Govinda Dwadashi 2026 – Worship of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha Avatar

 

Date: February 28, Saturday

Calendar Context

• Observed on the 12th day (Dwadashi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalgun.
• Falls between mid-February to March in the Gregorian calendar.
• Also known as Narasimha Dwadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s fierce incarnation.

Legends & Scriptural References

• Agni Purana: Mentions the significance of Govinda Dwadashi.
• Narasimha Avatar: Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasimha to slay the demon king Hiranyakashyap and protect Prahlad.
• Symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and liberation from sins.
• Worshipping Vishnu on this day is believed to grant happiness, prosperity, and moksha (salvation).

Rituals

• Sacred Bathing: Devotees wake before sunrise and bathe in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Godavari.
• If unable to visit, ritual baths can be performed in local rivers or lakes while chanting Vishnu’s name.
• In Puri, thousands gather at Mahodadhi Teerth on the coast for the holy dip.
• Pundarikaksha Puja: Worship of Lord Vishnu’s Pundarikaksha form with offerings of fruits, flowers, sandalwood paste, sesame seeds, incense, and dhoop.
• Govinda Dwadashi Vrat: Strict fasting observed; devotees eat only once after puja.
• No alcohol or non-vegetarian food is permitted.
• Temple Visits: Evening pujas at Vishnu temples, including chanting of Sri Narasimha Kavach mantra.
• Devotional Practices: Continuous chanting of Vishnu’s names and participation in temple rituals.

Temple Celebrations

• Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha): Elaborate rituals and holy dip at Mahodadhi Teerth.
• Dwarka Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh): Special pujas and Narasimha worship.
• Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple (Andhra Pradesh): Devotees throng for Govinda Dwadashi darshan.
• Southern States: Widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh with grandeur.

Spiritual Significance

• Observing Govinda Dwadashi is believed to:
• Wash away past sins.
• Bestow happiness, prosperity, and divine blessings.
• Grant liberation and entry into Vaikuntha, Vishnu’s heavenly abode.
• Symbolizes devotion, purity, and victory of dharma over adharma.