Pradosh Vrata
प्रदोष व्रत
Observed on the 13th lunar tithi (Trayodashi) — sacred fast for Lord Shiva
About Pradosh Vrata
Pradosh (प्रदोष) falls on the Trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day) of both Shukla (bright) and Krishna (dark) paksha. It is observed during the pradosh kala — the 1.5-hour window around sunset when Lord Shiva is said to perform the cosmic Tandava dance.
There are 24–26 Pradosh vratas in a year. Special significance is given when Pradosh falls on a Saturday (Shani Pradosh) or Tuesday (Bhauma Pradosh). Monday Pradosh (Soma Pradosh) is also highly auspicious as Monday is Shiva's own day.
Types of Pradosh
Soma Pradosh
MondayGrants health, removes fear, fulfills wishes
Bhauma Pradosh
TuesdayGrants freedom from debts, diseases, enemies
Shani Pradosh
SaturdayRemoves Shani dosha, grants longevity, protects from accidents
Ravi Pradosh
SundayGrants fame, power, good health
Guru Pradosh
ThursdayGrants wisdom, progeny, prosperity
Shukra Pradosh
FridayGrants wealth, beauty, marital bliss
Pradosh Vrata Vidhi
Wake before sunrise, bathe, put on clean clothes. Resolve (sankalpa) to observe Pradosh.
Fast from grains. Fruits, milk, nuts allowed (phalahar). Chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the day.
THE MAIN PUJA WINDOW. Visit a Shiva temple or perform home puja. Offer bilva leaves, bel fruit, dhatura, milk abhishek to Shivalinga. Light a deepam. Recite Shiva Panchakshara Stotra and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
Light a sesame oil lamp at home. Keep vigil or retire after completing puja. Avoid eating after sunset.
Break fast after offering morning prayers to Shiva. Eat sattvic food.
Pradosh Dates Jan–Jun 2026
⭐ = especially auspicious Pradosh