Pradosh Vrat Guide
Duration: 1 day, twice a month (Trayodashi tithi) · When to observe: Krishna and Shukla Trayodashi (13th lunar day) of each month
Forgiveness of sins, blessing of Shiva, peace, health, and fulfilment of wishes
Duration
1 day, twice a month (Trayodashi tithi)
When to observe
Krishna and Shukla Trayodashi (13th lunar day) of each month
Fasting type
Moderate fastPresiding deity
Lord Shiva and Parvati
Purpose
Forgiveness of sins, blessing of Shiva, peace, health, and fulfilment of wishes
What you can eat
- Fruits throughout the day
- Milk, curd, buttermilk
- Sabudana preparations
- Nuts and dry fruits
- One evening meal after puja
What to avoid
- Grains until after puja
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol
- Onion, garlic, and masoor dal
Always consult your family tradition — regional customs vary.
Rituals & Practices
- 1
Fast from sunrise; bathe and wear clean white or light-coloured clothes
- 2
Shiva puja during Pradosh Kaal (1.5 hours before and after sunset — the most powerful time)
- 3
Pradosh Kaal Abhishek: pour milk, honey, water on Shivling
- 4
Recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times
- 5
Light 5 lamps around Shivling (Panchadeepa)
How to Break the Fast
After Pradosh Kaal puja is complete, break fast with prasad then fruits/light meal.
Vrat Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् | उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥ (Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra)
Chant 108 times on the day of the vrat
Practical Tips
Saturday Pradosh (Shani Pradosh) is especially auspicious and powerful
The 1.5-hour Pradosh window is critical — time your puja within it
Puja at home with a Shivling or photograph of Shiva is equally valid
Pradosh puja done for 16 or 48 consecutive Trayodashis is a traditional vow