●     Trayodashi Tithi starts at 10:50 PM on 23 September 2026

●     Trayodashi Tithi ends at 11:18 PM on 24 September 2026

●     Pradosh puja muhurat is between 06:24 PM and 08:47 PM

●     Duration: 2 Hours 23 Minutes

Point to consider: Pradosh Kaal is the evening period around sunset. Since the exact sunset time differs from one place to another, you should check your local “Panchang” for the accurate puja timing.

Guru Pradosh vrat is considered special because it gives devotees the chance to worship Bhagwan Shiv and Guru Dev (Bhagwan Brihaspati) together, on the same day. Bhagwan Shiv represents - “strength, compassion, and spiritual growth.” Meanwhile Guru Dev is associated with “wisdom, knowledge, and dharma.”

Devotees observe the vrat with the hope of receiving blessings for:

●     Knowledge

●     Family happiness

●     Children and spiritual progress

Guru Pradosh vrat is considered meaningful for students, teachers, and those seeking greater clarity and guidance in life. Some also remember as well as worship their ancestors on this day as they believe doing so will bring peace to their “lives and households.”

This story goes back to the Samudra Manthan, when the Devas and Asuras came together to churn the cosmic ocean. Among the many things that rose from the waters, one was “Halahala”, a poison so deadly it threatened to wipe out all of creation. Panic spread quickly. No one knew what to do.

The Devas turned to “Bhagwan Mahadev,” and without hesitation, he stepped forward and drank the poison himself. “Mata Parvati,” watching this unfold, placed her hand on his throat to keep it from spreading further into his body. That is how his throat turned blue, and how he came to be called “Neelkanth.”

Once the danger had passed, the Devas realised something: they had gone ahead with the Samudra Manthan without first seeking Bhagwan Shiv's blessings. Feeling the weight of this oversight, they went to him that evening (Pradosh Kaal), during Trayodashi, and asked for forgiveness. Bhagwan Shiv, being “Bholenath,” forgave them.

This is why the story stays connected to Pradosh vrat even today.

The day typically starts early, with a bath, clean clothes, and the vrat beginning soon after. Fasting varies quite a bit from person to person, some go without food entirely, while others stick to fruits or simple sattvic meals depending on their health or family custom.

Throughout the day, spend time while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” reciting the “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra,” or listening to Bhagwan Shiv bhajans. Evening is when things pick up. Devotees head to Bhagwan Shiv temple and perform Jalabhishek on the Shivling during Pradosh Kaal. They also offer:

●     Ganga jal

●     Milk

●     Bilva leaves

●     White flowers

●     Fruits

Because this particular Pradosh falls on a Thursday, many devotees also worship Bhagwan Brihaspati and pray for wisdom and knowledge. Some also offer food, money, or anything that they can afford to help a person in need.

You can follow these simple steps to perform Guru Pradosh Puja at home:

●     Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes

●     Take a sankalp to observe the Guru Pradosh vrat with devotion

●     Clean the home mandir and the place where you will perform the puja

●     Place a “Shivling” or picture/idol of “Bhagwan Shiv” on a clean chowki

●     Before the “Pradosh Kaal,” take another bath and prepare for the evening puja

●     Offer Gangajal to the Shivling

●     Perform abhishek with Panchamrit, if suitable for the Shivling, and then offer clean water

●     Offer chandan, akshat, Bilva leaves, white or yellow flowers, dhoop, and a ghee diya

●     Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Aum Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam | Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat” mantras

●     Read or listen to the Pradosh vrat katha

●     Worship “Mata Parvati” and “Nandi” along with Bhagwan Shiv

●     Perform Bhagwan Shiv aarti during the Pradosh Kaal

●     Offer the prasad to family members after the puja

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