Guru
Pradosh

Pradosh Day falls on Trayodashi Tithi, the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha.

If the Pradosh falls on Thursday, then it is known as Guru Pradosh. It is also known as Brihaspati Pradosh Vrat since it falls on Thursday (Brihaspati/Veervaar).

In astrology, Planet Jupiter is associated with Guru/Brihaspati and is considered to have enormous powers to bring wisdom and prosperity.

In this article, we will understand the significance, rituals and benefits of observing the Guru Pradosh Vrat in the Ashwin Month (Krishna Paksha).

When is Guru Pradosh Vrat 2026?

Guru Pradosh Vrat is observed multiple times during a year. In this article we will be covering the date and timings of the Guru Pradosh Vrat which falls in the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month (October).

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Pradosh Puja Muhurat Timings: 05:59 PM to 08:27 PM, October 8, 2026

Duration: 02 Hours 28 Mins

Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 11:16 PM on October 7, 2026

Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 10:15 PM on October 8, 2026

Day Pradosha Time - 05:59 PM to 08:27 PM, October 8, 2026

Significance of Guru Pradosh

It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appear in front of their devotees on this day. The connection of the Guru Pradosh with Planet Jupiter makes it highly auspicious as worshipping Lord Shiva this day multiplies the benefits and brings wisdom (sadbudhi) and prosperity in the life.

Many devotees also consider Guru Pradosh as a special day to seek the blessings of their ancestors.

According to Hindu tradition, the Pradosh Kaal is the sacred period when Lord Shiva blesses those who worship Him with sincerity and devotion.

Guru Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi

• Early Morning: Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
• Altar setup: Setup an table with the idols of Lord Shiva and Suryadev
• Offer flowers, light incense sticks (Agarbatti or Dhoop)
• Light a diya with sesame oil (Til ka Tel) or desi ghee
• Offer bhog (sweets)
• Chant Lord Shiva Mantra - "Om Namah Shivaay" and Suryanarayan Mantra. Chant at least 108 times
• Go to the temple and perform pooja and abhishekam to the shivaling
• Recite the Mahamrityunjay Mantra and Om Namah Shivaye jaap 108 times
• Observe the pradosh fast.
• Many teample also organize special Shiv puja during the Pradosh Kaal (Muhurat timings). Attending the special puja temple increases the devotion and joy of this special event.
• Break the fast at night and eat a simple satvik meal after offering bhog to Lord Shiva and Suryadev

Guru Pradosh Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Pradosh.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Pradosh

What not to eat on Guru Pradosh

During Guru Pradosh fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Pradosh fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Pradosh fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Pradosh fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Guru Pradosh Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Guru Pradosh fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of observing Guru Pradosh Vrat

Here are the benefits of observing the Guru Pradosh Vrat:

• Improves decision making power and knowledge
• Brings prosperity in life
• Blessings of ancestors
• Overcome obstacles in Business and other matters
• Helps in removing Guru Dosha