North India Statesman
Guru Pradosh Vrat, a revered bi-monthly fasting observance dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will be observed on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. When the Trayodashi tithi coincides with a Thursday (Guruwar), it is known as Guru Pradosh or Brihaspati Pradosh. According to Vedic tradition, observing this fast removes obstacles in career, brings wisdom, dispels financial distress, and attracts the dual blessings of Mahadev and Devaguru Brihaspati.
Auspicious Timings and Pradosh Kaal Puja Muhurat
The primary rituals of Pradosh Vrat are performed during the twilight window—known as the Pradosh Kaal—which spans roughly 45 minutes before and after sunset:
-
Guru Pradosh Vrat Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
-
Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:50 PM on September 23, 2026
-
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 11:18 PM on September 24, 2026
-
Pradosh Kaal Puja Muhurat: 06:16 PM to 08:39 PM on September 24, 2026
Step-by-Step Method of Worshiping Lord Shiva (Puja Vidhi)
-
Morning Sankalp: Wake up during Brahma Muhurat, cleanse your home, take a bath, and put on clean white or pale yellow attire. Light a ghee lamp at your home altar and take a mental vow (Sankalp) to observe the day-long fast with pure devotion.
-
Day-Long Fasting: Devotees may observe a complete waterless fast (Nirjala) or consume light fruits and milk (Phalahar), while maintaining a peaceful mindset free of negative thoughts and anger.
-
Evening Preparation: Bathe again before sunset and prepare the puja altar facing North or East.
-
Abhishekam: Perform a ceremonial Panchamrit bath on the Shivling using raw milk, curd, honey, ghee, and gangajal, followed by a final rinse with pure fragrant water.
-
Sacred Offerings: Offer fresh Bilva leaves (Belpatra with three undamaged leaflets), Dhatura, white flowers, sandalwood paste (Chandan), Janeu, and seasonal fruits. Applying a three-finger tripundra of white sandalwood to the Shivling is considered especially auspicious.
-
Chanting and Katha: Recite the sacred Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times using a Rudraksha rosary. Read or listen to the official Guru Pradosh Vrat Katha.
-
Aarti and Bhog: Conclude the ceremony with the Karpura Gauram Aarti, share the offered prasad among family members, and break the fast after the Pradosh Kaal puja concludes.
