Rama Lakshmana Dwadashi is the Vrat observed on the day next to Nirjala Ekadashi. It occurs on the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi of Jyeshta month. For the Year 2023, it occurs on Wednesday, 31st May 2023 and Thursday, 1st June 2023. The exact duration of the Dwadashi Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Legend
This Vrat is mostly observed by the married couples for getting healthy progeny. As per the legend, King Dasharatha had observed Vrat on the next day of Nirjala Ekadashi praying to Sri Maha Vishnu. He had observed this Vrat as advised by the Sage Vasishta.
Bhagwan Sri Vishnu Himself was born to Dasharatha as four sons. Hence this Vrat is thereafter called as Rama Lakshmana Dwadashi.
Rituals
The rituals are similar to Ekadashi Vrats. It starts from the sunrise and lasts upto the sunrise of next day morning. Special Pujas are done to Sri Vishnu especially Sri Ram with Sri Lakshman.
At the Puja place at the home, the idol or picture of Sri Ram and Sri Lakshman is kept. It is decked up with flowers. Lamps and incense sticks are lit.
Pujas are done mostly using champa flowers and Thulasi. Chandan and Kumkum are applied to the idol / picture. In some places, Kalash also is kept at Puja place as per family tradition.
Slokams and Keerthans are recited. Reading and reciting of Bala Kanda of Sri Ramayana is considered auspicious.
In the evening, Shodapachara Puja is done to Sri Ram. Some couple observe complete fasting. However, partaking of water, milk, fruits and sabudana kichdi are permitted for those who cannot follow complete fasting.
Other names
At Orissa, this Vrat is observed as Champaka Dwadashi and special prayers are done at Puri Jagannath temple. The other name for this Vrat is Sri Raghav Dwadashi and Sri Rama Dwadashi.
Benefits
Making donation of ghee in a container is believed to bring in happiness, prosperity and all fulfillment of the wishes. It is believed that observation of this vrat bestows virtuous benefits equal to donating thousand cows.
Sri Rama Gayathri
ॐ दाशरथाय विद्महे सीतावल्लभाय धीमहि तन्नो रामः प्रचोदयात्
om dhaasharaThaaya vidhmahae seethaa-vallabhaaya Dheemahi thanno ramah prachodhayaath
ॐ भरताग्रजाय विद्महे रघुनन्दनाय धीमहि तन्नो रामः प्रचोदयात्
Om bharatha-agrajaaya vidhmahae raghu-nandhanaaya Dheemahi thanno ramah prachodhayaath
ॐ भरताग्रजाय विद्महे सीतावल्लभाय धीमहि तन्नो रामः प्रचोदयात्
Om bharatha-agrajaaya vidhmahae seethaa-vallabhaaya Dheemahi thanno ramah prachodhayaath
ॐ रघुवंश्याय विद्महे सीतावल्लभाय धीमहि तन्नो रामः प्रचोदयात्
Om raghu-vaMshyaaya vidhmahae seethaa-vallabhaaya Dheemahi thanno ramah prachodhayaath
Sri Lakshmana Gayathri
ॐ दाशरथाय विद्महे अलाबेलाय धीमहि तन्नो लक्ष्मणः प्रचोदयात्
Om dhaasharaThaaya vidhmahae alaabelaayaa Dheemahi thanno lakShmanah prachodhayaath
