When and how to observe the second Pradosh Vrat of January 2026

The second Pradosh Vrat January 2026 observed in the calm cold evening of Magha month can be considered a beautiful opportunity to begin Shiva devotion deeply in the new year. This is the same Pradosh Vrat with which the year started and now it is coming for the second time in Magha month giving the practitioner another chance for resolve, practice and grace.

When is the second Pradosh Vrat of January 2026

According to the Panchang the second Pradosh Vrat of January will be observed on 16 January 2026. The Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi of Magha month will begin at 8:16 at night on 15 January 2026 and will end at 10:21 at night on 16 January 2026. In this way the spread of this Trayodashi tithi will remain over two days, however the observance of the Vrat will be valid only on 16 January because on that day the combination of Pradosh period and Friday is formed.

Since this Pradosh Vrat will fall on Friday it will be called Shukra Pradosh Vrat. On this day special grace of Lord Shiva and planet Shukra is considered to be indicated which can strengthen possibilities of balance, comfort and mental peace in the life of the practitioner.

Special timing of Pradosh period and auspicious muhurat

The heart of Pradosh Vrat is considered to be the Pradosh period itself. This is that special twilight when the day is bidding farewell and the night is gradually advancing its steps. In this Shukra Pradosh Vrat of Magha month the most auspicious Pradosh muhurat for Shiva worship will be from 5:43 in the evening to 8:19 at night on 16 January 2026. In this way a sacred time of about 2 hours and 36 minutes will be available for special worship of Lord Shiva on this day.

Within this period devotees can sit in front of the Shivlinga according to their time and convenience and perform worship, chanting and Aarti in a peaceful manner. Those who cannot give the entire span of time due to work or engagements should at least find some time during the middle part of the Pradosh period to remember and worship Lord Shiva.

Table of this Shukra Pradosh Vrat of Magha month

For many practitioners it is convenient to see tithi and time at one place. Therefore the main points related to this Vrat can be understood in the form of a table.

Detail	Information
Month	Magha month, Krishna Paksha
Start of Trayodashi tithi	15 January 2026, 8:16 at night
End of Trayodashi tithi	16 January 2026, 10:21 at night
Date of Vrat	16 January 2026, Friday
Name of Vrat	Shukra Pradosh Vrat
Time of Pradosh period	5:43 in the evening to 8:19 at night
Total Pradosh duration	About 2 hours 36 minutes

Spiritual essence of Pradosh Vrat

The same Pradosh Vrat with which the new year began can become a kind of spiritual resolution for the practitioner through this second observance. For the one who gives regularity, moderation and simplicity a place in life through Shiva practice every Pradosh Vrat becomes like a new step. The Vrat that comes in Magha month is regarded as especially connected with austerity and contemplation.

Pradosh Vrat is not just the following of a tithi, it is also an effort to recognise inner imbalance and gradually balance it through prayer, chanting and discipline. This is the time when the practitioner can place the knots of the mind in the feet of Shiva in a simple manner and begin to feel lighter within.

Why is the procedure of Pradosh Vrat important

In Hindu tradition there is always a deep feeling hidden behind every Vrat, not only rules. Pradosh Vrat is also a part of that feeling. For the practitioner who observes this Vrat it is considered auspicious for the day to begin with a sacred resolve. After rising early in the morning and taking bath and contemplation one first takes the resolve to observe Pradosh Vrat.

The meaning of resolve is to try to bring mind, speech and actions in one direction. After resolution it is important to maintain remembrance and contemplation of Shiva amidst daily activities. This becomes an important part of the Vrat. From this a quiet, stable and restrained vision begins to develop within the practitioner.

Detailed procedure of Pradosh Vrat

According to Hindu belief the practitioner who observes Pradosh Vrat should rise early in the morning, bathe and purify both body and mind. After that in a calm place the resolve to observe Pradosh Vrat properly is taken. After the resolve Lord Shiva is worshipped and the practitioner engages in daily work yet it is considered necessary to maintain remembrance and reflection of Shiva throughout the day.

As the Pradosh period approaches the practitioner should again prepare by purifying the body and mind. At this time it is considered auspicious to wear clean clothes, keep the mind calm and remain away from anger or tension while sitting in front of Lord Shiva. Performing special worship of Shiva during the auspicious Pradosh muhurat enhances the gentle and deep results of the Vrat.

How to perform special worship in Pradosh period

During the Pradosh period the articles beloved to Lord Shiva are considered especially important. At this time the devotee should clean the place of worship thoroughly and spread a clean seat on the floor. The environment is made fragrant and peaceful by lighting a lamp and incense. After this one sits with devotion in front of the Shivlinga or an idol of Lord Shiva and begins the worship.

In the Pradosh worship the articles dear to Lord Shiva such as Ganga water, bilva leaves, cannabis, rudraksha, holy ash, fruits, flowers, incense and lamps are offered. Along with these it is considered auspicious to read calmly the story of Pradosh Vrat. By listening to or reading the story the practitioner becomes deeply aware of the importance of the Vrat and the compassion of Lord Shiva. During the worship, chanting of Rudrashtakam and Shiva mantras is also customary which further intensifies devotion.

Importance of Shiva mantras and Rudrashtakam

Chanting of Shiva mantras at the time of Pradosh Vrat is considered a simple way to reduce restlessness of the mind and bring stability within. The practitioner can take some time according to capacity and chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”. This short and very effective mantra, through continuous recitation, is believed to help create deep peace and trust within the practitioner.

Along with this recitation of Rudrashtakam is also prevalent through which the qualities, form and compassion of Lord Shiva are described poetically. Those practitioners who recite Rudrashtakam regularly gradually feel a reduction in fear, anxiety and inner imbalance. Recitation of this hymn in the Pradosh period quickly makes the state of mind filled with the presence of Shiva.

Why completion through Aarti and Prasad is necessary

In Hindu belief no worship is considered complete until the Aarti of the concerned deity has been performed at the end. This rule is equally important in the worship of Pradosh Vrat. At the end of worship Aarti of Mahadev is performed with a lamp made of pure ghee. The words sung in Aarti, the flame of the lamp and the sound of the bell together create such an environment that fills the mind with devotion.

After Aarti the distribution of Prasad and giving it to all then finally accepting it oneself, represents the completeness of the Vrat. Prasad is not only sweets or fruit it is considered a symbol of the grace of God. The practitioner who accepts Prasad with respect can feel gratitude developing within.

What is the religious significance of Shukra Pradosh Vrat

In Sanatan tradition Lord Shiva is regarded as the deity of welfare who showers grace quickly on the devotees through their practice and worship. Pradosh Vrat is considered one of the best means of Shiva practice. This is the same Vrat from which the year 2026 began therefore its importance increases even more because it keeps the practitioner constantly in remembrance of Shiva.

According to Hindu belief, by practicing worship of Lord Shiva not only the defects related to the nine planets are reduced but their auspicious results also begin to manifest. Mahadev are regarded as the lord of all planets therefore when a practitioner observes Shukra Pradosh Vrat with devotion then grace of both Shiva and planet Shukra is believed to come upon that person. Planet Shukra is associated with comfort, wealth, prosperity and conveniences.

Indicated benefits of Shukra Pradosh Vrat

By observing Shukra Pradosh Vrat many kinds of positive indications can be seen in the life of the practitioner. For the person who observes this Vrat with regularity and devotion it is said that gradually a sense of balance begins to appear in different areas of life.

• Indication of increase in opportunities for comfort and conveniences.
• Possibility of improvement in conditions related to wealth and prosperity.
• Likelihood of reduction in mental stress and increase in clarity of decisions.
• Signs of sweetness and understanding growing in marital and family relationships.

Through the grace of Shiva the practitioner does not feel a heavy lack of anything in life instead the feeling of contentment and gratitude gradually becomes strong. This can be considered the real spiritual benefit of Pradosh Vrat.

Relation between Shiva practice and defects of nine planets

In Hindu scriptures it is very clearly stated that Lord Shiva is the lord of all planets. When a practitioner worships Shiva with devotion the harsh influences of the nine planets gradually begin to soften in that person’s life. Pradosh Vrat is especially associated with the evening worship of Shiva which is considered very useful for planetary pacification.

Those who repeatedly pass through obstacles, hindrances or unexpected problems in life, if they gradually adopt Pradosh Vrat, can see patience and stability increasing within. When the mind begins to balance even during difficult planetary periods a person is able to make the right decisions and improve direction.

Special nature of the Pradosh Vrat connected with beginning of the new year

The same Pradosh Vrat from which the year 2026 began continues its flow through this second Pradosh Vrat. Many practitioners take resolutions at the beginning of the new year to make themselves a little more disciplined, peaceful and spiritual throughout the year. Pradosh Vrat becomes a simple means to strengthen such resolutions.

For the person who has walked on the path of Shiva devotion since the beginning of the year this Magha month Vrat can be an opportunity to review achievements and experiences. If there has been slackness in practice at some time then this Vrat gives a beautiful chance to become filled with renewed energy and inspiration.

How to make this Pradosh Vrat of Magha month meaningful

Magha month itself is regarded as a symbol of austerity and spiritual practice. To make the Pradosh Vrat of this month more meaningful the practitioner can take some small but regular resolutions.

• On the day of Pradosh Vrat one can make a special effort to protect oneself from anger and harsh speech.
• Throughout the day it is useful to maintain sattvic food, simple speech and calm behaviour as far as possible.
• Apart from the Pradosh period one can also resolve to chant some rosaries of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” in the morning or at night.

Such small steps gradually become part of lifestyle and can support the practitioner in moving forward with a balanced mentality not only on the day of Vrat but throughout the year.

Role of Pradosh Vrat in the life of the devotee

For any practitioner who adopts this Vrat with devotion and patience the sequence of change in life remains very calm and stable. Pradosh Vrat is not a remedy that gives instant results but a steady path that gradually leads life towards moderation, devotion and balance.

Walking on this path of Shiva practice the practitioner learns that real spirituality is to handle situations with patience instead of panic in every crisis. Shukra Pradosh Vrat can become a means to bring all these lessons into life in a natural way.

Frequently asked questions

On which day will the second Pradosh Vrat of January 2026 be observed

The second Pradosh Vrat of January 2026 will be observed on Friday 16 January 2026 according to the Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi of Magha month.

When Trayodashi tithi falls over two days on which day should the Vrat be observed

The Trayodashi tithi remains from the night of 15 January to the night of 16 January, however as the combination of Pradosh period and Friday occurs on 16 January it is considered proper to observe the Vrat on 16 January 2026.

For how long will the auspicious time for Shiva worship during Pradosh period remain

In this Shukra Pradosh Vrat of Magha month the auspicious Pradosh muhurat for worship will remain from 5:43 in the evening to 8:19 at night on 16 January 2026 which provides about 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Which articles should be offered in the worship of Pradosh Vrat

In the worship of Pradosh Vrat Ganga water, bilva leaves, cannabis, rudraksha, holy ash, fruits, flowers, incense and lamp are offered to Lord Shiva along with reading the story of Pradosh Vrat, recitation of Rudrashtakam and chanting of Shiva mantras.

What benefits are believed to be received by observing Shukra Pradosh Vrat

By observing Shukra Pradosh Vrat it is believed that along with Lord Shiva the grace of planet Shukra is also received, due to which there are indications of obtaining comfort, wealth, prosperity and necessary facilities in life and a hope of softening of the effects of defects related to the nine planets.