Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara – The philosophy and significance behind Pradosham has been succinctly explained by Sri Periyava.
Many Jaya Jaya Sankara to Shri S.Venkatesh for the share and Smt. Kala Sundar for the translation. Siva Siva
PRADOSHA THATHUVAM
Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal
Pradosha kaalam starts with sunset. This Pradosham time is suitable for worshipping Parameswara. That is, the time that Eswara makes His own, is very auspicious. The whole world comes to rest and mind should also rest in Eswara at this time. It is the end of the day and beginning of the evening; time for creation to end and rest in its own self. Eswara takes back all the energy generated by Him at this time, like the power of Mantra which withdraws the arrow that was released from the bow. As Eswara absorbs everything into him, it is a time when there is no second thing except Eswara. Creation happens at sunrise and dissolution at sunset. Onset of night is known as Pradosham time. That is why every night is known as time of dissolution. Creation and dissolution goes on every day and night. Birds and cows also rest at this time of Pradosham. Even children stop playing and stay at home. Sun Rasmis disappear.
Even devils and evil spirits will rest at this time of evening. We rush and assemble at any place where there is music, or at the cinema theatre. Only at this Pradosham time, Lord Parameswara dances in ecstasy. This time is ideal for meditating in loneliness. At this time of dissolution, Nataraja the Supreme one dances and everything is attracted by that. Even the evil spirits which move freely get absorbed in that dance and they don’t disturb any one. It happens like a magic. But the magician does not blindfold anyone but attracts us towards something else (His dance), and achieves what He wants. Meditating on Lord Hari at sunrise and meditating on Lord Siva at sunset is advisable. Pradosham time is ideal for chanting the name of Nataraja.
Temples are built to worship Shiva like this. Every house may not be a suitable place for worship. Huge Shiva temples are built for this purpose. At the auspicious time of Pradosham, when Parameswara absorbs the whole energy of the world into Him, we should worship Him.
