Pradosh Vrat is one of the most powerful and auspicious fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed on Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) of both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha every month. In 2026, devotees will observe 24 Pradosh Vrats, each offering a divine opportunity to seek Shiva’s grace, remove negative karma, and progress spiritually.
This complete guide covers Pradosh Vrat 2026 dates, importance, benefits, puja vidhi, and powerful Shiva mantras.
🕉️ What is Pradosh Vrat?
The word Pradosh refers to the sacred twilight period just after sunset, when Lord Shiva is believed to be most compassionate. Worship performed during this time is said to yield manifold spiritual benefits.
According to Shaivite scriptures, observing Pradosh Vrat with devotion pleases Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, granting peace, prosperity, and liberation from past karmas.
📅 Complete List of Pradosh Vrat Dates in 2026
Below is the month-wise list of all Pradosh Vrat dates for 2026 (as per Hindu Panchang – India):
January 2026
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1 January (Thursday) – Guru Pradosh
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16 January (Friday) – Shukra Pradosh
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30 January (Friday) – Shukra Pradosh
February 2026
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14 February (Saturday) – Shani Pradosh
March 2026
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1 March (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh
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16 March (Monday) – Som Pradosh
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30 March (Monday) – Som Pradosh
April 2026
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15 April (Wednesday) – Budh Pradosh
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28 April (Tuesday) – Bhauma Pradosh
May 2026
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14 May (Thursday) – Guru Pradosh
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28 May (Thursday) – Guru Pradosh
June 2026
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12 June (Friday) – Shukra Pradosh
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27 June (Saturday) – Shani Pradosh
July 2026
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12 July (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh
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26 July (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh
August 2026
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10 August (Monday) – Som Pradosh
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25 August (Tuesday) – Bhauma Pradosh
September 2026
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8 September (Tuesday) – Bhauma Pradosh
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24 September (Thursday) – Guru Pradosh
October 2026
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8 October (Thursday) – Guru Pradosh
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23 October (Friday) – Shukra Pradosh
November 2026
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6 November (Friday) – Shukra Pradosh
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22 November (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh
December 2026
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6 December (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh
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21 December (Monday) – Som Pradosh
🪔 Pradosh Kaal: Begins about 1.5 hours before sunset and ends 1.5 hours after sunset. Always check local sunset timings.
🌙 Importance of Pradosh Vrat
Pradosh Vrat holds immense importance because:
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Lord Shiva is believed to perform Ananda Tandava during Pradosh Kaal
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Even small acts of devotion bring powerful results
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Worship during this time removes sins and karmic blockages
Special Pradosh days like Som Pradosh and Shani Pradosh are considered extremely fruitful.
🌼 Benefits of Observing Pradosh Vrat
Devotees observe Pradosh Vrat for both spiritual and material blessings:
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🔱 Cleanses past sins and negative karma
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🧘 Brings mental peace and emotional stability
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💫 Helps fulfill desires and sincere wishes
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🏡 Improves family harmony
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💼 Supports career growth and financial stability
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🕉️ Leads toward spiritual awakening and moksha
Shani Pradosh Vrat is especially beneficial for those facing Saturn-related challenges.
🪔 Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi (Simple Home Ritual)
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Wake up early and take a bath
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Observe a day-long fast (nirjala or fruits/milk)
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Clean the puja space and install Shivling or Shiva image
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During Pradosh Kaal, perform Abhishek with:
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Water
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Milk
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Honey
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Bel Patra
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Light a diya and incense
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Chant Shiva mantras using a jaap mala
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Read or listen to Pradosh Vrat Katha
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Perform Shiva Aarti
📿 Powerful Shiva Mantras for Pradosh Vrat
🔹 Main Pradosh Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
🔹 Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥
🔹 Pradosh Vrat Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय
👉 Chant each mantra 108 times during Pradosh Kaal for maximum benefit.
🕉️ Who Should Observe Pradosh Vrat?
Pradosh Vrat is ideal for:
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Devotees of Lord Shiva
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People seeking peace and stability
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Those facing delays, stress, or karmic issues
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Anyone on a spiritual path
🔱 Spiritual Meaning of Pradosh Vrat
Pradosh Vrat teaches:
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Discipline and self-control
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Faith in divine timing
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Surrender to Lord Shiva
It reminds us that true power lies in devotion, patience, and faith.
🙏 Conclusion
Pradosh Vrat 2026 offers 24 sacred opportunities to connect deeply with Lord Shiva. By observing the vrat with sincerity—fasting, mantra chanting, and evening worship—devotees can experience inner peace, reduced karmic burden, and divine blessings.
