Pradosha Vrat 2026 Dates & Tithi Timings

Pradosha Vratham

Pradosha Vratham: Worshipping Shiva at Twilight

Pradosha Vratham is a fast dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed on both Trayodashis of every month, Shukla and Bahula, so it comes twice a month. The twilight window around sunset is called pradosha kalam, and worshipping Shiva and Parvati in that window is the heart of this vratham. When it falls on a Monday it is called Soma Pradosham, and on a Saturday, Shani Pradosham.

Why Pradosha Kalam Is Sacred

During the churning of the ocean of milk, the deadly halahala poison emerged first and began to burn the worlds. Answering the prayers of the devas, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in His throat, becoming Neelakantha. The Puranas say that at twilight He then danced in joy on Kailasa between the horns of Nandi while all the gods sang His praise. That is why seeing Shiva and Nandi during pradosha kalam is believed to be especially fruitful, and temples perform abhishekam to Nandi as well at this time.

Puja Vidhanam

Bathe in the morning and take the vratham sankalpam; fast through the day or eat a single meal.
Bathe again before the evening pradosha kalam and wear clean, preferably white, clothes.
Perform abhishekam to the Shivalingam with water, cow's milk, curd, honey and coconut water, then apply vibhuti and sandal paste.
Offer bilva leaves, tummi flowers and white flowers while chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
Recite Shiva Ashtottaram, Rudram or the Shiva Panchakshara stotram, light the lamp and offer harathi.
Bow to Nandi; in some places devotees whisper their prayer into Nandi's ear.

Vratham Rules

Eat only sattvic food that day, avoiding onion, garlic and non-vegetarian items, and stay away from anger and arguments. The fast is broken with prasadam after the puja. Many devotees attend the pradosha abhishekam at a nearby Shiva temple; Telugu Shaiva kshetrams like Srisailam, Srikalahasti and Vemulawada see large crowds at pradosha time.

Benefits

Pradosha Vratham is believed to wash away sins and bring peace of mind, health and family harmony. Shiva worship on Shani Pradosham is said to ease Shani doshas, and Soma Pradosham is considered especially meritorious.

May Lord Neelakantha bless everyone. Om Namah Shivaya.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When is Pradosha Vratham observed?

Pradosha Vratham is observed on both Trayodashis of each month, Shukla and Bahula, so twice a month. The puja is done during pradosha kalam around sunset.

What is pradosha kalam?

It is the twilight period, roughly one and a half hours before and after sunset. Shiva worship in this window is believed to be highly fruitful.

What are Soma Pradosham and Shani Pradosham?

A Trayodashi falling on Monday is Soma Pradosham and one falling on Saturday is Shani Pradosham. Both are considered especially auspicious.

What can I eat during Pradosha fast?

Most devotees fast through the day and eat prasadam and a sattvic meal after the evening puja. Some take fruits and milk; onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food are avoided.

How do I do Pradosha puja at home?

In the evening, bathe, do abhishekam to a Shivalingam or Shiva's picture with water and milk, offer bilva leaves, chant Om Namah Shivaya and offer harathi.

Why is Nandi worshipped on Pradosham?

The Puranas say Shiva danced between Nandi's horns at twilight after drinking the halahala poison. So devotees worship Nandi along with Shiva during pradosha kalam.

Pradosha Vrat Dates 2026