Every fifteen days, a special day arrives—known as Pradosh Vrat—dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva and connecting with his divine energy. The Trayodashi (thirteenth) day of both the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) and the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in every lunar month is referred to as *Pradosh*. Now, the question naturally arises: why, exactly, is this specific day named *Pradosh*? Let us explain: the term *Pradosh* signifies that which eliminates the flaws, negative energies, and dilemmas that accumulate in one’s life.
Let us explore the significance of the Pradosh Vrat
Observing the Pradosh Vrat is considered equivalent to visiting a Shiva temple and performing worship rituals for Lord Shiva continuously for fifteen days. The name of the Vrat varies depending on the specific day of the week on which it falls. If this fast occurs on a Monday, it is known as *Som Pradosh*; if it falls on a Saturday, it is called *Shani Pradosh*. Not only does the name change according to the day, but the specific benefits derived from observing the fast also vary. It is widely believed that observing a fast on this day absolves one of all past karmic burdens. The specific moment when day transitions into night on this day is known as *Pradosh Kaal* (the Pradosh period). Performing *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of the *Shivling* and worshipping Lord Shiva during this specific time yields abundant spiritual rewards.
Dates and Timings of the Fast
According to the Panchang (Hindu almanac), the Pradosh Vrat will occur twice during the month of June. The first—the Shukra Pradosh Vrat (Friday Pradosh)—will be observed on June 12, 2026, followed by the Shani Pradosh Vrat (Saturday Pradosh) on June 26, 2026.
On June 12, 2026, the Pradosh Vrat will commence at 07:36.
It will conclude on June 13, 2026, at 04:07.
On June 26, the Pradosh Vrat will commence at 10:22.
The Pradosh Vrat will conclude on June 28 at 12:43.
Pradosh Puja Muhurat: 7:20 pm to 9:29 pm on June 27, 2026.
Why is the Pradosh Vrat observed?
According to mythological legends, during the great Churning of the Ocean (*Samudra Manthan*), the gods and demons consumed the divine nectar (*Amrit*), but a deadly poison remained behind. Had this poison not been neutralized, its toxic effects could have spread across the Earth, causing immense destruction. Consequently, to protect the Earth and all its inhabitants, Lord Shiva voluntarily consumed the *Halahal* poison, holding it within his throat. However, the potent effects of the poison began to take their toll even on Lord Shiva. Witnessing this, Goddess Parvati became deeply concerned. She intervened and arrested the poison right there in his throat, preventing it from spreading further into his body. Thus, this specific period—marking the divine process of transforming negativity into positivity—came to be known as *Pradosh*.
Follow these tips for the worship rituals of the Shani Pradosh Vrat:
First, wake up in the morning, take a bath, and then, wearing clean clothes, offer your prayers to Lord Shiva.
Light a lamp in front of the idol or Shivling of Lord Shiva and perform the Jalabhishek (ritual water offering).
Offer milk, Belpatra (Bael leaves), and other items to Lord Shiva along with water.
In the evening, during the Pradosh Kaal (twilight period), perform the Aarti and observe the fast. Thereafter, light a lamp filled with mustard oil.
Points to Keep in Mind During the Pradosh Vrat
On this day, wake up early in the morning, immerse yourself in the worship of Lord Mahadev, and chant mantras.
Observe silence for a significant portion of the day; this conserves energy and also fosters emotional strength.
One should refrain from sleeping during the day while observing the fast, as doing so diminishes the spiritual merit of the Vrat.
Specifically, one should avoid wearing black or dark blue clothing.
Acts of charity hold special significance during this time. Consider donating sesame seeds (Til), black gram (Urad), oil, footwear, clothing, and food items.
Along with worshipping Lord Shiva, also chant these mantras.
- नीलांजन समाभासं रवि पुत्रं यमाग्रजम ।
छायामार्तंड संभूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम ।।
- सुर्यपुत्रो दीर्घदेहो विशालाक्ष: शिवप्रिय: ।
दीर्घचार: प्रसन्नात्मा पीडां हरतु मे शनि: ।।
- ऊँ शन्नोदेवीर भिष्टयऽआपो भवन्तु पीतये शंय्योरभिस्त्रवन्तुनः।
- ऊँ भगभवाय विद्महैं मृत्युरुपाय धीमहि तन्नो शनिः प्रचोद्यात्
- ऊँ त्रयम्बकं यजामहे सुगंधिम पुष्टिवर्धनम।
उर्वारुक मिव बन्धनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मा मृतात।।
- ध्वजिनी धामिनी चैव कंकाली कलहप्रिहा।
कंकटी कलही चाउथ तुरंगी महिषी अजा।।
शनैर्नामानि पत्नीनामेतानि संजपन् पुमान्।
दुःखानि नाश्येन्नित्यं सौभाग्यमेधते सुखमं।।
- करचरणकृतं वाक् कायजं कर्मजं श्रावण वाणंजं वा मानसंवापराधं ।
विहितं विहितं वा सर्व मेतत् क्षमस्व जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥
- ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
- सर्व मंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके,
शरण्ये त्र्यंबके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते।।
- श्री शिवाय नमस्तुभ्यं मंत्रमात्रं जपेन्नरः।
दुःस्वप्नं न भवेत्तत्र सुस्वप्नमुपजायते।।
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