Dwadashi
द्वादशी • Dwadashi
"Twelfth"
Dwadasha (twelve) + I (suffix) = The twelfth one
Vishnu
Dwadashi continues the Vishnu worship from Ekadashi. It is the day for breaking the Ekadashi fast (parana) and is sacred to various Vishnu avatars.
Calculation Details
| Shukla Paksha | 132° to 144° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Krishna Paksha | 312° to 324° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Formula | Tithi = (Moon longitude - Sun longitude) / 12 |
| Duration | Approximately 19-26 hours (varies) |
Shukla & Krishna Paksha
Shukla Paksha (Waxing)
Twelfth day of waxing moon - completion of Ekadashi observance
Good for breaking fast, charity, and Vishnu worship
Krishna Paksha (Waning)
Twelfth day of waning moon - continuation of Vishnu worship
Good for concluding activities and charity
Auspicious & Inauspicious Activities
Auspicious Activities
- Breaking Ekadashi fast (Parana) — Correct time for ending vrat
- Vishnu worship continuation — Sacred to Vishnu
- Charity and feeding Brahmins — Donations highly meritorious
- Religious ceremonies — Bhadra tithi supports auspicious activities
- Starting good ventures after parana — Energy of completion and new beginnings
- Visiting temples — Spiritual merit continues
Inauspicious Activities
- Extended fasting beyond parana time — Must break Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi
- Skipping parana — Breaking fast on Dwadashi is mandatory
Associated Festivals
Govardhan Puja
Annakut festival; Krishna worship
Vamana Dwadashi
Vamana avatar appearance day
Dwadashi Shraddha
Special shraddha for sannyasis
Spiritual Significance
Completes the Ekadashi-Dwadashi observance; represents the 12 Adityas (Sun forms)
Practices
- Proper parana ritual
- Vishnu Sahasranama
- Feeding poor and Brahmins
- Temple visits
Health & Profession
Health
| Focus | Properly break fast; nourish the body |
| Advice | Eat light, easily digestible food after fasting |
| Caution | Don't overeat after Ekadashi fast |
Profession
Focus on completing activities and charity
Remedies
- Complete Ekadashi observance with proper parana
- Worship Vishnu with Tulsi
- Donate food to Brahmins and poor
- Recite Vishnu mantras
Mantras
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Om Vamanaya Namah
Om Dwadashai Namah
Classical References
| Brihat Samhita | Dwadashi is ruled by Vishnu; excellent for completing vrats |
| Padma Purana | Importance of proper parana on Dwadashi |
| Vishnu Purana | Govardhan Leela of Krishna |
Regional Variations
| Mathura Vrindavan | Govardhan Parikrama on Dwadashi |
| Vaishnava Sampradayas | Strict parana timing observed |
| South India | Temple prasad distribution |
| Maharashtra | Annakut in temples |
Dwadashi occurs when the Moon has moved 132-144 degrees ahead of the Sun (Shukla) or 312-324 degrees (Krishna). Moon approaching full or new.
