Pradosh Vrat (Pradosham) is kept for Lord Shiva on the Trayodashi — the thirteenth tithi — of both fortnights, so it comes twice a month. The puja is done at Pradosh Kaal, the period just after sunset, when Shiva is believed to be in a joyous mood.
Why the evening?
According to the Puranas, during the churning of the ocean Shiva drank the poison Halahala to save the world, and the devas praised him at twilight on Trayodashi. Pradosh Kaal runs from sunset for about two and a half hours, and the vrat day is the one on which Trayodashi covers this evening window. Find the exact dates and puja times with the Pradosh calculator.
Names by weekday
- Soma Pradosh (Monday) — especially auspicious for Shiva devotees.
- Bhauma Pradosh (Tuesday) — kept for health and relief from debts.
- Shani Pradosh (Saturday) — kept for relief from Shani’s influence and for progeny.
How to keep the vrat
- Fast through the day — fruits and milk if a full fast is difficult.
- Bathe again before sunset and wear clean clothes.
- In Pradosh Kaal, worship the Shivalinga with water, milk, bilva leaves, flowers and a lamp.
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya”, the Shiva Panchakshari stotra or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra.
- Read the Pradosh vrat katha, offer aarti and break the fast after the puja.
At the temple
Shiva temples hold special abhishekams to Nandi and the Shivalinga during Pradosham — many devotees try to have darshan of Shiva between Nandi’s horns at this time.
Book a Rudrabhishekam or Shiva puja at home for Pradosh, or an online puja at a Shiva temple.