Pradosh Vrat (2018)
Dates and timings for Pune
About the Vrat & Significance
Pradosh Vrat, also known as Pradosham, is a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observed twice a month on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi Tithi) of both the Shukla and Krishna Paksha. "Pradosh" refers to the twilight period around sunset. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison generated during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the universe. Overjoyed by the salvation, the gods gathered around Shiva as he danced on Mount Kailash in ecstasy during the twilight. Observing this fast is believed to liberate devotees from the fear of death, cure chronic ailments, clear debts, and wash away past sins. Worshipping Lord Shiva during the Pradosha Kaal (sunset period) is considered highly rewarding, as it is believed that Shiva is in his most benevolent state and grants all wishes of his devotees.
The fast begins at sunrise. The main and most auspicious time for worship is the Pradosha Kaal, which spans 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset. The evening Abhishek and prayers must be performed during this specific window, after which the fast is broken.
- A Shiva Lingam or a photo of the Shiva-Parvati family
- Bael leaves (Bilva patra) - fresh and untorn
- Dhatura flowers and Dhatura fruits
- White sandalwood paste (Chandan) and Vibhuti (sacred ash)
- Gangajal, raw milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar (for Panchamrit Abhishek)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop
- Ghee lamp (Diya) and camphor for Aarti
- White flowers (jasmine, oleander) and garlands
- Rice grains (Akshat) - whole and unbroken
- Fresh fruits and coconut
- Sweets (Naivedya - like kheer or milk-based sweets)
- A clean cloth to sit on during the puja
- Wake up early, take a bath, wear clean light-colored or white clothes, and make a Sankalpa (vow) to fast for Pradosh.
- Perform a simple morning worship of Lord Shiva, offering water and Bael leaves, and light a ghee lamp.
- Observe a fast during the day, keeping your thoughts pure and chanting Shiva mantras.
- In the evening, take another bath before sunset to prepare for the main Pradosh Puja.
- Set up the Shiva Lingam, light the ghee lamp and incense, and perform Abhishek (holy bath) using gangajal, raw milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, and water.
- Wipe the Lingam gently and apply Vibhuti and white sandalwood paste.
- Offer unbroken rice grains (Akshat), Bael leaves (pointing the smooth side down), Dhatura flowers, and white flowers to the deity.
- Offer fruits and sweets as Naivedya, and place a betel leaf with a betel nut and cardamom next to the altar.
- Read the Pradosh Vrat Katha corresponding to the day of the week (e.g. Som Pradosh, Bhauma Pradosh), and chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
- Perform the Shiva Aarti with camphor, pray for forgiveness, health, and prosperity, and distribute prasad.
- Break the fast after the puja by consuming the prasad and light satvik food.
Yearly Vrat Calendar Dates
| # | Date | Day | Month / Tithi | Auspicious Muhurat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 January 2018 | Sunday | Pausha Krishna Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:16 – 20:40 |
| 2 | 29 January 2018 | Monday | Magha Shukla Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:25 – 20:49 |
| 3 | 13 February 2018 | Tuesday | Magha Krishna Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:33 – 20:57 |
| 4 | 27 February 2018 | Tuesday | Phalguna Shukla Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:38 – 21:02 |
| 5 | 14 March 2018 | Wednesday | Phalguna Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:42 – 21:06 |
| 6 | 29 March 2018 | Thursday | Chaitra Shukla Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:46 – 21:10 |
| 7 | 13 April 2018 | Friday | Chaitra Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:49 – 21:13 |
| 8 | 27 April 2018 | Friday | Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:53 – 21:17 |
| 9 | 13 May 2018 | Sunday | Vaishakha Krishna Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:59 – 21:23 |
| 10 | 26 May 2018 | Saturday | Adhik Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 19:03 – 21:27 |
| 11 | 11 June 2018 | Monday | Adhik Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 19:09 – 21:33 |
| 12 | 25 June 2018 | Monday | Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 19:13 – 21:37 |
| 13 | 10 July 2018 | Tuesday | Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 19:13 – 21:37 |
| 14 | 24 July 2018 | Tuesday | Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 19:11 – 21:35 |
| 15 | 09 August 2018 | Thursday | Ashadha Krishna Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 19:04 – 21:28 |
| 16 | 23 August 2018 | Thursday | Shravana Shukla Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:55 – 21:19 |
| 17 | 07 September 2018 | Friday | Shravana Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:42 – 21:06 |
| 18 | 22 September 2018 | Saturday | Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:29 – 20:53 |
| 19 | 06 October 2018 | Saturday | Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:18 – 20:42 |
| 20 | 22 October 2018 | Monday | Ashwin Shukla Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:06 – 20:30 |
| 21 | 05 November 2018 | Monday | Ashwin Krishna Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 17:58 – 20:22 |
| 22 | 20 November 2018 | Tuesday | Kartika Shukla Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 17:55 – 20:19 |
| 23 | 04 December 2018 | Tuesday | Kartika Krishna Paksha Dwadashi | प्रदोष काळ: 17:55 – 20:19 |
| 24 | 20 December 2018 | Thursday | Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Trayodashi | प्रदोष काळ: 18:01 – 20:25 |
