Dwadashi Tithi द्वादशी
The 12th lunar day · deity Vishnu · Bhadra tithi
Dwadashi (द्वादशी) is the 12th lunar day (tithi), presided over by Vishnu and counted a Bhadra tithi (healthy — good for business, foundations and health matters). Dwadashi, the twelfth tithi, completes the Ekadashi observance. The tithi prevailing at sunrise is applied to the whole day in the panchang.
Key takeaways
- Presiding deity: Vishnu.
- Nature: Bhadra — healthy — good for business, foundations and health matters.
- A Bhadra tithi good for charity, breaking fasts, and acts of dharma.
- Occurs in both the Shukla and Krishna paksha each lunar month.
Dwadashi at a glance
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Nature | Bhadra — healthy — good for business, foundations and health matters |
| Position | 12th tithi of each paksha |
What is Dwadashi tithi?
Dwadashi, the twelfth tithi, completes the Ekadashi observance. As a lunar day, Dwadashi can begin or end at any clock time, so the panchang uses the Dwadashi that is running at sunrise.
Presiding deity of Dwadashi
It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Worship and vrats on Dwadashi are directed to this deity.
Nature: a Bhadra tithi
Dwadashi belongs to the Bhadra group of tithis, which are healthy — good for business, foundations and health matters. The five natures — Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Purna — repeat through the fortnight and help decide which activities a day suits.
Festivals and observances on Dwadashi
The Ekadashi fast is broken (paran) on Dwadashi morning; Vaman Dwadashi and Tulsi-related vrats fall here.
- Vamana Dwadashi — Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi
- Govatsa Dwadashi (Bach Baras) — Kartik Krishna Dwadashi, before Dhanteras
- Tulsi / Yogeshwar Dwadashi — the Dwadashi after Prabodhini Ekadashi
- Ekadashi paran — the morning on which most Ekadashi fasts are broken
Festivals fixed to Dwadashi recur every year but on shifting Gregorian dates; several also depend on the lunar month and paksha. Confirm this year's dates on the festivals and calendar pages or your local panchang.
What Dwadashi tithi is good for
A Bhadra tithi good for charity, breaking fasts, and acts of dharma. Combine the tithi with a favourable nakshatra, an auspicious choghadiya and the weekday, avoiding Rahu Kaal, when choosing a muhurat.
Dwadashi in the panchang
You can see whether today is Dwadashi on any city's daily panchang, and find upcoming Dwadashi dates on the panchang calendar. Learn about all the tithis, the 27 nakshatras, or read the complete panchang guide.
Tithi attributes follow traditional sources; for religious observance confirm the exact tithi and timings with your local panchang.
Common questions
Which deity rules Dwadashi tithi?
Dwadashi tithi is presided over by Vishnu. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
What festivals fall on Dwadashi?
The Ekadashi fast is broken (paran) on Dwadashi morning; Vaman Dwadashi and Tulsi-related vrats fall here.
Is Dwadashi a good tithi?
A Bhadra tithi good for charity, breaking fasts, and acts of dharma.
What is a tithi?
A tithi is a lunar day — the time for the Moon to move 12° from the Sun. A lunar month has 30 tithis, 15 in the waxing Shukla paksha and 15 in the waning Krishna paksha.
What is a Bhadra tithi?
Bhadra tithis are healthy — good for business, foundations and health matters. Dwadashi is one of them.