En
According to Dharma Sindhu, Nirnaya Sindhu and other sacred texts, when the Dwadashi Tithi extends in duration, the Dwadashi that remains from sunrise to sunset, i.e. first one, is known as Vanjuli Mahadwadashi. For example -
| 10 Dashami | 11 Ekadashi | (12) Vanjuli | 12 Extended Dwadashi |
If Ekadashi and Dwadashi fall on the same day, one should observe the fast for both days together and perform Parana, i.e., conclude the fast on the following day. By doing so, the devotee attains the spiritual merit of observing both fasts.
However, if Ekadashi and Dwadashi occur on separate days, then ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu and those who are capable should observe fasting on both days. Those who are unable or physically weak should consume only fruits, i.e., Phalahara on Ekadashi and observe a complete fast, i.e., Nirahara Vrat on Dwadashi. Doing so does not incur any fault for not breaking the Ekadashi fast, as both fasting days are dedicated to the same Deity.
According to different opinions and the Vaishnava tradition, some devotees of Lord Vishnu skip the Ekadashi fast and observe only the Dwadashi fast, believing that the Dwadashi Vrat should never be violated. However, as stated in the Dharma Sindhu, one should not completely forsake the Ekadashi Vrat, meaning that consuming Anna, i.e., grains or any kind of food on Ekadashi is strictly prohibited even after skipping Ekadashi Vrat.
In Hindu tradition, fasts observed on Dwadashi Tithi are considered highly auspicious. Various sacred scriptures mention numerous meritorious fasts to be performed on this day. Among them, the Vanjuli Mahadwadashi Vrat holds great significance and is one of the eight sacred Mahadwadashi. It is also known as Vanjulika Dwadashi.
As described in the Brihannaradiya Purana and Narada Purana, when Dashami overlaps Ekadashi at sunrise and Dwadashi extends in duration, one should skip observing Ekadashi and instead perform the Vanjuli Mahadwadashi Vrat. On the day of Vanjulika Dwadashi, Lord Sankarshana should be worshiped with devotion, offering sandal paste, flowers and other sacred items. Observing this fast with faith and sincerity grants the devotee, the state of Abhaya Pada, i.e., freedom from fear. This Mahadwadashi is believed to bestow the combined merits of all Yajnas, destroy all sins and grant every form of prosperity.
All Dwadashi Fasting days are listed including Vamana Dwadashi, Parashurama Dwadashi, Ramalakshmana Dwadashi, Vasudeva Dwadashi etc. In Hinduism, the Dwadashi Vrat holds immense significance. Devotees observe this fast with to seek the divine blessings and Bhakti of Lord Vishnu.
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.
According to the Hindu scriptures, when the Dwadashi Tithi coincides with the Pushya Nakshatra, the Jaya Mahadwadashi fast is observed. Like the significance of the Ekadashi fast, the Dwadashi fast is also considered highly meritorious in the scriptures.
According to the significance of Mahadwadashi mentioned in Hindu scriptures, when the Dwadashi Tithi coincides with the Punarvasu Nakshatra from sunrise to sunset, the Jayanti Mahadwadashi fast is observed. On this day, devotees of Lord Vishnu perform fasting, worship, and rituals with devotion to seek His divine grace.
According to the Hindu Panchang, when there is an extension of the Purnima or Amavasya Tithi in a month, the Dwadashi falling in that Paksha is called Pakshavarddhini Dwadashi. In Hindu scriptures, Pakshavarddhini Dwadashi is classified among the Mahadwadashi dates.
According to the Hindu Panchang, when the Dwadashi Tithi coincides with the Rohini Nakshatra, the Papanashini Mahadwadashi fast is observed. Papanashini Mahadwadashi is one of the most important and sacred Mahadwadashi dates described in Hindu scriptures. This day is considered highly auspicious for fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu.
According to the Hindu Panchang, when the Shravana Nakshatra coincides with the Dwadashi Tithi, even for a moment, the Shravana Yoga Mahadwadashi Vrat is observed. On this auspicious day, one should take a holy dip at the confluence of sacred rivers, as per one's ability.
According to the Hindu Panchang, when Ekadashi, a waning Dwadashi and Trayodashi all coincide between one sunrise and the next, it is known as Trisparsha Dwadashi. Trisparsha Dwadashi is one of the principal Mahadwadashi dates mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
When there is an extension of the Ekadashi Tithi, the Dwadashi associated with the extended Ekadashi is called Unmilini Mahadwadashi. The observance and significance of Unmilini Mahadwadashi are described Dharma Sindhu, Nirnaya Sindhu, Bhavishya Purana and other scriptures. By fasting on this day one receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
According to the Hindu Panchang, when the Dwadashi Tithi coincides with the Shravana Nakshatra from sunrise to sunset, the Vijaya Dwadashi Vrat is observed. It is one of the eight Mahadwadashi days mentioned in the scriptures. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe this Vrat with utmost faith and devotion.
According to the Hindu Panchang, when the previous day has an Ekadashi Viddha Dwadashi and the Shravana Nakshatra prevails on both days, the rare combination of Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and Shravana Nakshatra is known as Vishnushrinkhala Yoga Dwadashi.
