Krishna Kurma Dwadashi is a deeply spiritual and auspicious vrat dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His Kurma (Tortoise) Avatar. This sacred day is observed on the Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi, the 12th day of the waning phase of the moon. The vrat is powerful for removing obstacles, granting stability, protecting the devotee from hardships, and bringing long-lasting peace and prosperity. In 2026, Krishna Kurma Dwadashi falls on Thursday, January 15, 2026. This complete guide covers the date, significance, who should observe, puja method, fasting rules, katha, benefits, mantras, food guidelines, and the correct parana time, all in simple and easy language.

Krishna Kurma Dwadashi Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 05:52 PM on January 14, 2026

Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 08:16 PM on January 15, 2026

Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time Parana is done after the Dwadashi tithi ends. Since Dwadashi ends before sunrise on the next day: Krishna Dwadashi Parana: January 16, 2026 (Friday) Time: 07:15 AM to 09:21 AM

Krishna Kurma Dwadashi is dedicated to Lord Kurma, the second avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a tortoise to help the gods during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). The word "Kurma" means tortoise, symbolizing: Patience Stability Support Endurance Protection

The vrat is believed to remove suffering, support spiritual progress, and bring strength in difficult times. Devotees worship Lord Kurma for stability in personal life, health, marriage, finances, and spiritual growth.

The Kurma Avatar is closely connected with the famous story of Samudra Manthan, where the entire ocean was churned by devas and asuras to obtain the nectar of immortality. During the churning, Mount Mandara used as the churning rod began to sink. To support it: Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, Held the mountain firmly on His back, Ensured the success of the divine mission. Thus, Lord Kurma represents: Support during hardships Strength during instability Firmness during challenges

This is why devotees observe this vrat to gain emotional, physical, and spiritual stability.

This vrat is suitable for everyone, but especially beneficial for:

1. People facing instability Such as: Financial ups and downs Job insecurity Business losses Mental stress

2. Families with frequent misunderstandings This vrat brings harmony and peace.

3. Married women For: Husband’s protection Marital stability Good health of the family

4. Students For: Concentration Discipline Success in education

5. Devotees seeking spiritual growth Helps in: Reducing karmic obstacles Strengthening inner peace Deepening devotion

6. People suffering from chronic health issues Krishna Kurma Vrat is believed to improve well-being and remove long-standing problems.

Krishna Kurma Dwadashi holds special spiritual importance because it:

1. Removes Obstacles Just as Lord Kurma held the mountain, He supports devotees in overcoming: Difficulties Fears Delays Failures

2. Brings Stability Whether in marriage, job, business, or personal life, the vrat promotes calmness, steadiness, and clarity.

3. Ensures Protection Lord Kurma shields devotees from: Negative energies Evil influences Unforeseen dangers

4. Strengthens Mental Peace Calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and encourages patience.

5. Helps in Spiritual Evolution The vrat reduces past karmas and prepares the soul for purity and liberation.

Performing the puja with devotion is more important than complexity. Keep your mind pure and your thoughts positive. Step 1: Morning Preparations Wake up early, before sunrise. Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Clean your puja room or altar. Light a diya or lamp with ghee or sesame oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Puja Altar Place the idol or image of: Lord Kurma (or Lord Vishnu) Arrange the following items: Flower Tulsi leaves Rice Yellow cloth Incense sticks Diya Fruits, coconut, sweets Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)

Step 3: Sankalp (Vow) Take a pledge with folded hands: “I am observing Krishna Kurma Dwadashi vrat with sincerity and devotion. May Lord Vishnu bless me and my family with peace, stability, health, and prosperity.”

Step 4: Invocation of Lord Kurma Chant simple prayers such as: “Om Namo Bhagavate Kurmāya Namah” Light incense and offer flowers.

Step 5: Offerings Offer the following to Lord Kurma: Tulsi leaves Flowers Fruits Panchamrit Water Prasad Keep your mind focused, calm, and positive.

Step 6: Recite the Krishna Kurma Dwadashi Katha Read or listen to the Kurma Avatar story (given below).

Step 7: Aarti Perform Vishnu aarti with a diya.

Step 8: Fasting You may choose: Nirjala fast (no food or water) – optional Phalahar fast (fruits only) Satvik meal once (no grains for strict followers)

Step 9: Evening Puja In the evening: Light a diya again Offer flowers Chant mantras Meditate for a few minutes

Step 10: Parana (Breaking the Fast) Parana must be done the next day, January 16, 2026, between 07:15 AM and 09:21 AM. Break your fast with: Water Fruits or light satvik food Offer food donations

Once, during the ancient period, the devas and asuras decided to churn the ocean to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality. They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki as the rope. But as soon as the churning began, the mountain began to sink deep into the ocean. Seeing this, the devas prayed to Lord Vishnu. To save them, Lord Vishnu took the Kurma Avatar, a giant tortoise, and supported the mountain on His strong back. This allowed the churning to continue smoothly. Because of Lord Kurma’s strength: The gods succeeded Amrita was obtained The world was saved This avatar symbolizes: Support during crisis Strength during instability Protection during hardship The vrat thus reminds devotees that Lord Vishnu will always support anyone who seeks His refuge with devotion.

Do’s Maintain cleanliness Keep a peaceful mind Chant Vishnu mantras Offer tulsi leaves Perform puja in the morning and evening Donate food and clothes

Don’ts Avoid anger, arguments Avoid negative or harmful thoughts Do not consume onion, garlic, or non-veg food Avoid addictions or intoxicants Avoid hurting anyone emotionally

Allowed Fruits Milk, curd Coconut Nuts Rock salt Light satvik meal (if needed)

Not Allowed Onion, garlic Grains (for strict fasting) Non-veg Spicy or oily food Alcohol Junk or packaged foods

Main Mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Kurmāya Namah” Vishnu Mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” Shanti Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shantih” Chant each mantra 108 times for maximum benefit.

1. Stability in Life Brings emotional, financial, and mental stability.
2. Protection from Hardships Lord Kurma protects devotees from unseen difficulties.
3. Relief from Stress & Anxiety Calms the mind and promotes inner peace.
4. Marital Harmony Strengthens relationships and removes misunderstandings.
5. Health & Longevity Improves overall well-being and protects from illnesses.
6. Prosperity & Growth Removes financial obstacles and brings success in business or job.
7. Spiritual Purification Cleanses past karmas and supports spiritual upliftment.

After completing your Parana: Eat simple satvik food Donate food, clothes, or money Feed cows or birds Offer prayers of gratitude

These acts help increase the spiritual results of the vrat.

Krishna Kurma Dwadashi is a spiritually powerful vrat that brings stability, protection, peace, and prosperity. Observing this vrat in 2026 with faith and devotion can transform one’s life by removing obstacles and bringing support during difficult times—just as Lord Kurma supported the gods during the churning of the ocean. Whether you follow it for family peace, success, health, or spiritual growth, this vrat is a divine blessing for everyone.