
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Pausha month is celebrated as Kurma Dwadashi. Kurma Avatara is one of the ten principal incarnations, i.e., Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees of Lord Vishnu worship Him in His divine Kurma form. Bhavishya Purana also mentions the observance of the Govinda Dwadashi Vrat, which begins on Pausha Shukla Dwadashi. This fast is observed throughout the year, beginning on this auspicious day and the concluding ritual (Parana) is performed each month.
However, as per the Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana, the worship of Lord Narayana is prescribed on Pausha Shukla Dwadashi. Lord Narayana is one of the many sacred names of Lord Vishnu. The word Nara means water and Ayana means abode; thus, Narayana literally means 'the One who resides in the waters.' Because Lord Vishnu dwells in the Kshira Sagara, He is known as Narayana. Therefore, according to another tradition, this Dwadashi is also referred to as Narayana Dwadashi.
As described in the Narada Purana, one should observe a fast on the day of Pausha Shukla Dwadashi and worship Lord Narayana with purity and devotion, reciting the Namo Narayanaya। (नमो नारायणाय।) Mantra. Perform Abhisheka of Lord Vishnu with milk and offer Kheer as Naivedya. During the night, devotees should remain awake and worship Lord Hari during the three periods, evening, midnight and early morning engaging in devotional singing, instrumental music and dance in His honor. One should also recite the Narayana Kavacham and other hymns dedicated to Lord Narayana with utmost devotion.
In the morning, after completing the worship, offer Khichadi mixed with Ghee along with Dakshina to a Brahmin, while reciting the following Mantra -
सर्वात्मा सर्वलोकेशः सर्वव्यापी सनातनः।
नारायणः प्रसन्नः स्यात् कृशरान्नप्रदानतः॥
Sarvatma Sarvalokeshah Sarvavyapi Sanatanah।
Narayanah Prasannah Syat Krisharannapradanatah॥
Meaning - "May Lord Narayana, the Soul of all beings, the Lord of all worlds, the all-pervading and eternal One be pleased with me through this humble offering of Khichdi."
After offering this donation, feed Brahmins according to capacity and then partake of the meal along with family and relatives. By worshipping Lord Narayana with devotion and observing this fast with proper rituals, one attains the complete merit equivalent to performing eight Agnishtoma Yajnas.