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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 Shukla Paksha Dwadashi Tithi of Margashirsha month is celebrated as Matsya Dwadashi. Based on the Matsya Avatara of Lord Vishnu, this day is called Matsya Dwadashi. Among the ten principal incarnations, i.e., Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu, Matsya is regarded as the first incarnation. Observing a Vrat and performing worship dedicated to Lord Vishnu on this day bestows immense and multiplied spiritual merit. Hence, the Dwadashi Vrat is highly praised in the scriptures.
According to the Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana, on the Margashirsha Shukla Chaturthi, one should worship Lord Keshava. Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Lord Krishna during the Dvapara Yuga and it was He who slew the demon, Keshi. Therefore, He became renowned throughout the worlds as Keshava. Since this Dwadashi is dedicated to Lord Keshava, it is also known as Keshava Dwadashi.
The Bhavishya Purana also mentions another sacred observance called the Aranya Dwadashi Vrat. During their forest exile, Goddess Sita, under the guidance of Her husband Lord Rama, devoutly observed this noble Vrat. The observance of Aranya Dwadashi begins at sunrise on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi.
The Narada Purana describes the observance of Shukla Paksha Dwadashi Vrat from the month of Margashirsha until Kartika. According to these instructions, on Margashirsha Shukla Dwadashi, one should fast and worship Lord Narayana, in His form as Lord Keshava, with heartfelt devotion.
First, after cleaning the teeth and taking a purifying bath, wear clean white garments. Then, in silence, worship the Lord with Gandha, Pushpa, Akshata, Dhupa, Dipa and Naivedya. Perform the worship while reciting the Mantra, Keshavaya Namastubhyam। (केशवाय नमस्तुभ्यम्।) and while chanting this same Mantra, offer 108 oblations of sesame seeds mixed with Ghee into the sacred fire. At night, stay awake and keep a Jagarana or vigil near the sacred Lord Shaligrama and perform devotional singing, music and worship of Lord Narayana along with Goddess Mahalakshmi three times during the night. Perform an Abhisheka of the Lord with one Seer of milk and offer various types of food preparations with devotion.
In the morning, after completing daily chores, restrain the mind and senses, remain silent and worship Lord Keshava with devotion and purity. After the Puja, offer to a Brahmin with devotion a bowl of Kheer mixed with Ghee and a coconut fruit, along with Dakshina, while reciting the following Mantra -
केशवः केशिहा देवः सर्वसम्पत्प्रदायकः।
परमान्नप्रदानेन मम स्यादिष्टदायकः॥
Keshavah Keshiha Devah Sarvasampatpradayakah।
Paramannapradanena Mama Syadishtadayakah॥
Meaning - "O Lord Keshava, Slayer of the demon Keshi and Bestower of all prosperity, may You be pleased with this offering of delicious food and fulfill all my cherished desires."
After this, organize a Brahmin Bhoja according to your means and then partake of food silently along with your family, remembering Lord Keshava. By worshipping Lord Keshava with devotion according to the above procedure, a devotee attains the same spiritual merit as that of performing 8 Pundarika Yajnas.
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 lyrics and recitation video. Devotees of Lord Vishnu recite this Stotram with great devotion.
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.
