About Padmanabha Dwadashi:

Padmanabha Dwadashi is celebrated on the next day of the Papankusha Ekadashi. It falls on the Twelfth day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. Lord Vishnu is worshiped on this auspicious day as Anantha Padmanava. It is believed that the devotees who observe the Padmanabha Dwadashi Vrata attain prosperity throughout their lives and attain salvation.

Significance of Padmanabha Dwadashi:

Observing Padmanabha Dwadashi helps a person to attain liberation. Staunch devotees of Lord Vishnu believe that worship on Ekadasi and Dwadashi of the Anantha Padmanabha will help them attain Moksha. Lord Vishnu is most beloved Gods as he helps in attaining salvation. Devotees pray to him for spiritual enlightenment and worldly pleasures. Followers of Lord Vishnu do not believe in renouncing the world. They wish to lead a happy, healthy and prosperous life and secure a way for themselves to heaven by worshipping Lord Vishnu and performing good deeds. People wanting to start a new venture can work towards it on this day.

Rituals/ Celebrations:

Padmanabha Dwadashi Vrata is mentioned in the Varaha Purana. Devotees start their austerity in observation to this Vrat from the morning of the Dwadashi. After having a ritual bath, the devotees lit incense and lamp in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol. Devotees offer water, flowers, betel leaves, sweets, fruits, turmeric, and sandalwood paste to Lord Vishnu. They also visit the Vishnu temple which is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. The priests perform a special Puja to make offerings, honoring, evoking or worshiping gods. The ceremony can also be performed to pay homage to the beloved ones who are dead. Devotees read scriptures dedicated to Lord Vishnu, sing hymns in his praise and mediate on his names throughout the day by taking a vow of silence. Devotees also perform night vigil and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra. The rituals can be performed both in the morning and at night. Poor and needy people are provided with alms and food.