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Dwadashi Tithi: The Auspicious Day for Lord Vishnu's Grace and Accumulation of Merit
According to the Hindu calendar (Panchang), the twelfth day of both the waxing and waning moon phases (Shukla and Krishna Paksha) of every month is called 'Dwadashi'. In Vedic astrology and scriptures, the Dwadashi Tithi is considered extremely auspicious and beneficial. This Tithi is dedicated to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. The Dwadashi Tithi holds special significance, particularly for the Parana (breaking the fast) of the Ekadashi Vrat. It is believed that a person who devotedly worships Lord Vishnu on Dwadashi attains inexhaustible merit (Akshaya Punya) and all the sins of their life are destroyed.
In this special article, we will describe in detail the religious mysteries of the Dwadashi Tithi, its worship method (Puja Vidhi), and the rules to be followed on this day.
Religious and Astrological Significance of Dwadashi Tithi
Dwadashi Tithi is also known as 'Yashaprada', which translates to the Tithi that bestows fame and glory.
Lord Vishnu's Special Blessings: According to the scriptures, the ruling deity of the Dwadashi Tithi is Lord Vishnu himself. The complete fruit of the severe penance and fasting observed on Ekadashi is attained only on Dwadashi. This Tithi is considered exceptionally pure after the conclusion of 'Hari Vasar'.
Satisfaction of Ancestors and Importance of Charity: Acts of charity and merit performed on the Dwadashi Tithi directly reach the ancestors (Pitrus). According to astrology, feeding Brahmins and donating sesame seeds on this day pacifies many flaws (Doshas) in the birth chart and brings happiness and prosperity to the home.
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Puja Vidhi of Dwadashi Tithi: Steps to Please Shri Hari
Worship performed early in the morning on the day of Dwadashi is particularly fruitful.
Morning Preparations:
Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean yellow clothes (the color yellow is extremely dear to Lord Vishnu). After this, offer water to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and light a ghee lamp in front of the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu in your home temple.
Main Rituals of Worship:
Perform the Abhishek of Lord Vishnu with Ganges water and milk.
Apply a tilak of yellow sandalwood and offer yellow flowers.
Tulsi Leaves: The worship of Lord Vishnu is considered incomplete without Tulsi, so be sure to offer Tulsi leaves (Tulsi Dal).
Continuously chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.
Finally, recite the Vishnu Chalisa or Vishnu Sahasranama and perform the Aarti.
Do's and Don'ts on Dwadashi Tithi (Rules and Precautions)
There are certain specific disciplines for the Dwadashi Tithi, observing which yields the full benefit of the fast and worship.
What to Do (DO'S):
Parana: If you have observed the Ekadashi fast, perform the Parana within the auspicious timing (Muhurat) strictly during the Dwadashi Tithi.
Brahmin Bhoj: Feeding Brahmins or the needy and donating according to your capacity on Dwadashi is considered highly auspicious.
Tulsi Worship: In the evening, light a ghee lamp near the Tulsi plant and perform circumambulation (Parikrama).
What Not to Do (DON'TS):
Tamasic Food: Strictly avoid the consumption of meat, alcohol, onion, and garlic on the day of Dwadashi.
Consumption of Rice (Rule): Rice is prohibited on Ekadashi, but consuming rice on Dwadashi is considered auspicious. However, restraint should be maintained on certain specific Dwadashis (such as during Pradosh Kaal).
Anger and Disputes: Do not insult anyone or get into any disputes on this day.
Various Major Dwadashi Tithis
Throughout the year, there are some special Dwadashi Tithis whose significance is much greater than a regular Dwadashi:
Govatsa Dwadashi: Cows and calves are worshipped on this day.
Vijaya Dwadashi: Special worship of Lord Vishnu is performed on this day to achieve victory.
Vamana Dwadashi: Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar is worshipped on this day.
Til Dwadashi: Falling in the month of Magha, donating sesame seeds holds special importance on this Tithi.
Powerful Mantras for Dwadashi Tithi
One should devotedly chant the following mantras on this day:
Root Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" Peace Mantra: "Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham, Vishvadharam Gaganasadrisham Meghavarnam Shubhangam." Success Mantra: "Om Shri Vishnave Namah"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Parana of the Ekadashi fast done specifically on Dwadashi?
The culmination of the Ekadashi fast happens during the Dwadashi Tithi. According to the scriptures, if the Parana is not performed within Dwadashi, the spiritual merit of the fast is not attained.
Can we pluck Tulsi leaves on the day of Dwadashi?
No, plucking Tulsi leaves is strictly prohibited on the Dwadashi Tithi. Tulsi leaves for worship should be plucked and kept a day in advance.
What is the best thing to donate on Dwadashi?
Donating yellow clothes, grains, jaggery, ghee, and Dakshina (monetary offering) is considered the most supreme act of charity on Dwadashi.
Conclusion
The Dwadashi Tithi is a symbol of restraint, service, and devotion in Hinduism. This Tithi teaches us that the fruit of a fast lies not merely in staying hungry, but in concluding it with the proper method and engaging in acts of charity and righteousness. A devotee who takes refuge in Lord Shri Hari Vishnu on the Dwadashi Tithi attains mental peace as well as ultimate liberation (Moksha). If you also desire stability and the grace of God in your life, you must definitely follow the rules of the Dwadashi Tithi.