Pradosham, or Pradosh Vrat, is a sacred observance in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. Falling twice a month, on the 13th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the lunar calendar, Pradosham is a time when devotees seek forgiveness for sins, removal of obstacles, and blessings of spiritual strength.
The word "Pradosham" means "removal of sins" and is a reference to Lord Shiva’s power to alleviate past karmic effects.
In 2025, each Pradosham offers devotees a unique opportunity to connect with Lord Shiva’s grace and deepen their devotion through ritual and fasting.
This blog provides a detailed calendar of Pradosham dates for 2025, explores the importance of Pradosham, its types, and the practices associated with this powerful vrat (fast).
The Importance of Pradosham
Pradosham is considered one of the most auspicious times to worship Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, during Pradosham, Lord Shiva performs the Tandava dance, a cosmic dance that signifies creation, preservation, and destruction.
Observing Pradosham is believed to help devotees receive Shiva’s blessings, removing obstacles in their lives, protecting against negative influences, and aiding in spiritual growth.
Key Benefits of Observing Pradosham
1. Karmic Cleansing: Pradosham vrat is a time to cleanse one's mind of past sins, promoting spiritual growth and a sense of liberation from negative karmic influences.
2. Removal of Obstacles: By worshiping Lord Shiva, devotees seek protection and support in overcoming obstacles in both material and spiritual pursuits.
3. Mental Peace and Focus: Through fasting and meditative practices, Pradosham helps individuals center their minds, improve focus, and maintain mental clarity.
4. Spiritual Growth: Pradosham encourages devotees to connect with the Divine, deepening their understanding and devotion toward Shiva's qualities of wisdom, strength, and compassion.
Types of Pradosham
There are three main types of Pradosham, based on the day of the week on which it occurs. Each type has specific significance and rituals:
1. Som Pradosham: Observed on Mondays, Som Pradosham is especially significant as Monday is considered Lord Shiva’s day. Fasting and performing rituals on Som Pradosham are believed to bring blessings for health, happiness, and success.
2. Shani Pradosham: When Pradosham falls on a Saturday, it is called Shani Pradosham. This is highly auspicious, as it combines the energies of both Lord Shiva and Lord Shani (Saturn). Shani Pradosham is believed to be effective for alleviating the impact of planetary afflictions, especially those related to Saturn.
3. Maha Pradosham: When Pradosham falls on a special occasion such as Maha Shivaratri or during significant planetary alignments, it is termed Maha Pradosham. Maha Pradosham is considered a powerful time for achieving spiritual growth and gaining blessings for liberation (moksha).
2025 Pradosham Dates and Timings
The table below lists all Pradosham dates for 2025, highlighting the specific Paksha and any special Pradoshams.
| Pradosh Date | Pradosh | Tithi | Begins Time | Begins Date | Ends Time | Ends Date |
| January 11, 2025, Saturday | Shani Pradosh Vrat | Pausha, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 08:21 AM | Jan 11 | Ends - 06:33 AM | Jan 12 |
| January 27, 2025, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Magha, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 08:54 PM | Jan 26 | Ends - 08:34 PM | Jan 27 |
| February 9, 2025, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Magha, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 07:25 PM | Feb 09 | Ends - 06:57 PM | Feb 10 |
| February 25, 2025, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Phalguna, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 12:47 PM | Feb 25 | Ends - 11:08 AM | Feb 26 |
| March 11, 2025, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Phalguna, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 08:13 AM | Mar 11 | Ends - 09:11 AM | Mar 12 |
| March 27, 2025, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Chaitra, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 01:42 AM | Mar 27 | Ends - 11:03 PM | Mar 27 |
| April 10, 2025, Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | Chaitra, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 10:55 PM | Apr 09 | Ends - 01:00 AM | Apr 11 |
| April 25, 2025, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Vaishakha, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 11:44 AM | Apr 25 | Ends - 08:27 AM | Apr 26 |
| May 9, 2025, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Vaishakha, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 02:56 PM | May 09 | Ends - 05:29 PM | May 10 |
| May 24, 2025, Saturday | Shani Pradosh Vrat | Jyeshtha, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 07:20 PM | May 24 | Ends - 03:51 PM | May 25 |
| June 8, 2025, Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Jyeshtha, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 07:17 AM | Jun 08 | Ends - 09:35 AM | Jun 09 |
| June 23, 2025, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Ashadha, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 01:21 AM | Jun 23 | Ends - 10:09 PM | Jun 23 |
| July 8, 2025, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Ashadha, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 11:10 PM | Jul 07 | Ends - 12:38 AM | Jul 09 |
| July 22, 2025, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Shravana, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 07:05 AM | Jul 22 | Ends - 04:39 AM | Jul 23 |
| August 6, 2025, Wednesday | Budha Pradosh Vrat | Shravana, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 02:08 PM | Aug 06 | Ends - 02:27 PM | Aug 07 |
| August 20, 2025, Wednesday | Budha Pradosh Vrat | Bhadrapada, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 01:58 PM | Aug 20 | Ends - 12:44 PM | Aug 21 |
| September 5, 2025, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Bhadrapada, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 04:08 AM | Sep 05 | Ends - 03:12 AM | Sep 06 |
| September 19, 2025, Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 11:24 PM | Sep 18 | Ends - 11:36 PM | Sep 19 |
| October 4, 2025, Saturday | Shani Pradosh Vrat | Ashwina, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 05:09 PM | Oct 04 | Ends - 03:03 PM | Oct 05 |
| October 18, 2025, Saturday | Shani Pradosh Vrat | Kartika, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 12:18 PM | Oct 18 | Ends - 01:51 PM | Oct 19 |
| November 3, 2025, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Kartika, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 05:07 AM | Nov 03 | Ends - 02:05 AM | Nov 04 |
| November 17, 2025, Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Margashirsha, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 04:47 AM | Nov 17 | Ends - 07:12 AM | Nov 18 |
| December 2, 2025, Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | Margashirsha, Shukla Trayodashi | Begins - 03:57 PM | Dec 02 | Ends - 12:25 PM | Dec 03 |
| December 17, 2025, Wednesday | Budha Pradosh Vrat | Pausha, Krishna Trayodashi | Begins - 11:57 PM | Dec 16 | Ends - 02:32 AM | Dec 18 |
Note: Dates may vary slightly based on location and local Panchang (Hindu lunar calendar).
Legends and Stories Behind Pradosham
The observance of Pradosham is rooted in stories from Hindu mythology, each highlighting the mercy and grace of Lord Shiva.
1. Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean):
The origin of Pradosham is often linked to the Samudra Manthan, where the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.
During this churning, poison emerged, threatening all of existence. Lord Shiva, in his compassion, consumed the poison, which turned his throat blue. The deities and devotees honor this day as Pradosham to express gratitude for Shiva’s sacrifice.
2. Markandeya and the Boon of Immortality:
The story of Rishi Markandeya and his devotion to Lord Shiva also highlights the power of Pradosham. Facing an early death, Markandeya prayed to Shiva on Pradosham.
Moved by his devotion, Shiva appeared and blessed Markandeya with eternal life. Pradosham, therefore, is considered an auspicious time to seek blessings for overcoming life’s challenges.
How to Observe Pradosham Vrat: Rituals and Practices
The Pradosham vrat includes fasting, meditation, and rituals centered around Shiva worship. Here’s a guide on observing Pradosham vrat.
1. Fasting: Devotees typically fast from sunrise until the Pradosham period, which occurs in the twilight hours (around sunset). Some observe a complete fast without food or water, while others follow a fruit-and-milk fast.
2. Bathing and Purification: Observers start the day with a purification bath, often including sacred items like neem leaves or tulsi, symbolizing cleansing of both body and mind.
3. Shiva Puja: In the evening, devotees perform the Shiva Puja, offering bilva leaves, fruits, flowers, and incense to the Shiva Lingam. Chanting Shiva mantras, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, is considered highly auspicious.
4. Reading of Shiva Scriptures: Reading texts like the Shiva Purana or listening to the Pradosham Katha helps devotees connect with the stories and blessings associated with Shiva.
5. Circumambulation of the Shiva Lingam: Pradosham worship often involves circumambulating the Shiva Lingam three or six times, symbolizing respect and devotion.
6. Lighting of Deepam: Lighting a lamp at dusk is an important part of Pradosham rituals, symbolizing the removal of darkness from one's life.
7. Breaking the Fast: Devotees usually end their fast the next morning with a simple vegetarian meal, often including food items that were offered during the puja.
Benefits of Observing Pradosham Vrat
Pradosham observance is not only a form of devotion but also a means of spiritual and personal growth. The benefits are numerous:
1. Removal of Obstacles: By seeking Lord Shiva's blessings, devotees are believed to receive support in overcoming both worldly and spiritual obstacles.
2. Emotional Peace and Stability: Fasting and meditation during Pradosham bring mental clarity, helping devotees find inner peace and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
3. Enhanced Spiritual Connection: Engaging in Pradosham rituals fosters a deeper spiritual bond with Lord Shiva, invoking his compassionate nature.
4. Physical and Mental Detoxification: The act of fasting detoxifies the body and mind, enhancing overall well-being.
5. Karmic Cleansing: Pradosham is a time to seek forgiveness and purify oneself from past mistakes, making it a valuable observance for karmic relief.
Conclusion
Pradosham vrat in 2025 is an auspicious opportunity to embrace the power of Shiva, cultivate inner peace, and seek blessings for overcoming obstacles and purifying one’s karma.
Each Pradosham, with its unique energy and significance, invites devotees to engage in spiritual practices that deepen their devotion to Lord Shiva and enhance their spiritual journey.
By following the Pradosham calendar, devotees can align with the divine energies of each lunar cycle and make this sacred observance a meaningful part of their spiritual practice.