Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Trayodashi Vrat (Pradosh Vrat)
Trayodashi Vrat — universally known as Pradosh Vrat — is observed on the 13th tithi of both fortnights each month and is one of the most powerful Shiva vratas in the Hindu tradition. The 13th tithi is ruled by Lord Shiva, making every Trayodashi a natural day for his worship. The unique feature of Pradosh Vrat is the timing of its puja: it is performed during the Pradosh Kaal — the twilight period approximately 1.5 hours before and after sunset — which is believed to be the exact time when Shiva and Parvati are in their most blissful, accessible mood, dancing on Mount Kailash. Among all Shiva vratas, Pradosh is considered second in importance only to Mahashivratri, and some texts say it surpasses even Chaturdashi in efficacy. When Trayodashi falls on a Monday (Soma Pradosh), Saturday (Shani Pradosh), or during a solar eclipse, its potency is multiplied many times over.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Grants all desires and fulfills wishes when the Pradosh puja is performed with devotion at the correct twilight hour. Removes sins accumulated over seven lifetimes. Blesses devotees with freedom from debt, disease, and enemies. Grants moksha (liberation) to those who observe Pradosh regularly. Shani Pradosh (Saturday Trayodashi) specifically removes the malefic effects of Saturn and the seven-and-a-half year Sade Sati period. Soma Pradosh (Monday Trayodashi) multiplies the benefits of Shiva worship and brings peace to the mind. Bestows longevity, marital harmony, and relief from chronic illness. The Skanda Purana states that even gods and sages observe Pradosh Vrat to obtain boons from Shiva.
Procedure
On Trayodashi, fast through the day and perform the main puja during Pradosh Kaal (the twilight window). Bathe before sunset. Set up a Shivalinga — ideally a Parad (mercury) or Sphatik (crystal) lingam — or use the household Shivalinga. Perform abhishek with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar (panchamrit), followed by Ganga jal. Offer bilva (bel) leaves in sets of three, white flowers (dhatura flowers are especially sacred to Shiva), white sandalwood paste, and ash (vibhuti). Light a ghee lamp and incense. Recite the Pradosh Katha, Shiva Tandava Stotram, or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. Circumambulate the Shivalinga 7 times during Pradosh Kaal. On Shani Pradosh, include sesame oil and black sesame in the abhishek.
When to Observe
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi — making approximately 24 Pradosh Vratas per year. Special Pradosh days: Soma Pradosh (Trayodashi on Monday), Bhauma Pradosh (Tuesday), and most importantly Shani Pradosh (Saturday) for removal of Saturn's malefic effects. Mahashivratri (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi) is the annual culmination. The Trayodashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha is considered especially auspicious. Any Trayodashi during a solar or lunar eclipse is regarded as extraordinarily potent.
Fasting Rules
Observe a strict fast from sunrise until the Pradosh puja is completed at twilight. Avoid grains, lentils, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic throughout the day. Many devotees observe a nirjala fast until the Pradosh puja, then break it with milk or fruits before the full evening meal. On Shani Pradosh, avoid oil consumption in the diet as it is offered to Shiva in the puja instead. The fast should not be broken before the Pradosh Kaal puja is finished — breaking before the auspicious twilight window negates the benefits.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast after the Pradosh Kaal puja is fully completed — after the aarti, the circumambulation, and the distribution of prasad. Consume Shiva prasad first: panchamrit that was used in the abhishek (now sanctified), bilva leaf, and vibhuti applied to the forehead. Then eat a light sattvic meal — khichdi, sabudana dishes, or simple vegetable curry without onion and garlic. Distribute the Shiva prasad (milk, fruits, and bilva leaves) to all family members and neighbors. On Shani Pradosh, donate sesame laddoo and black gram to the needy before breaking the fast yourself.
FAQ
Q.What is Trayodashi Vrat (Pradosh Vrat)?
Trayodashi Vrat — universally known as Pradosh Vrat — is observed on the 13th tithi of both fortnights each month and is one of the most powerful Shiva vratas in the Hindu tradition. The 13th tithi is ruled by Lord Shiva, making every Trayodashi a na...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Trayodashi Vrat (Pradosh Vrat)?
Observe a strict fast from sunrise until the Pradosh puja is completed at twilight. Avoid grains, lentils, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic throughout the day. Many devotees observe a nirjala fast until the Pradosh puja, then break it with milk or fruits before the full evening meal. On Shani Pradosh, avoid oil consumption in the diet as it is offered to Shiva in the puja instead. The fast should not be broken before the Pradosh Kaal puja is finished — breaking before the auspicious twilight window negates the benefits.
Q.When should Trayodashi Vrat (Pradosh Vrat) be observed?
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi — making approximately 24 Pradosh Vratas per year. Special Pradosh days: Soma Pradosh (Trayodashi on Monday), Bhauma Pradosh (Tuesday), and most importantly Shani Pradosh (Saturday) for removal of Saturn's malefic effects. Mahashivratri (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi) is the annual culmination. The Trayodashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha is considered especially auspicious. Any Trayodashi during a solar or lunar eclipse is regarded as extraordinarily potent.
Q.What are the benefits of Trayodashi Vrat (Pradosh Vrat)?
Grants all desires and fulfills wishes when the Pradosh puja is performed with devotion at the correct twilight hour. Removes sins accumulated over seven lifetimes. Blesses devotees with freedom from debt, disease, and enemies. Grants moksha (liberation) to those who observe Pradosh regularly. Shani Pradosh (Saturday Trayodashi) specifically removes the malefic effects of Saturn and the seven-and-a-half year Sade Sati period. Soma Pradosh (Monday Trayodashi) multiplies the benefits of Shiva worship and brings peace to the mind. Bestows longevity, marital harmony, and relief from chronic illness. The Skanda Purana states that even gods and sages observe Pradosh Vrat to obtain boons from Shiva.