Pradosham (பிரதோஷம்)
Bi-monthly Shiva Fasting — 13th Tithi of Each Fortnight
Pradosham Dates in 2026
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About Pradosham
Pradosham is a sacred Shiva fasting day observed on the 13th Tithi (Trayodashi) of both the waxing and waning fortnights every lunar month. The two-and-a-half-hour window around sunset on Pradosham is considered the most auspicious time for Lord Shiva worship — when Shiva is said to dance the Tandava on Mount Kailash while all the deities gather to witness.
Significance
According to Shiva Purana, it was on Trayodashi that Lord Shiva consumed the halahala poison to save the universe during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). The gods and sages pray to Shiva on Pradosham in gratitude. Worshipping Shiva during the Pradosha Kalam (the 1.5 hours spanning sunset) on this day is believed to grant liberation from sins, relief from suffering, and the fulfillment of wishes. Devotees who observe the Pradosham fast are said to receive a boon equivalent to bathing in all sacred rivers.
How the Date is Calculated
Pradosham falls on the 13th Tithi (Trayodashi) of both the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) and Krishna Paksha (waning fortnight) each lunar month — giving approximately 24–26 Pradosham days per year. The most auspicious window is the Pradosha Kalam — roughly 1.5 hours before to 1 hour after sunset. Shani Pradosham (falling on Saturday) and Soma Pradosham (Monday) are especially sacred.
How It is Celebrated
- Full or partial fast during the day
- Pradosha Kalam worship — Shiva Abhishekam and puja at sunset
- Circumambulation (Girivalam) at Shiva temples
- Recitation of Shiva Panchakshara mantra (Om Namah Shivaya)
- Breaking the fast after the evening puja
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pradosham?
Pradosham is a bi-monthly Shiva fasting day that falls on the 13th Tithi (Trayodashi) of each lunar fortnight. The auspicious Pradosha Kalam — roughly two hours spanning sunset — is believed to be when Lord Shiva dances the Tandava on Kailash, with all the gods present as witnesses. Worshipping Shiva during this window on Pradosham is considered exceptionally powerful.
What is Shani Pradosham and why is it special?
Shani Pradosham (Shani Pradosha) occurs when the 13th Tithi falls on a Saturday (Shanivar). It is considered the most powerful of all Pradosham days because the combined energy of Saturn (Shani) and Shiva worship on this day is believed to nullify the malefic effects of Saturn in one's horoscope and grant liberation from debt and suffering.
How many Pradosham days are there in a year?
There are approximately 24–26 Pradosham days per year — two per lunar month, one on Shukla Trayodashi (waxing fortnight) and one on Krishna Trayodashi (waning fortnight). Because the lunar month is shorter than the Gregorian month, some calendar months may have three Pradosham days.
What should be done on Pradosham?
On Pradosham, devotees fast during the day, visit a Shiva temple for Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam with milk, curd, honey, and water), circumambulate the temple, and recite Shiva Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya). The Pradosha Kalam at sunset is the most potent window for prayer. The fast is broken after the evening puja.