Pradosh Vrat
प्रदोष व्रत
Pradosh Vrat (प्रदोष व्रत) is a sacred Shiva vrat observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of every lunar fortnight. The word "Pradosh" means the dusk period — the time between sunset and nightfall. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped together during this auspicious time. Pradosh falling on Saturday is called Shani Pradosh (most powerful for removing Shani dosha), on Monday is Soma Pradosh, and on Tuesday is Bhauma Pradosh.
Fasting Rules & Vidhi
Fast from sunrise until the Pradosh Kaal (dusk period, typically 1.5 hours before and after sunset).
Take a bath before the Pradosh time begins. Wear clean clothes.
Perform Shiva puja with Bilva leaves, milk, water, honey, and flowers during Pradosh Kaal.
Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times or 1008 times during the Pradosh period.
Recite Shiv Chalisa and perform Shiva Aarti.
Break the fast after completing the puja and aarti during Pradosh Kaal.
Significance & Story
According to Shiva Purana, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), the deadly poison Halahala emerged during the Pradosh period. Lord Shiva consumed this poison to save the universe, turning his throat blue (Neelkanth). Since then, the Pradosh period is sacred to Shiva. Worshipping Shiva during this exact time period is said to be 100 times more powerful than worship at other times.