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KarmaVaani

Vrat · Twice a month

Pradosh Vrat

Also known as Pradosham

A twilight fast for Shiva on the thirteenth day of each fortnight.

A small smooth black stone Shivalinga on a round brass base in an open courtyard at twilight, three-leafed bilva leaves on top, a single brass lamp burning beside it, the sky deep blue fading to orange

Pradosh is kept on Trayodashi, the thirteenth tithi of each fortnight, with worship in the pradosh kaal, the hour and a half around sunset. It is held to be the time when Shiva danced in joy and is most easily pleased. A Pradosh falling on a Monday (Soma Pradosh) or Saturday (Shani Pradosh) is especially observed.

Why it is kept

Twilight worship of Shiva, for the removal of obstacles and wrongdoing.

Step by step

How to observe it

  1. Fast through the day

    A fast until evening, with fruit if needed.

  2. Worship at twilight

    Around sunset, the Shivalinga is bathed and offered bilva leaves, and Nandi is worshipped.

  3. Break the fast after worship

    A simple meal is taken after the evening puja.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Fasting

A day fast, broken after the evening worship.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.

Traditions

  • Twilight Shiva puja
  • Abhisheka
  • Nandi worship in Tamil temples

Where to go

Temples to visit