Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Dwadashi Vrat
Dwadashi Vrat is observed on the 12th tithi (lunar day) of both fortnights — Shukla Dwadashi and Krishna Dwadashi — every month, in worship of Lord Vishnu and his Trivikrama (three-stride) form. The Shukla Dwadashi holds particular importance as it follows Ekadashi: a devotee who has observed Ekadashi fast breaks it only on Dwadashi, making this day the sacred conclusion and completion of the Ekadashi vrat. The Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana describe Dwadashi as a day when Vishnu's grace is abundantly available — especially for those who combine it with Ekadashi observance. Each Dwadashi of the year carries a specific name (e.g., Vaikunta Dwadashi, Govinda Dwadashi) and is dedicated to a particular form of Vishnu.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Multiplies the merit earned from Ekadashi fasting, removes all sins and negative karmas accumulated over many lifetimes, grants Lord Vishnu's special grace and protection, ensures a place in Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode) for sincere devotees, brings prosperity and removes financial obstacles, blesses with longevity and health, and frees one from debts both worldly and karmic.
Procedure
On Dwadashi morning, rise before sunrise and perform a thorough bath. Worship Lord Vishnu — set up his image or Shaligram. Perform abhishek with panchamrit and Ganga jal. Offer tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and yellow sweets (kesari halwa or besan laddoo). Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or the Dwadashi Mahatmya from the Padma Purana. For Ekadashi-Dwadashi observers, the Dwadashi puja is the parana (breaking of the Ekadashi fast) ritual. Donate food, clothes, or gold to a Brahmin. Light a ghee lamp in front of Vishnu and keep it burning through the day.
When to Observe
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Dwadashi and Krishna Paksha Dwadashi — approximately 24–26 times a year. The most significant are: Vaikunta Dwadashi (Margashirsha Shukla), Govinda Dwadashi (Kartik Shukla), and the Dwadashi following each of the 24 Ekadashis of the year. Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi (Vamana Dwadashi) marks the anniversary of Lord Vamana's appearance.
Fasting Rules
On Shukla Dwadashi following Ekadashi: the Ekadashi fast continues until parana time on Dwadashi morning (after sunrise but within the first quarter of the day — do not break too late). Avoid breaking the fast during Dwadashi Viddha (when the Dwadashi tithi has been diminished). For standalone Dwadashi Vrat on Krishna Dwadashi: fast on that day avoiding grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Phalahar is standard.
How to Break the Fast
For Ekadashi observers: break the fast during the parana window on Dwadashi morning — after sunrise but before the first quarter of the day ends, and strictly not during Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi). Offer tulsi water to Vishnu, then eat a simple meal of grains and vegetables. Donate food to a Brahmin couple as a Dwadashi charity. Both spouses should break the fast together for maximum merit. Avoid overeating — the Dwadashi parana meal should be sattvic and moderate.
FAQ
Q.What is Dwadashi Vrat?
Dwadashi Vrat is observed on the 12th tithi (lunar day) of both fortnights — Shukla Dwadashi and Krishna Dwadashi — every month, in worship of Lord Vishnu and his Trivikrama (three-stride) form. The Shukla Dwadashi holds particular importance as it f...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Dwadashi Vrat?
On Shukla Dwadashi following Ekadashi: the Ekadashi fast continues until parana time on Dwadashi morning (after sunrise but within the first quarter of the day — do not break too late). Avoid breaking the fast during Dwadashi Viddha (when the Dwadashi tithi has been diminished). For standalone Dwadashi Vrat on Krishna Dwadashi: fast on that day avoiding grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Phalahar is standard.
Q.When should Dwadashi Vrat be observed?
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Dwadashi and Krishna Paksha Dwadashi — approximately 24–26 times a year. The most significant are: Vaikunta Dwadashi (Margashirsha Shukla), Govinda Dwadashi (Kartik Shukla), and the Dwadashi following each of the 24 Ekadashis of the year. Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi (Vamana Dwadashi) marks the anniversary of Lord Vamana's appearance.
Q.What are the benefits of Dwadashi Vrat?
Multiplies the merit earned from Ekadashi fasting, removes all sins and negative karmas accumulated over many lifetimes, grants Lord Vishnu's special grace and protection, ensures a place in Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode) for sincere devotees, brings prosperity and removes financial obstacles, blesses with longevity and health, and frees one from debts both worldly and karmic.