Ksheerabdi Dwadasi is an
auspicious day in the month of Karthika, also called as Chiluka Dwadasi, Yogeeswara Dwadasi or HariBodhini Dwadasi. It falls on 12th day of Karthika month. It is
an auspicious day for the Hindus, particularly the married women.
Observance
On Ksheerabdi Dwadasi day, married
women, mostly in the Southern states perform Tulasi Pooja in the evening. Holy
Basil plant is worshiped by the married women on this auspicious day for a
happy and blissful married life.
On this day Tulasi and Indian
gooseberry (amla) plants are worshipped. Like on Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi Devi
is worshipped with coins. It is believed that Lord Vishnu along with Goddess
Lakshmi Devi and Lord Brahma reaches Brindavan. Therefore who ever performs
pooja to Lord Vishnu on this day with whole hearted dedication and Bhakthi will
be blessed with good health, wealth and prosperous life.
During Ksheera Sagara Mathana things have come, finally came out the
nectar of immortality – Amrut. Holding the pitcher of amrut, Lord Vishnu shed
tears of joy, from which was born Tulasi. Lord Vishnu accepted her as his
consort. He made her sit in his lap and told her that she has the capability to
purify the world. Tulasi is the favorite of the Lord Vishnu. It is believed
that the Tulasi plant has emerged on this day.
In Karthik month, lighting lamps
(diyas) is considered as tradition. There is a significance to light lamps on
Dwadasi, Chathurdasi and Pournami days. The lighting of lamps on this day
itself gives infinite punya (virtue)
to everyone.
So, performing pooja to the Tulasi
plant on this day is a very pure, divine good deed.
Importance
Ksheerabdi Dwadasi has its own importance and signficance. Mostly, married women observe fasting in the daytime on this auspicious day, though it is not compulsory.