Pradosh Vrat (प्रदोष व्रत)
Pradosh Vrat, also known as Pradosham, is a sacred Hindu fast observed twice a month during the Trayodashi (13th day) of both the waxing and waning moon phases. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this vrat is believed to remove sins, bring peace, and fulfill desires. The word ‘Pradosh’ means “twilight,” and the puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal (just before sunset).
Pradosh Vrat 2025 (Pradosh Vrat Kab hai)
In 2025, devotees will observe 24 Pradosh Vrats, aligning with the monthly lunar calendar. These dates alternate between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha, and when they fall on Mondays or Saturdays, they are considered extra auspicious—known as Som Pradosh and Shani Pradosh respectively.
Pradosh Vrat Katha (प्रदोष व्रत कथा)
Numerous divine legends are associated with the observance of Pradosh Vrat, but the most widely told story revolves around Lord Shiva’s act of supreme sacrifice and compassion. In ancient times, a fierce battle was ongoing between the Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons). The Devtas were on the verge of defeat and had already lost many warriors.
Seeking a solution, they turned to the divine trinity — Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva — for help. The deities advised the Devtas to churn the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain Amrut (nectar of immortality). However, the Devtas lacked the strength to perform this colossal task alone, so they approached the Asuras and promised them a share of the nectar in exchange for their assistance. As the churning began, the first substance to emerge was Halahala — a lethal poison capable of destroying all life in the universe.
Terrified and helpless, the Devtas and Asuras once again turned to Lord Shiva, the protector of all. Without hesitation, Lord Shiva drank the poison to protect the universe. Fearing the poison would harm him, Goddess Parvati quickly held his throat to stop it from entering his body, trapping it in his neck — turning it blue and giving him the name Neelkanth. Deeply moved by this sacrifice, the Devtas and Asuras praised Lord Shiva during the twilight period (Pradosh Kaal).
Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance on his bull Nandi, dancing between its horns. Since then, devotees observe Pradosh Vrat during this sacred twilight time to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and liberation.
God Worshipped
Lord Shiva
Day Observed
Trayodashi (Twice a month)
Associated Color
White or Light Blue
God Worshipped
Lord Shiva
Day Observed
Trayodashi (twice a month)
Associated Color
White or Light Blue
Prodosh Vrat Pooja Kit for Lord Shiva (Pradosh Vrat)
Water
Milk
Curd
Honey
Ghee
Sugar
Bilva (Bel) leaves
White flowers
Incense sticks
Camphor
Diya (oil lamp)
Fruits
Coconut
Sweets
Sandalwood paste
Turmeric
Sacred ash (vibhuti)
Puja thali
Rice and roli (vermilion)
Idol or photo of Lord Shiva and Nandi
Pradosh Kaal Meaning and Significance
Pradosh Kaal (also spelled Pradosha Kaal) refers to the sacred time period that falls around sunset, approximately 1.5 hours before and 1.5 hours after sunset. The word Pradosh means “the end of the day” or “dusk time.”
This time is considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva’s worship. According to Hindu scriptures, during Pradosh Kaal, Lord Shiva performs his divine dance (Tandava) on Mount Kailash, surrounded by all Devas. Therefore, prayers offered during this time are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and removal of sins and obstacles.
In short:
- 🕕 Timing: Around sunset (3-hour window)
- 🙏 Deity: Lord Shiva
- 🌙 Significance: Best period for performing Pradosh Vrat or Shiva Puja for divine blessings and relief from karmic burdens.
Importance of Pradosh Vrat
Here is the importance of Pradosh Vrat:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati, bringing divine blessings
Helps remove past sins and negative karma
Fulfills wishes and clears obstacles from life
Promotes good health and long life
Brings peace and harmony in family and relationships
Benefits of Pradosh Vrat
Here are the Pradosh Vrat benefits:
Removes negative karma and sins
Brings mental peace and spiritual upliftment
Fulfills wishes and grants marital harmony
Enhances health, wealth, and prosperity
Especially beneficial when observed by couples and those seeking childrenx
Pradosh Vrat List 2026 - Dates
| Pradosh Vrat | दिनांक (Date) | दिन (Day) | पूजा समय (Puja Timing) |
| गुरु प्रदोष व्रत (Guru Pradosh Vrat) | 01 जनवरी (January) | गुरुवार (Thursday) | 05:35 PM से 08:19 PM |
| शुक्र प्रदोष व्रत (Shukra Pradosh Vrat) | 16 जनवरी (January) | शुक्रवार (Friday) | 05:47 PM से 08:29 PM |
| शुक्र प्रदोष व्रत (Shukra Pradosh Vrat) | 30 जनवरी (January) | शुक्रवार (Friday) | 05:59 PM से 08:37 PM |
| शनि प्रदोष व्रत (Shani Pradosh Vrat) | 14 फरवरी (February) | शनिवार (Saturday) | 06:10 PM से 08:44 PM |
| रवि प्रदोष व्रत (Ravi Pradosh Vrat) | 1 मार्च (March) | रविवार (Sunday) | 06:21 PM से 07:09 PM |
| सोम प्रदोष व्रत (Som Pradosh Vrat) | 16 मार्च (March) | सोमवार (Monday) | 06:30 PM से 08:54 PM |
| सोम प्रदोष व्रत (Som Pradosh Vrat) | 30 मार्च (March) | सोमवार (Monday) | 06:38 PM से 08:57 PM |
| बुध प्रदोष व्रत (Budh Pradosh Vrat) | 15 अप्रैल (April) | बुधवार (Wednesday) | 06:47 PM से 09:00 PM |
| भौम प्रदोष व्रत (Bhaum Pradosh Vrat) | 28 अप्रैल (April) | मंगलवार (Tuesday) | 06:54 PM से 09:04 PM |
| गुरु प्रदोष व्रत (Guru Pradosh Vrat) | 14 मई (May) | गुरुवार (Thursday) | 07:04 PM से 09:09 PM |
| गुरु प्रदोष व्रत (Guru Pradosh Vrat) | 28 मई (May) | गुरुवार (Thursday) | 07:12 PM से 09:15 PM |
| शुक्र प्रदोष व्रत (Shukra Pradosh Vrat) | 12 जून (June) | शुक्रवार (Friday) | 07:36 PM से 09:20 PM |
| शनि प्रदोष व्रत (Shani Pradosh Vrat) | 27 जून (June) | शनिवार (Saturday) | 07:23 PM से 09:23 PM |
| रवि प्रदोष व्रत (Ravi Pradosh Vrat) | 12 जुलाई (July) | रविवार (Sunday) | 07:22 PM से 09:24 PM |
| रवि प्रदोष व्रत (Ravi Pradosh Vrat) | 26 जुलाई (July) | रविवार (Sunday) | 07:16 PM से 09:21 PM |
| सोम प्रदोष व्रत (Som Pradosh Vrat) | 10 अगस्त (August) | सोमवार (Monday) | 07:05 PM से 09:14 PM |
| भौम प्रदोष व्रत (Bhaum Pradosh Vrat) | 25 अगस्त (August) | मंगलवार (Tuesday) | 06:51 PM से 09:04 PM |
| भौम प्रदोष व्रत (Bhaum Pradosh Vrat) | 08 सितम्बर (September) | मंगलवार (Tuesday) | 06:35 PM से 08:52 PM |
| गुरु प्रदोष व्रत (Guru Pradosh Vrat) | 24 सितम्बर (September) | गुरुवार (Thursday) | 06:16 PM से 08:39 PM |
| गुरु प्रदोष व्रत (Guru Pradosh Vrat) | 08 अक्टूबर (October) | गुरुवार (Thursday) | 05:59 PM से 08:27 PM |
| शुक्र प्रदोष व्रत (Shukra Pradosh Vrat) | 23 अक्टूबर (October) | शुक्रवार (Friday) | 05:44 PM से 08:16 PM |
| शुक्र प्रदोष व्रत (Shukra Pradosh Vrat) | 06 नवंबर (November) | शुक्रवार (Friday) | 05:33 PM से 08:09 PM |
| रवि प्रदोष व्रत (Ravi Pradosh Vrat) | 22 नवंबर (November) | रविवार (Sunday) | 05:25 PM से 08:06 PM |
| सोम प्रदोष व्रत (Som Pradosh Vrat) | 06 दिसंबर (December) | रविवार (Sunday) | 05:24 PM से 08:07 PM |
| सोम प्रदोष व्रत (Som Pradosh Vrat) | 21 दिसंबर (December) | सोमवार (Monday) | 05:36 PM से 08:13 PM |
Pradosh Vrat List 2025 - Dates
| Date | Type | Pradosh Puja Muhurat |
| January 11, 2025 | Shani Pradosh Vrat | 17:43 – 20:26 |
| January 27, 2025 | Soma Pradosh Vrat | 17:56 – 20:34 |
| February 9, 2025 | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | 19:25 – 20:42 |
| February 25, 2025 | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | 18:18 – 20:49 |
| March 11, 2025 | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | 18:27 – 20:53 |
| March 27, 2025 | Guru Pradosh Vrat | 18:36 – 20:56 |
| April 10, 2025 | Guru Pradosh Vrat | 18:44 – 20:59 |
| April 25, 2025 | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | 18:53 – 21:03 |
| May 9, 2025 | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | 19:01 – 21:08 |
| May 24, 2025 | Shani Pradosh Vrat | 19:20 – 21:13 |
| June 8, 2025 | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | 19:18 – 21:19 |
| June 23, 2025 | Soma Pradosh Vrat | 19:22 – 21:23 |
| July 8, 2025 | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | 19:23 – 21:24 |
| July 22, 2025 | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | 19:18 – 21:22 |
| August 6, 2025 | Budha Pradosh Vrat | 19:08 – 21:16 |
August 20, 2025 | Budha Pradosh Vrat | 18:56 – 21:07 |
Pradosh Vrat September 2025September 5, 2025 | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | 18:38 – 20:55 |
September 19, 2025 | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | 18:21 – 20:43 |
Pradosh Vrat October 2025October 4, 2025 | Shani Pradosh Vrat | 18:03 – 20:30 |
October 18, 2025 | Shani Pradosh Vrat | 17:48 – 20:20 |
Pradosh Vrat November 2025November 3, 2025 | Soma Pradosh Vrat | 17:34 – 20:11 |
| November 17, 2025 | Soma Pradosh Vrat | 17:27 – 20:07 |
Pradosh Vrat December 2025December 2, 2025 | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | 17:24 – 20:07 |
| December 17, 2025 | Budha Pradosh Vrat | 17:27 – 20:11 |
Procedure of Pradosh Vrat Puja
- Wake up early, take a holy bath, and observe fast
- Clean the puja space and set up Lord Shiva’s idol or Shivling
- Offer Bilva leaves, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and flowers
- Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks
- Chant mantras
- Pradosh Vrat Katha
- Conclude with Shiva Aarti and distribute prasad
Mantras to chant during the day
“Om Namah Shivaya”
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र (Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra):
Sanskrit:
“ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥”Hinglish:
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat॥”
Food Items Do's and Don'ts for Pradosh vrat or Pradosh Fast
What to Eat in Pradosh Vrat?
- Fruits
- Milk and Milk Products
- Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)
- Kuttu or Singhara Atta.
- Potato or Sweet Potato
- Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)
- Dry Fruits and Nuts
- Coconut Water or Lemon Water
- Vrat-special Dishes
- Herbal or Green Tea
Food Items to Avoid in Pradosh Vrat
- Regular salt (table salt)
- Rice
- Wheat flour (atta)
- Lentils and pulses
- Onion
- Garlic
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol
- Tea and coffee
- Maida (refined flour)
- Besan (gram flour)
- Fried and junk food
- Packaged or processed food
- Tobacco and cigarettes
Trayodashi Vrat 2025 (Taryodashi kab hai)
Trayodashi is the thirteenth day (13th tithi) of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It occurs twice a month—once during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) and once during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase). Trayodashi holds spiritual significance, especially when it falls on a Monday (Soma Trayodashi) or Saturday (Shani Trayodashi).
The most ./observance on Trayodashi is the Pradosh Vrat, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and observed during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the twilight period (about 1.5 hours before and after sunset). It is believed that fasting and praying on Trayodashi with devotion helps in attaining blessings for health, peace, prosperity, and even liberation from sins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can We Eat In Pradosh Vrat?
You can eat Phalahar (fruits, milk, and dairy products like curd) and non-cereal items such as sabudana, potatoes, and vrat flours (kuttu or singhara) after the evening Shiva Puja (Pradosh Kaal).
What Can I Eat during Pradosh Fast?
During the Pradosh Vrat, you can typically consume fruits, milk, yogurt (curd), water, fruit juices, and non-cereal items like sabudana (sago), potatoes, sweet potatoes, and specific vrat flours (e.g., kuttu or buckwheat, and singhara or water chestnut flour) before or after the evening Pradosh Kaal puja.
What to Eat during Pradosh Vrat?
During the Pradosh Vrat, you should eat a diet of Phalahar (fruits and milk products like curd) and non-cereal items such as sabudana, potatoes, and vrat flours (like kuttu or singhara), consuming these only after the evening Shiva Puja (Pradosh Kaal).
Can I drink water during Pradosh Vrat?
Yes, water is allowed. Many also observe it with fruits or milk.
What is the best time for Pradosh Puja or Pradosh Vrat puja time today?
The most auspicious time is during Pradosh Kaal, which begins about 1.5 hours before sunset.
What if Pradosh falls on a Monday or Saturday?
It becomes Som Pradosh (Monday) or Shani Pradosh (Saturday), which are considered highly auspicious.
Who should observe Pradosh Vrat?
Anyone seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings, peace of mind, or relief from life’s obstacles can observe this vrat.
