Narada Purana And The Fast Of Dwadashi

Narada Purana is an important Purana that is narrated by Sage Narada and given to Bhakti. Sage Narad was the most devoted bhakta of Vishnu. The Narada Purana is in the form of a commentary. It is a scholarly discussion between Sankadi Rishis and Narada. It is also known as Naradiya Dharma Shastra because it speaks about the religious principles of prominent personalities and also dictates the moral values of the genealogical orders of deities.

There are various subjects mentioned in the Narada Puranas, namely grammar, etymology, mathematics, astrology and astronomy. There is a special reference given to Yoga and Pranayama. The Narada Purana Sanhita has many stories depicting the importance of bhakti and the impossible achievement received through bhakti.

What Is Narada Purana Sanhita?

The book is a compilation of 25,000 verses. The whole content of Narada Purana is divided into two parts. The first one consists of four chapters that include the conversation between Suta and Shaunak. The conversation gives an insight into the origin of the universes, salvation, birth of Sukadev, mantras and worship rituals, provisions and results of the various fasts observed by humans. The second one consists of the tales related to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the significance of the pilgrimages and visiting them.

In the Narada Purana, Narada asks various questions to Sanakadi Rishis and thus forms an introduction to Naradiya Purana. Some of the questions Narada asks are: What is the real form of Vishnu? To whose feet the holy Ganges have originated from? How does devotion to Lord Vishnu come up? How can a man find the way to spiritual development? What is the real aim of real devotees?

Mantras Chanted During The Fast Of Dwadashi

Here are some Mantras chanted during the Fast Of Dwadashi which is actually the twelfth day of every month. Also, describe the various practices to be performed while chanting the mantras, such that you may receive the best results.

1. Keshavaya Namastubhyam

Narada asks sutaji about the fast and rituals to be performed to please Lord Vishnu. He listens to the tales of Ganga and wishes if he could receive the same amount of love from Lord Vishnu. To this inquiry by Sage Narda, Sanat Kumar replies, saying that he will give Narada the details of rituals and fasts that can make a man fearless. He mentions the special provision provided for people who worship Lord Vishnu on the twelfth day of Shukala Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. This worship is performed wearing a white or yellow attire and during this worship above mantra should be recited

2. Namo Narayana

One should offer ghee and sesame seeds in the fire while chanting this mantra. One should sing devotional songs during the night and remain awakened. At the dawn of the hour, the idol of Lord Vishnu is to be bathed in five litres of milk. After this, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with naivety and edible items three times a day. Next morning, similar worship should be performed.

At the end of the worship, donate the sweets made of milk, ghee and coconut to Brahmins while reciting – May the lord materialize all my wishes. You can break your fast after seeing off the brahmins. On the same day in the month of Pausha, you can observe the same fast and the same worshipping of Lord Vishnu.

3. Govindaya Namastubhyam

In this worship, the provision of nightlong prayers and rituals. It includes the ritual of donating rice, pulses, ghee, etc. One must respectfully feed the brahmins and then break their fast in the end. The ritual of giving Dakshina is a must. Similar to the month of Magh, provision is provided to worship and fast daylong. In such cases, five kilos of Sesame seeds are to be donated to the Brahmins.

In the same way, during the twelfth day of Shukla Paksha in Phagun, one should bathe Lord Hari’s idol with five litres of milk. One hundred and eight oblations of sesame seed and ghee are made to the sacrificial fire. As usual one must carry out the nightlong prayer and brahmins are fed. After the worship, one must donate the unhusked rice to the brahmins.

4. Namostu Vishnave Tubhyam

On the same day in the month of Chaitra, there is a provision of bathing Lord Vishnu’s idol with five litres of ghee. One must make oblations of honey, ghee and sesame seeds one hundred and eight items to the sacrificial fire.

5. Namaste Madhuhante

Four kilos of rice is donated to a Brahmin. Here on the twelfth day, in the brighter face of Vaishakh, there is a provision to bathe Vishnu’s idol with milk and thereby making 108 oblations of ghee. While reciting this mantra.

6. Namah Trivikramaya

Similarly, on the twelfth day in the brighter phase of Jyestha, there is a provision to offer one hundred and eight oblations of kheer to the sacrificial fire while reciting the above mantra.

7. Namaste Vaamanayaa

Twenty Malpuas are donated to the Brahmins. On the same day of Ashaadh, there is a provision to both lords Vishnu’s idols with four litres of milk. Oblations of ghee and cereal with coconut and curd are made and given to the Brahmins. The ritual is dedicated to the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The above mantras recited along with the rituals.

8. Shidharaaya Namostute

In the month of Shravan, on the twelfth day of the brighter phase, lord Vishnu’s idol is bathed in milk and ghee. And one hundred and eight oblations are made to the sacrificial fire with the chant of the above mantras.

9. Hrishikesh Namostubhyam

While reciting the above mantra, four litres of milk, clothes and two golden earrings are donated to the Brahmins. Where Lord Vishnu’s idol should be bathed in milk on the twelfth day of Bhadrapada.

10. Namaste Padmanabhaiah

In the month of Ashvin, One hundred and eight oblations are made with cooked cereal and honey. Brahmins are given gold, apart from feeding them with respect and ultimate devotion. Lord Vishnu’s idol is bathed in five litres of milk. Also, One hundred and eight oblations are offered to the sacrificial fire with ghee and sesame seeds.

11. Namo Damodaraya

Two hundred and fifty grams of honey is donated to the Brahmin, in the form of Kartik. Here as well, Lord Vishnu’s idol is bathed with four litres of milk, curd or ghee while reciting the above mantra.

The sage also adds to this virtuous fasting the fact that after twelve months of fasting, the individual attains a supreme abode. If this fast is observed for the whole of her, there is a provision for a closing ceremony if one doesn’t want to continue the fasting in the next year. This closing ritual is performed on the twelfth day of the dark phase in the month of Maagshhesh.

Conclusion:

To conclude it all, We would like to add that a lot of importance is given to the worship of Lord Vishnu and the different materials used during the sacrificial rituals and worship. The fourth part of the Narada Purana is the one that provides the tithi wise and maasa-wise Vrats. There are different other Vratsa mentioned in the Narada Purana like Ekadashi Vrata, Vasishtha Mandhala Samvada, Curse of Mohini, here revival and Exposure, Tirth Yatras, etc.

Does Narada Purana preach that sincere study of Purana on the Ashwin Purnima with a puja to a Brahmana and donation of seven cows and clothing can surely pave your way towards salvation? ain’t that the real goal of studying Vedas, the way to find ultimate salvation? Finding out a loop to get away from the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth?