Govinda Dwadashi is an auspicious Hindu
observance that falls on the ‘Dwadashi’ (12th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the
period of bright fortnight of moon) during the month of ‘Phalgun’ in the
traditional Hindu calendar.
Govinda Dwadashi is very important for Lord
Vishnu devotees. On this day Hindu devotees worship Lord Vishnu to seek His
divine blessings for a happy and prosperous life. Govinda Dwadashi is also
celebrated as ‘Narasimha Dwadashi’ as the ‘Narasimha’ avatar of Lord Vishnu is
worshipped on this day. The celebrations of this festival are very elaborate
and significant at the Jagganath Temple in Puri. Besides the festivities of
Govinda Dwadashi is also popular in Dwarka Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple,
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple and other prominent temples of Lord Vishnu.
Govinda Dwadashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence in the
southern states of India as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka.
Significance of Govinda Dwadashi:
The religious significance of Govinda Dwadashi is stated in
several Hindu religious scriptures like ‘Agni Purana’. This day is considered
to be highly auspicious for followers of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that by
worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day and performing the Govinda Dwadashi vrat
bestows all the happiness in this world to its observer. The person also
receives salvation in the end and goes straight to ‘Vaikuntha’, the heavenly
abode of Lord Vishnu. As per the Hindu legends, Lord Vishnu in His Narasimha
avatar killed the Asura King Hiranyakashyap and saved the life of His Bhakt
(devotee) Prahlad. Hindus believe that by observing Narasimha Dwadashi
liberates them from all their past sins. This is because; the festival of
Govinda Dwadashi celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Rituals during Govinda Dwadashi:
- On the day of Govinda Dwadashi, devotees
get up before sunrise to perform the ceremonial bathing ceremony in sacred
rivers likes Ganga, Saraswati, Yamuna and Godavari. If one cannot visit
these holy rivers, this ritual bath can even be done in any lake or close
by rivers. However while doing so; devotees must chant the names of
Goddess Ganga and Lord Vishnu. Thousands of devotees also visit the
Mahodadhi Teerth on the Puri coast on the day of Govinda Dwadashi, to take
a holy dip owing to unique Hindu astrological significance.
- Devotees worship the ‘Pundarikaksha’ form
of Lord Vishnu on Govinda Dwadashi. They make several offerings to the
Lord in the form of fruits, flowers, sandalwood paste, til (sesame seeds),
dhoop and incense sticks.
- On this day devotees also observe strict
fasting that is known as Govinda Dwadashi vrat. The observer of this vrat
eats only once after completing the puja rituals. Consumption of alcohol
or non-vegetarian food is not allowed on this day.
- On Govinda Dwadashi, devotees visit Lord
Vishnu temples during the evening to participate in the puja rituals held
there.
2017 Date : 9th March.
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