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Sage Durvasa says - "O Muni! Just as the Dwadashi of the Margashirsha month is known as Matsya Dwadashi Vrat, in the same way, the Dwadashi Vrat of the Pausha month is known as Kurma Dwadashi Vrat. In this very month, the Devas performed Samudra Manthan, i.e., the churning of the ocean and obtained Amrita. At that time, on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Pausha month, Lord Narayana Himself incarnated in the form of a Kachchhapa, i.e., tortoise. Therefore, this Tithi is dear to Lord Shri Hari, who assumed the Kurma form.
In this Vrat, the observer should worship Lord Janardana with devotion according to the previously described method, after completing bathing and other purificatory acts on Dashami Tithi, and on Ekadashi Tithi worship Lord Janardana with devotion. O revered sage! The Mantras of worship are different. Only through those Mantras should Lord Shri Hari be worshipped. While reciting the Mantras - Om Kurmaya Namah (ॐ कूर्माय नमः), Om Narayanaya Namah (ॐ नारायणाय नमः), Om Sankarshanaya Namah (ॐ सङ्कर्षणाय नमः), Om Vishokaya Namah (ॐ विशोकाय नमः), Om Bhavaya Namah (ॐ भवाय नमः), Om Subahave Namah (ॐ सुबाहवे नमः), and Om Vishalaya Namah (ॐ विशालाय नमः), one should, in sequence, duly worship the feet, waist, abdomen, chest, neck, arms, and head of Lord Shri Hari.
Thereafter, one should say - "O Lord, salutations to You." Again, while reciting the name Mantras, worship the Supreme Lord Shri Hari with sandalwood, flowers, incense, fruits, and Naivedya, i.e., food offerings and other sacred offerings. Then, placing a Kalasha in front, one should install upon it, according to one's capacity, a golden idol of Lord Kurma, and also establish an idol of Mount Mandarachala. Decorate the Kalasha with a garland and clean cloth. Then place gems inside the Kalasha, and above it place a copper vessel filled with Ghee, and in that vessel establish the idol.
Thereafter, worship a Veda-knowing Brahmin and donate the idol to him. While donating the idol, one should mentally take a Sankalpa - "Tomorrow, according to my capacity, I will worship Brahmins with Dakshina and other offerings. By this worship, may Lord Narayana, the God of gods who manifested in the Kurma form, be pleased with me." After that, sit together with one's attendants and partake of food.
O Brahmana! By completing this procedure, the sins of the observer of the Vrat are destroyed. No contrary thought should be entertained in this regard. That person, abandoning the cycle of worldly existence, resides in the eternal abode of Lord Shri Hari. All his sins are instantly destroyed, and he becomes endowed with wealth and prosperity and proceeds on the path of truth. By devoutly observing the Kurma Dwadashi Vrat, the accumulated sins of many births are destroyed. The same merit that has been described for Matsya Dwadashi is also obtained by the observer of Kurma Dwadashi, and Lord Narayana becomes easily pleased with him."
॥Thus concludes Kurma Dwadashi Mahatmya described in Shri Varaha Purana॥
This Dwadashi, named after Kurma incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is observed on the Pausha Shukla Dwadashi. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and His Kurma form and observe a fast with due rituals. Lord Vishnu is one among the Hindu Trinity known as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha.
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 described in Padma Purana dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is given with lyrics and recitation video. Devotees of Lord Vishnu recite this Stotram with great devotion.
Above list of Lord Vishnu's sacred names and Mantras is given with their meanings and recitation video. This Shatanamavali is derived from the Padma Purana.
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.
