Trayodashi

Trayodashi is the thirteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar, a tithi that marks a specific phase in the monthly cycle of the Moon and Sun. The name comes from Sanskrit, with trayoda meaning thirteen. Each lunar month contains two Trayodashi days: one in the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and one in the waning phase (Krishna Paksha).

The timing and duration of Trayodashi are determined by the Moon’s movement relative to the Sun. A tithi lasts from a precise angular difference between the Moon and Sun, and Trayodashi typically spans about a day, though its exact start and end can shift slightly month to month, sometimes overlapping with adjacent tithis at month transitions. Because of this variability, religious observances tied to Trayodashi vary by region and calendar system.

Ritual and religious significance associated with Trayodashi differ among communities. A common practice on Trayodashi is Pradosh Puja, an observance dedicated to Shiva performed in the late afternoon or evening, especially on certain Trayodashi days in various months. Some communities also perform fasting or devotional rites to other deities on Trayodashi, depending on local tradition and seasonal calendars. In many Hindu almanacs and regional calendars, Trayodashi is a landmark that helps determine auspicious timings for pujas, vows, and temple rites.

In summary, Trayodashi denotes the thirteenth lunar day occurring twice each month and serves as a basis for specific religious observances that are shaped by regional customs and the broader Hindu calendar.