Vasudeva Dwadashi 2023 Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance
Lord Krishna is honored on the twelfth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha, which is known as Vasudeva Dwadashi. The day follows the Devshayani Ekadashi and marks the beginning of Chatur Maas, which according to Hindu mythology alludes to the four holy monsoon months. On this day, devotees who have performed rigorous penance throughout the four months of Ashadha, Shravan, Bhadrapada, and Ashwin worship Lord Krishna and Devi Lakshmi. It is believed that by doing so, one can achieve tremendous happiness and spiritual liberation.
Vasudev Dwadashi 2023 Date and Time
30 Jun, 2023, Friday
Dwadashi Begins 30 Jun, 2023,at 2:14 am
Dwadashi Ends 30 Jun, 2023, at 11:14 am
History of Vasudeva Dwadashi
Vasudeva Dwadashi has held significance for devotees for centuries. The Varaha Purana discovered its prevalence. According to mythology, Deva Rishi Narad advised the parents of Lord Krishna to observe strict fasts on this significant day. Vasudeva and Devaki were granted a child in the form of Krishna only after observing fasts with complete devotion and good intentions. The Chaturmas Vrat also begins with the celebration of Vasudeva Dwadashi.
Rituals on Vasudeva Dwadashi
- To purify body and spirit, devotees take a sacred bath in the morning.
- They observe daily fasts in order to obtain blessings and prosperity.
- Offering the idol flowers, incense, water, lamps, and a hand fan is regarded as auspicious.
- Lord Vishnu’s panchamrit worship is extremely beneficial.
- People who visit the Vishnu temple sing and listen to bhajans and devotional melodies all night.
- It is beneficial to chant the Vishnu Sahasranama and other mantras of Lord Vishnu.
- Donating clothing and sustenance to Brahmins as a charitable gesture.
Significance of Vasudeva Dwadashi
As the name suggests, Vasudev Dwadashi is entirely dedicated to Lord Krishna, as Vasudev is another name for Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna received this appellation from his father, who was also named Vasudev, in recognition of his omnipotence and greatness.
The Varaha Purana revealed the origins of Vasudev Dwadashi. Rishi Narad advised Lord Krishna’s parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, to fast and perform sacred rituals on this day, according to Hindu mythology. They were blessed with a child in the guise of Krishna after performing the ritual with complete devotion and pure intentions. Since then, Vasudeva Dwadashi has been celebrated in an effort to honour and worship Lord Krishna, and it has been of great significance to his devotees throughout the ages.