Vasudeva Dwadashi

 

Vasudeva Dwadashi is observed on the twelfth day (Dwadashi tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, the day following Devshayani Ekadashi. In 2025, it falls on Monday, July 7.

Significance

• Dedicated to Lord Krishna (also known as Vasudeva) and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Marks the beginning of Chaturmasya Vrat, the four holy months of penance and devotion.
• According to the Varaha Purana, Rishi Narada advised Vasudeva and Devaki to observe this fast, which led to the divine birth of Krishna.
• Also known as Vamana Dwadashi, symbolizing humility and divine intervention.

Ritual Observance

• Morning Rituals:
• Take a holy bath early in the morning.
• Wear clean clothes and prepare a sacred space for worship.
• Offer Tulasi leaves, flowers, incense, and hand fans to Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
• Fasting:
• A strict fast is observed, often beginning on Ekadashi and broken on Dwadashi.
• Some devotees consume only fruits or milk; others observe a complete fast.
• Chanting & Parayanam:
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, or Krishna Stotras.
• Chant Krishna’s names and sing bhajans.
• Temple Visit & Offerings:
• Visit Vishnu or Krishna temples.
• Offer jaggery, wheat chapatis, green grass, and donations to Brahmins.
• Feeding cows is considered highly auspicious.
• Charity:
• Donate food, clothes, or Vishnu Sahasranama books.
• Acts of kindness and service are emphasized.

Scriptural Highlights

• Varaha Purana: Describes the origin of Vasudeva Dwadashi and its connection to the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Smriti Kaustubha: States that while many traditions begin Chaturmasya Vrat on Devshayani Ekadashi, it is more appropriate to begin it on Vasudeva Dwadashi, as per this scripture.
• Vishnu Sahasranama: The name "Vasudeva" is glorified in verses like “Sarva-bhūta-nivāso’si Vāsudeva namo’stu te”, emphasizing Krishna’s omnipresence and divine essence.

Ritual Emphasis in Scriptures

• Worship of Lord Krishna and Lakshmi on this day is considered highly meritorious.
• Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, offering tulasi, flowers, and hand fans, and feeding cows are all scripturally endorsed acts of devotion.
• Charity, especially of rice, fruits, and clothes, is emphasized as a sacred duty on this day.

Regional Observence

Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

• Widely observed in Vaishnava temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Krishna or Vishnu.
• Chaturmasya Vratam is often initiated on this day rather than on Devshayani Ekadashi, following the Smriti Kaustubha tradition.
• Devotees perform Tulasi archana, Vishnu Sahasranama parayanam, and donate fans, fruits, and clothes.
• In some temples, Vasudeva Dwadashi is clubbed with Tholi Ekadashi when tithis overlap.

Maharashtra

• Observed in ISKCON centers and Krishna temples, especially in Pune, Mumbai, and Nashik.
• Devotees perform bhajans, kirtans, and cow feeding (Go Seva).
• Fasting and night-long chanting are common.

Tamil Nadu

• Celebrated in Sri Vaishnava temples, especially in Kanchipuram and Srirangam.
• Rituals include Panchamrita abhishekam, recitation of Divya Prabandham, and special alankaram to Lord Krishna as Vasudeva.

North India (UP, Bihar, MP)

• Observed in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka with Krishna-centric rituals.
• Devaki-Vasudeva puja is performed in some traditions, symbolizing the divine conception of Krishna.
• Charity to Brahmins, especially of rice, jaggery, and wheat, is emphasized.