Pradosh Vrat (fast) is observed to please Lord Shiva. It falls on the Trayodashi of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha of each month.
On this day, worship is performed during the Pradosh Kaal, which is considered especially favourable for Shiva worship. The month of Sawan (Shravan) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Drik Panchang, “When Pradosham day falls on Monday it is called Soma Pradosham, on Tuesday it is called Bhauma Pradosham and on Saturday it is called as Shani Pradosham.”
When the Pradosh Vrat falls in Sawan, its religious and spiritual significance is even greater. Devotees observe the fast and perform a proper evening worship of the Shiva Lingam, gaining special blessings and merits.
Sawan Pradosh Vrat 2025 Dates
This year, the month of Sawan will begin on 11th July and continue until 9th August. During this period, two major Pradosh Vrats will be observed. The first Pradosh Vrat will be on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, the Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha, known as Bhauma Pradosh Vrat. The second will be on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, the Trayodashi of Shukla Paksha, observed as Budh Pradosh Vrat.
How to observe the Pradosh Vrat
- Begin the day with a bath and wear clean clothes. Sit near the Shiva Lingam or in your home shrine and take the vow (Sankalp) for the fast. Pray to Lord Shiva for success in the fast.
- On this day, you may fast by eating fruits and drinking milk, or some devotees observe a waterless fast.
- Gather offerings such as bilva leaves, Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sandalwood, ash (bhasma), datura, flowers, incense sticks, lamps, and food offerings (naivedya).
- Perform the abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Lingam during the Pradosh period. Chant mantras and recite hymns throughout.
- You can chant the Shiva Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Shivaya,” the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtak, Laghu Rudra patha, and others.
When to break the Pradosh fast
The fast is broken the next day. On the morning after the fast, take a bath and worship Lord Shiva. Then, after feeding a Brahmin or giving to the needy, you may break your fast.