There are many festivals in India wherein either a full or a partial fast is generally practiced. One of them is the Pradosh Vrat (fast), which was first observed by Lord Shiva and is considered to be very fruitful. The fast can be observed by anyone who wants to fulfill his/her desires. Pradosh Vrat, which is also known as Pradosham in South India, is commemorated to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Pradosh Vrat is observed on both Trayodashi Tithis, i.e. Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, in lunar months.
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When is Pradosh Vrat Observed?
Pradosh fast is observed on every Triyodashi – the 13th day of each lunar fortnight, i.e. during the Shukla Paksha as well as the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar month as per the Panchang. The upcoming Pradosh Vrat will fall on 1st January (Thursday)
For The Next Year Pradosh Vrat Date 2027: January 5, 2027
Pradosh Vrat Story
Numerous significant stories are attached to this divine fast. The story that is widely spread is of Lord Shiva. In ancient times, there was a war raging between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons). Devtas were losing and many of them had already lost their lives. Hence, they ran to Brahma-Vishu-Mahesh asking for help. Devtas were advised to swirl the ocean to gain the amrut (holy nectar) that will make them immortal. However, they weren’t sufficient in numbers to churn the ocean. Hence, they asked the help of Asuras to whirl the ocean and in return promised to give them their share of nectar.
When they started to churn the ocean, the first thing to come out was Halahala (poison). The poison was deadly enough to kill every being on the earth including the devas and asuras. Hence, Lord Shiva came to their rescue and swallowed the poison. Goddess Parvati then, with all her might, held the throat of the Lord to prevent it from going in his stomach, keeping it in his throat. Blessed by the mightiness of the supreme deity, the devas and asuras started singing praises for him to show their regards and gratitude. Pleased by them, Lord Shiva danced on the head of his supreme bull Nandikeshwara between its two horns. Hence, from that day, Pradosh Vrat is observed to worship and please Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Methods To Observe Pradosh Vrat
- There are two ways to observe a fast as per the criteria of Skanda Puran. The first method is when an individual fasts for 24 hours, including the day and the night without consuming water or food. He also has to stay awake at night to worship Lord Shiva.
- The second method is not so strict and the individual has to observe a fast only from sunrise to sunset. He can break the fast by worshipping Lord Shiva and reading the Pradosh Vrat Katha after sunset.
Pradosh Vrat Rituals and Mantra to Perform Puja
- The worshippers have to take a bath, one hour prior to the sunset and prepare themselves for the puja. This puja is performed to worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, God Kartik, and Lord Ganesha. After the puja, Lord Shiva is called on in a water-filled ‘Kalasha’ (holy pot), which is placed on darbha grass (Desmostachya bipinnata).
- People at some places also worship Shivling by bathing it with milk, ghee, and curd. They also offer Bilva (Aegle marmelos) leaves as it is considered auspicious.
- Moreover, the people also hear the Pradosh Vrat Katha or recite stories from the Shiva Purana. The ritual includes chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times after this. Once the puja is ended, the Kalash water and the sacred ash are applied on the forehead of all the worshipers.
- Some people also tend to donate utensils.
- Upon the completion of all the rituals, the most important task of the day is performed where all the devotees visit Lord Shiva temples and light a lamp.
You can also appease Lord Shiva by performing the Rudrabhishek Puja from the comfort of your home!
Pradosh Vrat Day – Importance and Benefits
- It is believed that if you observe Pradosh Vrat, then you may be blessed with all the worldly pleasures such as wealth, comfort, and health.
- It is also known to fulfill people’s innermost desires.
- It is said that the supreme deity with his blissful glance will detach you from all your sins. You may also be freed from rebirth.
- This divine fast may remove all the negativity and mental health issues from your life as well.
There are some benefits that may be received based on the day on which Triyodashi falls. For instance,
- When Pradosh occurs on Sunday it is known as ‘Bhanu Pradosh‘. It is associated with a happy, peaceful and long life.
- When Pradosh occurs on Monday it is known as ‘Som Pradosh‘. It is done to get desired results and for acquiring positivity.
- When Pradosh occurs on Tuesday it is known as ‘Bhoum Pradosh‘. It is done to curb health-related problems and gain prosperity.
- When Pradosh occurs on Wednesday it is known as ‘Saumyavara Pradosh‘. It is affiliated with knowledge and education.
- When Pradosh occurs on Thursday it is known as ‘Guruvara Pradosh. It is observed to gain blessings from ancestors, and eliminate enemies and dangers.
- When Pradosh occurs on Friday it is known as ‘Bhruguvara Pradosh‘. It is done to achieve wealth, property, good luck and success in life.
- When Pradosh occurs on Saturday it is known as ‘Shani Pradosh‘. This is done to get promotion in jobs.
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Pradosh Vrat 2026 – Dates and Puja Time
| Date | Type of Pradosh Vrat | Month & Tithi | Pradosh Kaal | Tithi Begins (Start Time) | Tithi Ends (End Time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Pausha, Shukla Trayodashi | 05:45 PM to 08:09 PM | 01:47 AM, Jan 01 | 10:22 PM, Jan 01 |
| Jan 16, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Magha, Krishna Trayodashi | 05:57 PM to 08:19 PM | 08:16 PM, Jan 15 | 10:21 PM, Jan 16 |
| Jan 30, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Magha, Shukla Trayodashi | 06:09 PM to 08:27 PM | 11:09 AM, Jan 30 | 08:25 AM, Jan 31 |
| Feb 14, Saturday | Shani Pradosh Vrat | Phalguna, Krishna Trayodashi | 06:20 PM to 08:34 PM | 04:01 PM, Feb 14 | 05:04 PM, Feb 15 |
| Mar 1, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Phalguna, Shukla Trayodashi | 06:31 PM to 06:59 PM | 08:43 PM, Feb 28 | 07:09 PM, Mar 01 |
| Mar 16, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Chaitra, Krishna Trayodashi | 06:40 PM to 08:44 PM | 09:40 AM, Mar 16 | 09:23 AM, Mar 17 |
| Mar 30, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Chaitra, Shukla Trayodashi | 06:48 PM to 08:47 PM | 07:09 AM, Mar 30 | 06:55 AM, Mar 31 |
| Apr 15, Wednesday | Budha Pradosh Vrat | Vaishakha, Krishna Trayodashi | 06:57 PM to 08:50 PM | 12:12 AM, Apr 15 | 10:31 PM, Apr 15 |
| Apr 28, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Vaishakha, Shukla Trayodashi | 07:04 PM to 08:54 PM | 06:51 PM, Apr 28 | 07:51 PM, Apr 29 |
| May 14, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Jyeshtha, Krishna Trayodashi | 07:14 PM to 08:59 PM | 11:20 AM, May 14 | 08:31 AM, May 15 |
| May 28, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Jyeshtha, Shukla Trayodashi | 07:22 PM to 09:05 PM | 07:56 AM, May 28 | 09:50 AM, May 29 |
| Jun 12, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Jyeshtha, Krishna Trayodashi | 07:46 PM to 09:10 PM | 07:36 PM, Jun 12 | 04:07 PM, Jun 13 |
| Jun 27, Saturday | Shani Pradosh Vrat | Jyeshtha, Shukla Trayodashi | 07:33 PM to 09:13 PM | 10:22 PM, Jun 26 | 12:43 AM, Jun 28 |
| Jul 12, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Ashadha, Krishna Trayodashi | 07:32 PM to 09:14 PM | 02:04 AM, Jul 12 | 10:29 PM, Jul 12 |
| Jul 26, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Ashadha, Shukla Trayodashi | 07:26 PM to 09:11 PM | 01:57 PM, Jul 26 | 04:14 PM, Jul 27 |
| Aug 10, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Shravana, Krishna Trayodashi | 07:15 PM to 09:04 PM | 08:00 AM, Aug 10 | 04:54 AM, Aug 11 |
| Aug 25, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Shravana, Shukla Trayodashi | 07:01 PM to 08:54 PM | 06:20 AM, Aug 25 | 07:59 AM, Aug 26 |
| Sep 8, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Bhadrapada, Krishna Trayodashi | 06:45 PM to 08:42 PM | 02:42 PM, Sep 08 | 12:30 PM, Sep 09 |
| Sep 24, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Bhadrapada, Shukla Trayodashi | 06:26 PM to 08:29 PM | 10:50 PM, Sep 23 | 11:18 PM, Sep 24 |
| Oct 8, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi | 06:09 PM to 08:17 PM | 11:16 PM, Oct 07 | 10:15 PM, Oct 08 |
| Oct 23, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Ashwina, Shukla Trayodashi | 05:54 PM to 08:06 PM | 02:35 PM, Oct 23 | 01:36 PM, Oct 24 |
| Nov 6, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Kartika, Krishna Trayodashi | 05:43 PM to 07:59 PM | 10:30 AM, Nov 06 | 10:47 AM, Nov 07 |
| Nov 22, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Kartika, Shukla Trayodashi | 05:35 PM to 07:56 PM | 04:56 AM, Nov 22 | 02:36 AM, Nov 23 |
| Dec 6, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Margashirsha, Krishna Trayodashi | 05:34 PM to 07:57 PM | 12:51 AM, Dec 06 | 02:22 AM, Dec 07 |
| Dec 21, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Margashirsha, Shukla Trayodashi | 05:46 PM to 08:03 PM | 05:36 PM, Dec 21 | 02:23 PM, Dec 22 |