Tithi 13jaya
Trayodashi
त्रयोदशी
Presiding deity: Shiva
Tithi Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Shukla Paksha (waxing)
Thirteenth day — Pradosh vrata, evening Shiva worship. Dhanteras (Krishna Trayodashi of Kartik) = Diwali starts, gold/silver purchase.
Krishna Paksha (waning)
Krishna Pradosh — equally sacred Shiva tithi. Maha Pradosh on Saturday Krishna Trayodashi.
Best for
- + Shiva worship
- + Pradosh kala (sunset±1.5hr)
- + Metal/utensil purchase
- + Lighting evening lamps
Avoid for
- - Eating after sunset (during Pradosh fast)
Fasting tradition
Pradosh vrata twice-monthly — fast till sunset, then perform Shiva abhishek with milk + bilva during pradosh kala.
Major festivals on this tithi
Dhanteras, Pradosh Vrata (twice monthly), Bhauma Pradosh (when on Tuesday), Shani Pradosh (when on Saturday)