Pradosh Vrat प्रदोष व्रत
Dedicated to Shiva / Parvati
About Pradosh Vrat
Pradosh Vrat is a sacred bi-monthly fast observed on the Trayodashi (13th lunar day) of both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The word 'Pradosh' refers to the twilight period between sunset and night, considered the most auspicious time for Shiva worship. During this kaal (time window of approximately 1.5 hours around sunset), Lord Shiva is believed to be in his most benevolent form, ready to grant boons to devotees. The fast gains additional significance based on the weekday — Soma Pradosh (Monday) is the most powerful for Shiva worship, Bhaum Pradosh (Tuesday) for health and overcoming enemies, and Shani Pradosh (Saturday) for removing Saturn-related difficulties. Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform Shiva Puja during the Pradosh kaal, making it one of the most regularly observed vrats in the Hindu tradition.
प्रदोष व्रत शुक्ल पक्ष और कृष्ण पक्ष दोनों की त्रयोदशी (13वें चंद्र दिवस) को मनाया जाने वाला पवित्र द्विमासिक व्रत है, जो भगवान शिव और देवी पार्वती को समर्पित है। 'प्रदोष' सूर्यास्त और रात्रि के बीच के गोधूलि काल को कहते हैं, जो शिव पूजा के लिए सबसे शुभ माना जाता है। इस काल (सूर्यास्त के आसपास लगभग डेढ़ घंटे) में भगवान शिव अपने सबसे कृपालु रूप में माने जाते हैं। सप्ताह के दिन के आधार पर व्रत का अतिरिक्त महत्व होता है — सोम प्रदोष (सोमवार) शिव पूजा के लिए सर्वाधिक शक्तिशाली, भौम प्रदोष (मंगलवार) स्वास्थ्य के लिए, और शनि प्रदोष (शनिवार) शनि संबंधी कठिनाइयाँ दूर करने के लिए।
Spiritual Significance
Pradosh Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva during his most benevolent twilight form. It is believed that sincere worship during the Pradosh kaal can fulfill wishes, remove obstacles, and bring Shiva's direct blessings.
प्रदोष व्रत भगवान शिव के सबसे कृपालु गोधूलि रूप को समर्पित है। माना जाता है कि प्रदोष काल में सच्ची पूजा मनोकामना पूर्ण कर सकती है, बाधाएँ दूर कर सकती है और शिव का प्रत्यक्ष आशीर्वाद ला सकती है।
Key Rituals & Practices
- Observe a fast from sunrise until after Pradosh kaal puja in the evening
- Perform Shiva Puja during Pradosh kaal (the twilight period around sunset)
- Offer bilva (bael) leaves, milk, water, and dhatura flowers to Shiva Lingam
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya or recite the Shiva Chalisa
- Visit a Shiva temple during the Pradosh time window if possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradosh kaal timing?
Pradosh kaal is the twilight period spanning approximately 1.5 hours around sunset on Trayodashi (the 13th lunar day). Specifically, it begins about 45 minutes before sunset and extends about 45 minutes after sunset, though some traditions define it as the first 2.5 hours after sunset. The exact timing varies by location since it depends on local sunset time. The Mastroify Panchang calculates the precise Pradosh kaal window for your city. Performing Shiva Puja during this window is believed to be far more meritorious than at any other time.
What is the difference between Soma Pradosh and Shani Pradosh?
The Pradosh Vrat takes on additional significance based on the day of the week. Soma Pradosh (when Trayodashi falls on Monday, Shiva's day) is considered the most auspicious of all Pradosh types and is ideal for general Shiva worship and blessings. Shani Pradosh (when Trayodashi falls on Saturday) is specifically recommended for those experiencing Saturn-related difficulties in their horoscope (Sade Sati, Dhaiya, or Saturn dasha). Bhaum Pradosh (Tuesday) helps overcome health issues and enemies. Each type has the same basic ritual but carries a special focus in its spiritual benefit.
Can Pradosh Vrat be observed every fortnight?
Yes, Pradosh Vrat occurs twice every month — once in Shukla Paksha and once in Krishna Paksha — and devotees can observe it every fortnight. Regular bi-monthly observance is considered a powerful practice for maintaining a consistent connection with Lord Shiva. Some devotees commit to observing every Pradosh for a specific period (such as 12 or 16 consecutive Pradosh days) as a sankalp for a particular wish or spiritual goal. There is no restriction on how often you can observe Pradosh Vrat, and cumulative observance is believed to bring increasing spiritual benefits.
Festival Details
- Deity
- Shiva / Parvati
- Category
- Vrat & Fasting
- Regions
- All India
- Calendar Basis
- Monthly Recurring
- Importance
- normal