New moon) the evening of the Thrayodaśhi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. It comes once in 15 days. It is believed that praying Lord Śhiva in this time would liberate us from all sins. Pradhoṣha purāṇa says that once Dhevas and Asuras churned the Kṣhīrābdhi (Milk Ocean) using the snake Vāsuki and the hill Mandhara for getting the nectar (Amrutha) .In the process, terrible poison (hālāhala) came up. Dhevas got frightened & pleaded Lord Śhiva for rescue. The lord was pleased with their prayers and drank the entire poison. Later, they succeeded in their efforts of attaining the nectar on a Dhwādhasi (twelfth moon day). They celebrated their success without thanking Lord Śhiva. The next day, they realized their blunder and sought Lord Śhiva’s forgiveness. Moved by his devotees, Lord Śhiva forgave them and danced between the horns of the Nandhi (holy bull) and that time was called Pradoṣham. It is believed that one can attain Mukthi when they pray Lord Śhiva at this time. During Pradhoṣham time anoint (Abhiśhekam) the Shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful.

• Milk gives long life
• Ghee gives Mokṣha state
• Curd gives good children
• Honey gives melodious voice
• Rice powder frees from debts
• Sugar cane juice gives good health
• Panchāmrutham gives wealth
• Lemon removes fear of death
• Sugar removes enmity
• Tender coconut gives enjoyment
• Cooked Rice(Annam) gives majestic life
• Sandal gives Lakṣhmi's grace
• Bilvam and flowers can be given for Śhiva pūjā.