Shukra Pradosh Vrat 2026: A Sacred Observance
Pradosh Vrat stands as one of Hinduism's most auspicious fasts. Devotees dedicate this day entirely to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The observance occurs on Trayodashi Tithi, which marks the thirteenth day of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha lunar phases.
Shukra Pradosh Vrat in 2026
Shukra Pradosh Vrat specifically refers to Pradosh falling on a Friday. In 2026, this sacred day aligns with the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. According to the Drik Panchang, the fast will be observed on January 16, 2026.
Puja Muhurat and Timings
The Trayodashi Tithi begins on January 15, 2026, at 08:16 PM. It concludes on January 16, 2026, at 10:21 PM. Devotees should note the following key timings for rituals:
- Pradosha Puja Muhurat: January 16, 2026, from 05:47 PM to 08:29 PM
- Day Pradosha Time: January 16, 2026, from 05:47 PM to 08:29 PM
Significance of Pradosh Vrat
The Skanda Purana describes two types of fasts observed on Pradosh. One involves a rigorous 24-hour fast broken the next day. The other is a daytime fast that devotees may break at night.
Hindu scriptures state that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati feel exceptionally joyful and generous on this day. The term "Pradosh" translates to "the first part of the evening." People of all ages and genders can observe this vrat with devotion.
Some worshippers even honor Lord Shiva in his Natraj form during Pradosh. Believers hold that sincere fasting brings happiness, success, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires from the divine couple. Unmarried women who worship Goddess Parvati and offer her shringaar may find their desired husbands.
Rituals for Shukra Pradosh Vrat 2026
Devotees follow specific rituals to observe Shukra Pradosh Vrat properly:
- Wake up early and take a sacred bath to purify the body and mind.
- Set up an idol of Shiva Parivaar, which includes Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Skanda.
- Offer Mogra and rose flowers, as these are favorites of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Light a diya using sesame oil or desi ghee. Present any white sweet as an offering.
- Recite the Lord Shiva aarti and the Pradosh Vrat katha with devotion.
- Visit a temple to perform pooja and abhishekam on the shivalingam using panchamrit.
- Chant "Om Namaha Shivaye" repeatedly during the Abhishekam ceremony.
- On Pradosh day, followers should recite the Mahamrityunjay Mantra and "Om Namaha Shivaye" 108 times each.
- Those unable to maintain a strict fast may break it at night with a satvik meal after offering bhog prasad to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Important Mantras for Pradosh Vrat
Devotees chant these powerful mantras during Shukra Pradosh Vrat:
- Om Namah Shivaye..!!
- Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Ma Maritaat Om..!!
These mantras invoke divine blessings and enhance spiritual benefits. Observing Shukra Pradosh Vrat with sincerity brings devotees closer to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
