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Notes: All timings are represented in 24+ hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours past midnight are higher than 24:00 and fall on next day. 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.
The Kurma Dwadashi Vrat is described in the Varaha Purana as being observed on the Shukla Dwadashi of the Pausha month. On this day, devotees read and listen to the Kurma Dwadashi Vrat Katha. In this narrative, Sage Durvasa explains the procedure and significance of the Kurma Dwadashi Vrat at the request of Satyatapa.
A complete list of Ekadashi dates is given here. Go through the Ekadashi fasting dates list here so that you never miss fasting on Ekadashi. Ekadashi fast is observed with great enthusiasm by the devotees of Lord Vishnu.
ISKCON devotees can get the complete list of ISKCON Ekadashi fasting dates here. This list will prove highly informative and useful to those who observe the fast of Ekadashi as per the ISKCON.
Shri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram containing 1000 names of Lord Vishnu is given with Sanskrit lyrics and recitation video. This Stotram is recited on various occasions of Vishnu Ji including Ekadashi.
Mantras and names of Lord Vishnu, known as Sahasranamavali is given with meaning and recitation video. These Mantras are chanted on various occasions including Ekadashi.
Shri Vishnu Ashtottarashatanama Stotram dedicated to Lord Vishnu is given with Sanskrit lyrics and recitation video. This Stotram is taken from Vishnu Manjari.
Mantras and Names of Lord Vishnu with meaning and recitation video are given. These Names are also known as Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Lord Vishnu.
Shri Vishnu Chalisa is given with Hindi lyrics and recitation video. Vishnu devotees recite this Chalisa every day. It is called Chalisa because it consists of 40 Chaupayi(s).
Shri Vishnu Shodashanama Stotram containing 16 names of Lord Vishnu is given with Sanskrit lyrics and recitation video. This Stotram is recited on various occasions of Vishnu Ji including Ekadashi.
Shri Vishnu Namashtakam dedicated to Lord Vishnu is given with lyrics and recitation video. Reciting this Ashtakam containing the eight holy names of Lord Vishnu brings blessings from Him
The given Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram is a very melodious and effective Stotram dedicated to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The most popular Jai Jagdish Aarti dedicated to Lord Vishnu is given with Hindi lyrics and recitation video. This Aarti is sung during the daily worship of Lord Vishnu.
The list of Mantras used in the worship and chanting of Lord Vishnu is available on this page. Some of these Mantras are legendary and some are Vedic. Along with this, the powerful Yantra of Lord Vishnu can also be seen from this page.
Shri Parameshwara Stuti Stotram is a very important Stotram dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees recite this Stuti to obtain the grace of Lord Vishnu.
