Guru Pradosh Vrat — Date, Vidhi & Timing

Significance

Thursday Pradosh invokes pitru blessings and protection from dangers.

Niyam (rules)

1. Fast from sunrise until Pradosh puja, or observe a full-day fast per family tradition.
2. Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, and garlic on Trayodashi.
3. Maintain silence and humility; focus on Shiva–Parvati worship.
4. Women and men alike may observe this vrat with sincere devotion.

Vidhi (how to observe)

1. Bathe one hour before sunset and prepare the puja area with a clean cloth.
2. Light a lamp and invoke Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Nandi.
3. Perform abhishek on Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee if available.
4. Offer bilva leaves, dhatura, white flowers, sandalwood, and seasonal fruit.
5. Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times during the Pradosh kaal window.
6. Listen to Pradosh vrat katha from Shiva Purana or Skanda Purana.
7. Visit a Shiva temple for darshan after puja; even one lamp in the evening is highly meritorious.