The importance of devotion to Lord Shiva increases during the month of Sawan (Shravan). This special month holds particular significance for every Monday and the Pradosh Vrat (fast). The first Bhaum Pradosh Vrat of Sawan, falling in July, will be observed on July 22, 2025. Since the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth lunar day) falls on a Tuesday, it is known as Bhaum Pradosh. Devotees offer special prayers to Lord Shiva on this day, seeking happiness and prosperity.
The Pradosh Vrat occurs on the Trayodashi Tithi of both the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of each month. However, its significance increases manifold when this fast falls on a Tuesday. According to scriptures, observing the fast and worshiping Lord Shiva during the Pradosh Kaal (auspicious time of dusk) can eliminate fear, diseases, difficulties, and sins.
Date and Time of Pradosh Vrat
- Commencement of Trayodashi Tithi:
July 22, 2025, at 07:05 AM - End of Trayodashi Tithi:
July 23, 2025, at 04:39 AM - Auspicious Time for Pradosh Puja:
July 22, from 07:18 PM to 09:22 PM
This is the time when the 'Pradosh Kaal' occurs and special worship of Lord Shiva is performed. During this time, it is customary to offer water, milk, Bel leaves, and Datura flowers to the Shivling.
Right time for Puja and Special Muhurats
- Brahma Muhurat: From 04:14 AM to 04:56 AM
- Vijaya Muhurat: From 02:44 PM to 03:39 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: From 07:17 PM to 07:37 PM
- Nishita Kaal: From 12:07 AM to 12:48 AM
During these Muhurats, devotees can perform Shiva Aradhana (worship), chant mantras, or perform Rudrabhishek (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga). Worshiping during the Godhuli Kaal and Pradosh Kaal is believed to quickly please Lord Shiva.
Puja materials used in Pradosh Vrat
- Bel leaves
- White sandalwood
- Ganga water
- Milk and holy water
- Dhatura and Oleander flowers
- Fruits and Panchameva (mixture of five dry fruits)
- White sweets
- Akshat (rice)
- Incense sticks
- Puja Asana (seat)
- Shiv Chalisa
- Book of Pradosh Vrat Katha (story)
- Shankh (conch) and Kalava (sacred thread)
With these materials, devotees can perform the Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva and complete the puja.
Puja Vidhi (Method) of Pradosh Vrat
- Wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and take a vow to observe the fast.
- Observe the fast throughout the day, and in the evening, take a bath and worship Lord Shiva.
- Perform the Abhishek of the Shivling with Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.
- Offer Bel leaves, Dhatura, and flowers.
- Light incense sticks and lamps, and recite the Shiv Chalisa and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- Finally, perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva and offer donations as per your devotion.
Prominent Mantras to be recited during Pradosh Vrat
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Shiva Dhyan Mantra:
नमामि शमीशान निर्वाण रूपं
विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेद स्वरूपं।
Rudra Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे
महादेवाय धीमहि
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Chanting these mantras is considered especially fruitful on the day of Pradosh Vrat. Devotees can also chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.
A special day for devotees
The month of Sawan is, in itself, a festival of Shiva devotion. In such a situation, the Bhaum Pradosh Vrat falling in this month is considered even more fruitful. Devotees should worship Lord Shiva with full devotion and adherence to the rituals and receive his blessings.
