Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comShri Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha
Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha is the story for the Trayodashi that falls on a Tuesday, the story of Hanuman taking the guise of a sadhu to test an old woman devotee's faith, presented here in full.
Chapter 1 · Hanuman's Test of Faith, in the Guise of a Sadhu
Once, there lived an old woman in a city, and she had but one son. The old woman had deep faith in Hanuman, and every Tuesday she regularly observed a vow and worshipped him. Once, Hanuman decided to test the faith of that devotee of his.
Hanuman, taking the guise of a sadhu, went to the old woman's house, and began calling out, 'Is there any devotee of Hanuman here, who would fulfil our wish?' The sound reached the old woman's ears, and hearing the call, she quickly came outside, and, bowing to the sadhu, said, 'As you command, Maharaj.' The sadhu, disguised as Hanuman, said, 'I am hungry, I shall eat, plaster a little ground for me.' The old woman fell into a dilemma, and finally, joining her hands, said, 'Maharaj, besides plastering and digging earth, give me any other command, and I shall surely fulfil it.' Having made her promise three times, the sadhu said, 'Call your son, I shall light a fire on his back and cook my meal.' Hearing this, the old woman grew frightened, but she was bound by her promise, and she called her son and handed him over to the sadhu.
Chapter 2 · The Son Comes Back Alive, and Hanuman's True Form
The disguised sadhu, Hanuman, had the old woman herself lay her son face-down, and lit a fire on his back. Having lit the fire, the old woman went into her house with a sorrowful heart. Meanwhile, having cooked his meal, the sadhu called the old woman and said, 'Our meal is ready, call your son, so that he too may come and partake of it.' At this, the old woman said, 'Do not cause me further pain by naming him.' But when the sadhu would not relent, the old woman called out to her son. He came to his mother.
Seeing her son alive, the old woman was greatly astonished, and she fell at the sadhu's feet. Then Hanuman appeared in his true form, and gave the old woman the blessing of devotion. Victory to Bajrangbali! Hail Mahadev!
How to Read Shri Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha
On whichever Trayodashi falls on a Tuesday, worship Lord Shiva in the evening at the Pradosh hour, and also worship Hanuman, observe the fast, and be sure to hear this story. The Bhaum Pradosh vow is observed seeking all-round happiness and honour.
About Shri Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha
The Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha is told across two chapters. In the first, Hanuman, disguised as a sadhu, comes to the house of an old woman devotee, and, after making her promise three times, gives her the difficult command to lay her son upon a fire. In the second, when the sadhu asks her to call her son, he appears alive, and Hanuman reveals his true form and blesses the old woman.
This story is told specifically for the Trayodashi that falls on a Tuesday. This page presents the full text of both chapters in plain Hindi, with adjustable text size and print support.
The Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha has no named author. The Pradosh vow falls on both Trayodashis of every month, and is known by whichever weekday it falls on, this is discussed in detail on the main 'Pradosh Vrat' overview page. The text presented here is a faithful adaptation of the traditional story associated with the Trayodashi that falls on a Tuesday, that is, Bhaum or Mangal Pradosh, based on a text published on a Hindi devotional portal. This story too has no single ancient original text, and other sources may use different wording.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bhaum Pradosh Vrat observed?
When the Trayodashi tithi falls on a Tuesday, that day's Pradosh vow is called Bhaum or Mangal Pradosh.
Why does Hanuman feature in the Bhaum Pradosh Vrat Katha?
Tuesday is traditionally regarded as Hanuman's day, so the Bhaum Pradosh story is linked to a tale of Hanuman testing devotion, alongside the worship of Shiva.
Is this different from the main Pradosh Vrat Katha?
Yes, the Pradosh vow can fall on any of the seven weekdays, and tradition tells a different story for each. This page gives specifically the Bhaum Pradosh story, the main 'Pradosh Vrat Katha' page gives the Shani Pradosh story.