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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 the Ashadha month is celebrated as Vasudeva Dwadashi or Shri Krishna Dwadashi. As described in the scriptures, Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi is considered extremely sacred and meritorious. This day is closely associated with Lord Vishnu, as it marks the time when the Lord enters His Yoga Nidra in the Kshira Sagara for four months. Hence, this day is also known as Devashayani Dwadashi or Harishayani Dwadashi.
According to the Narada Purana and the Bhavishya Purana, on this day, Lord Vamana should be worshipped with proper rituals. Worshipping Lord Vamana on Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi bestows the same merit as performing a hundred Agnishtoma Yajnas. The Bhavishya Purana also states that one who devoutly observes this fast becomes free from sins and attains the abode of Lord Shri Hari. Taking a holy dip, performing charity and fasting on this day yield imperishable merit.
Extensive descriptions of this sacred Tithi are also found in the Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Vishnu Dharmottara Purana and Harivamsha Purana. These texts declare that this day marks the beginning of the sleep of the deities, which also signifies the commencement of the holy Chaturmasya period. The Dharmasindhu scripture mentions -
आषाढशुक्लद्वादश्यां विष्णुशयनसंयुताम्।
उपोष्य यः पूजयति स याति परमां गतिम्॥
Ashadhashukladvadashyam Vishnushayanasanyutam।
Uposhya Yah Pujayati Sa Yati Paramam Gatim॥
Meaning - "The person who observes a fast and worships Lord Shri Hari Vishnu on the sacred day of Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi, during His divine slumber ceremony, attains the supreme spiritual state, i.e., Param Gati."
A devotee observing the fast on this day should perform the Abhisheka of Lord Vamana with one Adhaka (four Seers) of milk. Then, while chanting the Mantra Namaste Vamanaya। (नमस्ते वामनाय।), perform a Havana with 108 oblations of Durva grass mixed with Ghee. Devotees should also keep a vigil throughout the night, continuously worshipping Lord Vamana with devotion.
After the worship, offer curd, rice and coconut fruit along with Dakshina to the Brahmin performing the rituals, while reciting the following Mantra -
वामनो बुद्धिदो होता द्रव्यस्थो वामनः सदा।
वामनस्तारकोऽस्माच्च वामनाय नमो नमः॥
Vamano Buddhido Hota Dravyastho Vamanah Sada।
Vamanastarakoasmachcha Vamanaya Namo Namah॥
Meaning - "Lord Vamana is the giver of wisdom. He is the divine priest, i.e., Hota (होता) and ever-present within all offerings. Lord Vamana is the one who helps beings cross the ocean of worldly existence. I bow repeatedly to such a gracious Lord Vamana."
After donating curd and rice while chanting above Mantra, one should offer food to Brahmins according to one's means. By observing the Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi Vrat as prescribed above, a devotee attains the same merit as performing 100 Agnishtoma Yajnas. This Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi is not merely a day of fasting but a sacred festival marking the beginning of Lord Vishnu's divine rest known as Yoga Nidra. It inspires devotees to walk the path of restraint, devotion, austerity and liberation. According to the scriptures, this day is regarded as one of the most auspicious Dwadashi of the entire year.
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.
