The 13th tithi of each fortnight, an evening worship of Lord Shiva observed twice a month at twilight.
Pradosham falls on the Trayodashi (13th tithi) of each lunar fortnight, twice a month, once in the waxing and once in the waning phase. The sacred window is the 1½ hours before and after sunset, a three-hour twilight slot when Lord Shiva is believed to be most gracious to devotees.
When Pradosham falls on a Saturday it is called Sani Pradosham, considered the most auspicious of all, occurring just 3–4 times a year. Monday (Soma Pradosham) and Tuesday (Bhauma Pradosham) variants are also regarded as especially powerful.
Devotees observe a fast until sunset, then visit a Shiva temple to worship Nandi (the sacred bull) and the five-faced form of Shiva (Panchamukha). It is believed that prayers during the Pradosham window carry a special potency that removes karmic obstacles.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Pradosham?
Pradosham is the 13th tithi (lunar day) of each fortnight, falling twice a month. It is a sacred evening of worship for Lord Shiva, observed at twilight.
How many Pradosham days are there in a year?
There are about 24 Pradosham days per year, two per lunar month. All dates are listed on this page.
Why is Pradosham special?
It is believed that Lord Shiva is most accessible to devotees at twilight on the 13th tithi. Prayers offered in that 1.5-hour window are said to be especially powerful.
What is Sani Pradosham?
When Pradosham falls on a Saturday it is called Sani Pradosham and is considered the most auspicious. It happens 3–4 times a year and draws large crowds to Shiva temples.