Yogeshwara Dwadashi occurs on the day next to Dev Uthana Ekadashi which marks the waking up of Sri Maha Vishnu after His Yoga Nidhra in the Chathur Masya period from Ashada to Karthika. This festival occurs on the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi of the Karthika month.
Yogeshwara Dwadashi occurs on Wednesday, 13th November 2024. The exact duration of the Dwadashi Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Yogeshwara Dwadashi Vrat is also called as Chiluka Dwadashi, Ksheerabdi Dwadashi, Ksheerabdi Sayana Vrat, Tulsi Vivah Dhin and Hari Bhodini Dwadashi.
Legend
There are a few legends pertaining to the observation of Yogeshwara Dwadashi.
It is believed that soon after waking up on Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Sri Maha Vishnu along with His consort Sri Mahalakshmi and His son Sri Brahma visits Vrindavan on this day. Vrindavan means ‘’the place where Tulsi plants are reared and nurtured’’.
It is also believed that Sri Maha Vishnu had married Sri Mahalakshmi (in the form of Tulsi plant) only on Yogeshwara Dwadashi day.
As per the legend, Sri Brahma is said to have narrated the significance of this Vrat to Sage Narada. It is believed that Bhagwan Maha Vishnu along with Sri Lakshmi emerges from the cosmic ocean on Shukla Paksha Dwadashi of Karthika month after sunset and reside at the Tulsi plants.
Rituals
It is considered auspicious to worship Tulsi plants and Gooseberry trees on this day.
Special Pujas are done to Tulsi plants after reciting Slokams in praise of Bhagwan Sri Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi. Special prayers invoking Tulsi Devi are also recited.
Earthen lamps are lit near the Tulsi plant. Coconut, dates, sugar cane, jaggery, bananas, betel leaves and betel nuts are offered as Neivedyam. After showing aarti, the prasadam is distributed and partaken.
Making donation of lamps along with a piece of sandal wood, flowers and fruits is considered auspicious.
Tulsi Vivah
It is believed that Sri Maha Vishnu had married Sri Tulsi Devi only on Yogeshwara Dwadashi day. The Tulsi plant at the courtyards and temples are properly cleaned and sanctified. Special Rangolis are drawn. The Tulsi plant is adorned with a red saree and flowers with jewels.
The shaligram form of Sri Maha Vishnu is kept near the Tulsi plant. At some places, even idol of Sri Vishnu is kept. If the idol is kept, it is covered with a new Dhoti.
Special prayers depicting the marriage of Sri Vishnu and Sri Tulsi are recited. Special Pujas are done to both Sri Vishnu and Sri Tulsi. Then a thread is tied as connection between Sri Vishnu and Sri Tulsi.
The vivah festival is concluded by applying sindhur on the forehead of Sri Vishnu’s idol and on the Tulsi plant. Sweets and fruits are offered as Neivedyam. The rice mixed with turmeric is sprinkled on the holy couple. The Neivedyam is then distributed to all as prasadam.
Reading and reciting of Sri Tulasi Ashtotharam is considered auspicious.
Benefits
Sincere observation of Yogeshwara Dwadashi Vrat is believed to
-bring in good health, wealth and prosperity.
-alleviate all sins.
-bestow salvation at the feet of Sri Vishnu.