Soma Pradosh 2026: Dates, Significance & Shiva Sadhana

In the Shaiva tradition Soma Pradosh 2026 is recognised as a very auspicious period during which worship of Lord Shiva in Pradosh Kaal can bring deep calmness to the mind and heart. When the sacred Pradosh Tithi falls on a Monday it is known as Soma Pradosh and among all Pradosh fasts it is considered the most gentle and auspicious because Monday itself is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Moon god. For this reason the Soma Pradosh fast holds a special place as a powerful spiritual remedy for mental balance, emotional stability and pacification of Chandra dosha.

Traditional accounts narrate that the Moon god Chandra once suffered from a wasting disease due to a curse from Daksha Prajapati and his radiance began to fade severely. To be released from this difficult condition Chandra took shelter of Lord Shiva and engaged in intense worship specifically during the Pradosh period. Moved by his devotion, Shiva transformed the curse so that instead of total destruction, the Moon would pass through a harmonious cycle of waxing and waning. Through this blessing Chandra regained balance and became the shining adornment on Shiva’s matted locks. This sacred episode is the basis for regarding Soma Pradosh as a significant fast for easing mental illness, stress, depression and sufferings related to an afflicted Moon.

Soma Pradosh 2026: dates, lunar phases and Pradosh Kaal

In the year 2026 there will be four key dates for the observance of Soma Pradosh. On each of these occasions it is especially auspicious to keep the fast and perform Shiva Puja within the Pradosh Kaal that follows sunset. The following table clearly presents the dates, lunar phases and Pradosh timings in Indian Standard Time.

Soma Pradosh 2026 vrat calendar

Date and weekday	Paksha	Pradosh Kaal (IST)
16 March 2026, Monday	Chaitra Krishna	06:30 PM to 08:53 PM
30 March 2026, Monday	Chaitra Shukla	06:31 PM to 08:52 PM
10 August 2026, Monday	Shravana Krishna	06:43 PM to 09:00 PM
21 December 2026, Monday	Margashirsha Shukla	05:59 PM to 08:30 PM

Devotees who observe the Soma Pradosh fast with sincerity on these four dates and worship Lord Shiva during the given Pradosh Kaal may find that the year 2026 supports greater mental peace, balance in family life and relief from challenges associated with Chandra dosha. On each date the period listed as Pradosh Kaal is regarded as the most auspicious span for Puja and mantra japa.

What is Soma Pradosh and why is Monday so special

To understand Soma Pradosh it is helpful to first look at the nature of Pradosh Kaal itself. Pradosh Kaal is the period after sunset which stands at the meeting point of day and night and is considered a highly effective time for the worship of Lord Shiva. During this interval Shiva is described as especially compassionate and receptive and prayers offered in this phase are believed to be powerful for easing sins, calming inner unrest and stabilising the mind.

When this same Pradosh Kaal falls on a Monday it is called Soma Pradosh. The term Soma refers both to the Moon deity and to Somvar, the Monday that is linked with Shiva and the Moon. The Moon is viewed as the significator of mind, emotions and memory and its condition can strongly influence a person’s psychological balance. On Monday evenings, when the natural coolness of the Moon and the grace of Shiva meet within Pradosh Kaal, the devotee can experience a very deep sense of peace and inner steadiness. For this reason Soma Pradosh is honoured as the most soothing, mind calming and beneficial among the Pradosh fasts.

The story of Chandra and the curse of Daksha further reveals the inner meaning of Soma Pradosh. Chandra showed partiality and attachment among the daughters of Daksha and in anger Daksha cursed him with a wasting condition that reduced both strength and radiance. When the suffering became intense, Chandra recognised his mistake and turned to Lord Shiva for refuge, worshipping him with devotion during Pradosh Kaal. Shiva did not erase the curse but transformed it into the rhythmic pattern of increasing and decreasing lunar phases, thereby restoring balance and beauty in Chandra’s life. This is why worship of Shiva on Soma Pradosh gives the devotee confidence that mental illnesses, depression and Moon related afflictions can also be transformed over time.

Significance of Soma Pradosh and who gains special benefit

The Soma Pradosh fast is not only a date in the calendar but a practice that can help restore equilibrium in many areas of life. It carries particular importance for unmarried girls, householders and those facing mental instability.

For unmarried girls there is a living tradition that those who observe the Soma Pradosh fast with sincerity and worship Lord Shiva during Pradosh Kaal receive blessings for a virtuous, patient and righteous husband whose qualities resemble those of Shiva. The deeper idea is not limited to finding a suitable partner. It also points to the growth of patience, discipline, humility and sound judgement within the girl herself so that her future married life may rest on stability, respect and balance.

For people whose birth charts show a weak or afflicted Moon, symptoms such as mental restlessness, confusion, fear, depression and indecision may become prominent. For them the Soma Pradosh fast can act as an important spiritual support. When the devotee performs Abhisheka on the Shiva Linga with water, milk or Panchamrita on this day, chants “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and prays consciously for the easing of Moon related difficulties, a growing sense of lightness, clarity and emotional balance can gradually be felt.

For householders the observance of Soma Pradosh is equally meaningful. When family members keep the fast, follow a sattvic diet and maintain inner restraint through the day, then gather in the evening to worship Shiva within Pradosh Kaal, the atmosphere of the home begins to feel more calm and harmonious. As minds become quieter, unnecessary disputes decrease and communication becomes more thoughtful and sensitive. In this way Soma Pradosh turns into a shared spiritual opportunity that uplifts the emotional environment of the whole family.

How to observe the Soma Pradosh 2026 fast and Puja Vidhi

When Soma Pradosh is observed in a simple, sattvic and orderly way it becomes easier to follow regularly and its influence on the mind is more profound. On the day of the fast it is beneficial to maintain a sense of discipline and purity in both routine and thoughts so that by evening the mind naturally moves towards worship.

In the morning a devotee may bathe and wear clean, modest clothes while inwardly resolving to dedicate the day to the Soma Pradosh fast. Through the day one may live on fruits, milk or light sattvic food as far as health permits, while consciously keeping away from anger, harsh speech and avoidable conflicts. Such a daytime atmosphere prepares the inner field for an evening of prayer.

Closer to sunset on Soma Pradosh it is considered good to bathe again or at least wash hands, feet and face thoroughly. After this the devotee wears fresh clothes and prepares the shrine for worship. The Shiva Linga or image of Lord Shiva is gently cleaned and the Puja area is arranged neatly. A lamp of ghee or sesame oil is lit and incense is offered so that the space feels pure and devotional.

The Shiva Linga is then bathed first with clean water. If possible, milk or Panchamrita is poured in Abhisheka, followed by a final rinsing with water. After the Abhisheka, sandal paste, Akshata, bilva leaves, Datura and available white flowers are offered with respect. During these offerings the devotee maintains the intention that mental burdens, emotional strain and Moon related disturbances are being surrendered at the feet of Shiva.

Throughout the Puja the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is very effective and simple to chant. When time and capacity allow, a number of repetitions of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra may also be included. Between the mantras the devotee prays that Lord Shiva may gradually calm the illnesses of the mind, the fears, depression and confusion, just as he transformed the suffering of Chandra. Within the span of Pradosh Kaal it is important to complete the Aarti, ring the bell and bow in front of Shiva, preferably with the family present.

After the worship those who have been fasting may break the fast in the customary way. Many devotees take fruits, khichdi or light sattvic food once Aarti is finished. It is considered auspicious first to offer a small portion of the meal as bhog to Lord Shiva and then to accept it as Prasad. In this manner the outer discipline of the fast and the inner feeling of surrender remain joined.

Life guidance from Soma Pradosh 2026

The four Soma Pradosh dates of 2026 can remind a devotee that in times of anxiety, depression, fear and mental strain, external help alone does not suffice. In such situations it becomes important to turn inward through fasting, mantra recitation and a conscious return to the refuge of Lord Shiva. These practices do not replace professional care when needed but they strengthen the inner capacity to endure and transform difficulties.

A devotee who resolves to observe all four Soma Pradosh fasts in 2026 according to personal capacity, to perform Abhisheka during Pradosh Kaal, to chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and to pray sincerely for the easing of Chandra dosha may gradually discover a new steadiness and faith. The awareness that the shelter of Shiva is always available becomes a deep source of strength during challenging phases of life.

Within the family, if members choose to sit together for at least a short time on Soma Pradosh evenings, offer a lamp, sing Aarti and speak words of goodwill for one another, the home can evolve into a place of greater harmony, sensitivity and quiet joy. In this way the four Soma Pradosh observances of 2026 become not just dates on a calendar but four strong spiritual milestones pointing towards a year of emotional balance and inner growth.

Common questions

How many times will Soma Pradosh occur in 2026 and what is the first date
In 2026 Soma Pradosh will occur four times. The first Soma Pradosh falls on Monday, 16 March 2026 in the Chaitra Krishna Paksha and the remaining observances will be on 30 March 2026, 10 August 2026 and 21 December 2026.

Why is Soma Pradosh considered especially helpful for relief from mental stress and depression
Soma Pradosh is directly connected with both Chandra and Shiva. Since the Moon governs mind and emotion, its affliction can increase anxiety, depression and confusion. On Soma Pradosh, fasting, Abhisheka of the Shiva Linga, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and offering prayer in Pradosh Kaal are regarded as supportive for calming inner unrest and balancing Chandra dosha.

What special belief exists for unmarried girls who observe the Soma Pradosh fast
According to tradition, unmarried girls who observe the Soma Pradosh fast with devotion and worship Lord Shiva receive blessings for a worthy, patient and righteous husband with qualities similar to Shiva. This observance also helps them cultivate patience, self control and sound judgement, which are valuable foundations for a stable and respectful married life.

Is complete fasting compulsory on Soma Pradosh or is fruit based fasting sufficient
A complete fast is not compulsory for everyone and depends on health, age and strength. Those who cannot remain entirely without food may keep a fruit based or light sattvic fast on Soma Pradosh, while ensuring that the mind stays disciplined and remains focused on Shiva’s remembrance until Pradosh Puja is completed.

What will be the most auspicious time for worship on the Soma Pradosh dates of 2026
On each Soma Pradosh in 2026 the period identified as Pradosh Kaal in the calendar is the most auspicious time. On 16 March 2026 this is from 06:30 PM to 08:53 PM, on 30 March 2026 from 06:31 PM to 08:52 PM, on 10 August 2026 from 06:43 PM to 09:00 PM and on 21 December 2026 from 05:59 PM to 08:30 PM. Performing Shiva Puja, Abhisheka and mantra japa within these timings is considered especially fruitful.