KKN Gurugram Desk | Today marks a highly significant observance in the Hindu religious calendar – Shani Pradosh Vrat, a day dedicated to Lord Shiva and observed particularly when Pradosh Vrat falls on a Saturday. Worship performed on this day, especially during auspicious muhurats, is believed to bring peace, health, and the blessings of Lord Shankar.

Tithi, Nakshatra and Planetary Positions

• Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025

• Tithi: Krishna Dwadashi till 7:21 PM, followed by Trayodashi

• Nakshatra: Revati till 1:48 PM, then Ashwini Nakshatra

• Moon Sign (Chandra Rashi): Pisces until 1:48 PM, then Aries

• Sun Sign (Surya Rashi): Taurus

• Season: Grishma Ritu (Summer Season)

• Solar Transit: Uttarayan and Northern Hemisphere solar movement

• Panchak Ends: 1:48 PM today

• Gand Mool: Active throughout the day

Religious Significance of Shani Pradosh Vrat

Shani Pradosh Vrat, observed on Saturdays, is especially powerful due to the dual influence of Lord Shiva and Shani Dev (Saturn). Devotees observe a fast and perform ritualistic puja during the Pradosh Kaal (twilight period), believing it absolves past sins and grants spiritual progress.

Sun and Moon Timings (Surya-Chandra Udayast)

• Sunrise: 05:26 AM

• Sunset: 07:10 PM

• Moonrise: 03:33 AM (25 May)

• Moonset: 04:11 PM

Today’s Auspicious Muhurat 

These are the best timings to undertake important activities such as puja, business launches, or new ventures:

• Brahma Muhurat: 04:04 AM to 04:45 AM

• Pratah Sandhya: 04:24 AM to 05:26 AM

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:51 AM to 12:46 PM

• Vijay Muhurat: 02:36 PM to 03:30 PM

• Godhuli Muhurat: 07:09 PM to 07:30 PM

• Sayahna Sandhya: 07:10 PM to 08:12 PM

• Amrit Kaal: 11:37 AM to 01:05 PM

• Nishita Muhurat: 11:57 PM to 12:38 AM (25 May), 04:47 AM to 06:12 AM (25 May)

Inauspicious Timings 

These muhurats are generally avoided for important tasks:

• Rahu Kaal: 08:52 AM to 10:35 AM

• Yamagand: 02:01 PM to 03:44 PM

• Gulika Kaal: 05:26 AM to 07:09 AM

• Durmuhurat: 05:26 AM to 06:21 AM

• Vidal Yoga: From 01:48 PM (24 May) to 05:26 AM (25 May)

• Baan Rog: Till 08:42 AM, and again from 06:21 AM to 07:16 AM

• Gand Mool: Active all day

Rituals of the Day – How to Observe Shani Pradosh Vrat

1. Fasting is observed from sunrise till after sunset, ideally breaking the fast after performing the evening puja.

2. Devotees take a ritual bath in the evening and light an oil lamp (deepak) near the idol or picture of Lord Shiva.

3. Offerings include: Bel leaves, dhatura, milk, curd, ghee, and sweets like peda.

4. Chanting of Shiva mantras, especially “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra”, enhances spiritual results.

5. Reading or listening to Shiva Purana is also encouraged on this sacred day.

Astrological Considerations

The day carries Gand Mool Dosha, which is significant for those born under affected Nakshatras. Consultation with a learned astrologer is advised for rituals that help mitigate any doshic effects.

Cultural Observance Across Regions

From North India to Maharashtra, the observance of Pradosh Vrat varies slightly in customs but remains rooted in the devotion to Lord Shiva. Temples remain crowded with devotees offering prayers and milk abhishek.