Pradosh Vrat is kept for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Trayodashi, the 13th tithi, twice every month. Pradosh means the evening twilight after sunset, and that is when the puja is done. The vrat is said to remove sorrows, bring peace to the family and give good health.
Which day is kept
The vrat goes to the day on which Trayodashi is present in the Pradosh Kaal, the evening time just after sunset. If it is present on both days, the rule normally follows the day when Trayodashi covers more of Pradosh Kaal. Our Pradosh list shows the date and the exact Pradosh puja window.
Types of Pradosh by weekday
| Weekday | Name | Special for |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Ravi Pradosh | Good health and long life |
| Monday | Som Pradosh | Peace of mind, wishes |
| Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh | Freedom from debt and illness |
| Wednesday | Budh Pradosh | Success in studies and business |
| Thursday | Guru Pradosh | Blessings of elders, victory over enemies |
| Friday | Shukra Pradosh | Marital harmony and prosperity |
| Saturday | Shani Pradosh | Relief from troubles of Saturn, children |
Puja vidhi
- Bathe, wear clean clothes and take a sankalp in the morning. Keep a fast with fruit and water, or without food as your family does.
- In the evening, bathe again and prepare the Shivling or a picture of Shiva-Parvati.
- Offer water, milk, bel patra, dhatura, flowers and white sandalwood paste. Light a ghee lamp.
- Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, and read the Pradosh katha.
- End with aarti, then break the fast with a light meal after the puja.
The story
When the gods and demons churned the ocean, the poison called Halahala came out first and threatened to destroy the world. Shiva drank it to save everyone, and Parvati held his throat so that it stayed there, turning it blue (Neelkantha). The gods thanked him, and Shiva danced happily on the evening of Trayodashi. This time is remembered as Pradosh, when worship of Shiva is said to bring special grace.
Questions people ask
How many Pradosh vrats are there in a year?
Usually 24, two every month, one in each paksha.
What time is Pradosh Kaal?
It starts at sunset and lasts for about an hour and a half, a little more or less depending on the tradition. See our Pradosh list for the window.
Can I drink water on Pradosh?
Yes. Many people eat fruit and drink water, and some keep a stricter fast till the evening puja.