Devotees of Lord Shiva across India are observing Pradosh Vrat on Sunday, July 12, 2026, with prayers, fasting and special evening worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Considered one of the most auspicious Shiva observances in the Hindu calendar, the vrat falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) of Krishna Paksha and is believed to bring prosperity, peace, good health and spiritual progress.

According to the Hindu Panchang for Ujjain, the Trayodashi Tithi began at 2:04 AM on July 12 and will conclude at 10:30 PM the same day. The most auspicious Pradosh Puja Muhurat is from 7:12 PM to 9:20 PM, immediately after sunset.

Pradosh Puja Timings

For devotees observing the fast, the important timings are:

• Sunrise: 5:53 AM

• Sunset: 7:12 PM

• Trayodashi Tithi: 2:04 AM – 10:30 PM

• Pradosh Puja Muhurat: 7:12 PM – 9:20 PM

Religious texts describe the twilight period, known as Pradosh Kaal, as the most sacred time to worship Lord Shiva.

Importance of Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat is observed twice every month on the Trayodashi Tithi of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to be especially pleased during Pradosh Kaal and bless devotees who worship them with sincerity.

The observance is associated with happiness, prosperity, removal of obstacles, better health and spiritual growth. Many devotees also perform the vrat seeking fulfilment of personal wishes and family well-being.

How Devotees Observe the Fast

The vrat is observed by people of all ages and is traditionally performed in two ways. Some devotees keep a strict fast throughout the day and night, while others fast from sunrise until the evening puja before breaking their fast.

The rituals generally include:

• Taking a holy bath before sunset.

• Worshipping Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Nandi.

• Performing Abhishek of the Shivling with milk, curd, ghee and holy water.

• Offering Bilva (Bel) leaves, flowers and fruits.

• Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.

• Listening to or reading the Pradosh Vrat Katha.

• Visiting Shiva temples for evening darshan and lighting a lamp.

Benefits Associated with Sunday Pradosh

Since this month's Pradosh falls on a Sunday, it is observed as Bhanu Pradosh Vrat. Hindu beliefs state that observing this vrat on Sunday is associated with blessings of long life, peace, good health and overall well-being.

Different days of the week are believed to provide different spiritual benefits, making every Pradosh Vrat unique in religious significance.

Next Pradosh Vrat

The next Pradosh Vrat will be observed on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during the Shukla Paksha of the lunar fortnight.

With millions of devotees expected to visit Shiva temples across the country on Sunday evening, authorities in several cities have also made arrangements to facilitate smooth darshan and crowd management during the auspicious observance.