Pradosh Vrat (Shiva Evening Fast)
Purpose
Pradosh (13th lunar day twilight) is extremely auspicious for Shiva worship. Observing Pradosh Vrat removes sins, fulfills wishes, and grants Shiva's grace.
Overview
Pradosh is the twilight period on Trayodashi (13th day), considered the time when Lord Shiva is most accessible. The word "Pradosh" means the first part of night.
**Types of Pradosh:**
- **Soma Pradosh (Monday):** For peace and spiritual progress
- **Bhaum Pradosh (Tuesday):** For health and debt relief
- **Shani Pradosh (Saturday):** Most powerful - removes Shani dosha
**Pradosh Kaal:** The specific time window around sunset when puja should be performed for maximum benefit.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Sankalp (Intention)
Take the vow of fasting with clear intention.
Morning Puja
Perform morning worship after bath.
Maintain Fast
Follow the prescribed fasting rules throughout the day.
Evening Puja
Perform evening worship with full rituals.
Break Fast (Parana)
Break the fast after puja with prescribed food.
Primary Mantra
Do's and Don'ts
- • Fast from sunrise
- • Visit Shiva temple during Pradosh Kaal
- • Offer Bel Patra, milk, water
- • Light ghee lamp
- • Perform abhishekam if possible
- • Don't eat before puja
- • Avoid non-veg and alcohol
- • Don't miss Pradosh Kaal timing
- • Avoid anger
- • Don't sleep during Pradosh Kaal
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone devoted to Lord Shiva. Especially for those seeking Shiva's blessings.
Trayodashi (13th day) of both lunar fortnights. Shani Pradosh (Saturday) and Soma Pradosh (Monday) are most powerful.
Quick Actions
Materials Needed
Essential
- Fresh Flowers
- Rice (Akshat)
- Kumkum (Sindoor)
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
- Diya (Oil Lamp)
- Cotton Wicks
Related Rituals
-
Somvar Vrat (Monday Fast for Shiva)
1 hour -
Shukravar Vrat (Friday Fast for Lakshmi)
45 minutes -
Ekadashi Vrat (Vishnu Fast)
1 hour -
Shanivar Upay (Saturday Shani Practices)
30 minutes