Observe a fast throughout the day on Trayodashi. Strict observers do nirjala (without water), while others may take fruits, milk, and water. Have a single meal before sunset if doing a partial fast. Spend the day in devotional activities and remembrance of Shiva.

Take a purifying bath before sunset. Wear clean white or rudraksha mala. Set up the puja area with the Shivlinga or Shiva image. Arrange all samagri – milk, water, bel leaves, white flowers, dhatura, vibhuti, lamp, and incense.

As soon as the sun sets and Pradosh Kaal begins, light the ghee lamp and incense. Perform achamana (sipping water thrice). Take the sankalpa by holding water, akshat, and flowers in the right palm, stating the tithi, place, and purpose.

Perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivlinga. Pour milk slowly over the linga while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya". Then pour clean water (Ganga water if available). The abhishek should be done with devotion, letting the milk and water flow gently from the top.

Offer fresh trifoliate bel (bilva) leaves on the Shivlinga – place them with the smooth side facing up and the stalk pointing toward you. Offer dhatura fruits and flowers. Place white flowers (jasmine or white lotus) around the linga. Apply sandalwood paste and vibhuti.

Light a ghee lamp (preferably with two wicks) before the Shivlinga. Chant the Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya) 108 times using a Rudraksha mala. Then recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. Maintain focus and devotion throughout – this is the core of Pradosh worship.

Recite the Shiva Tandava Stotram composed by Ravana – this is especially appropriate for Pradosh as Shiva performs the Tandava during this time. If capable, also recite Sri Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam from Yajurveda). Otherwise, recite the Shiva Chalisa or any Shiva stotram.

Perform aarti with the ghee lamp and camphor, singing "Om Jai Shiv Omkara". Circle the lamp before the Shivlinga in a clockwise direction. After aarti, do pradakshina (circumambulation) of the Shivlinga – note: for Shivlinga, do a half-circle (go from left to right and return the same way, without crossing the abhishek channel).

Offer naivedya (fruits, sweets, milk) to Lord Shiva. Apply vibhuti (bhasma) to your forehead as prasad from Shiva. Pray for the well-being of all beings. Break the fast after completing the puja with sattvic food. The puja must be completed before the Pradosh Kaal window closes.