Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat commemorates Shiva's consumption of the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan to save all creation. The katha narrates how Parvati held his throat to contain the poison (making him Neelakantha), and how Nandi's penance established the Pradosh twilight hour as the most powerful window for Shiva worship.

Twice a month — on Trayodashi (13th tithi) of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha. The puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal (90-minute twilight window after sunset). Shani Pradosh (Saturday) is especially powerful.

Pradosh Vrat grants swift blessings from Lord Shiva. It removes all sins, fulfills desires, brings prosperity, cures diseases, and grants moksha. Shani Pradosham (Saturday) is particularly powerful for Saturn-related remedies.

Fast from sunrise. In the evening during Pradosh Kaal (1.5 hours after sunset), visit a Shiva temple. Perform abhishek with milk, water, honey, and yogurt. Offer bilva leaves, white flowers, dhatura, and bhasma. Light a ghee lamp. Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times and recite the Shiva Rudram if possible. Circumambulate the Shiva Linga 3 times. Break the fast after the puja. For maximum benefit, also worship Nandi before approaching the Shiva Linga.