Vishnupati or Vishnupathi Punyakaalam is the most auspicious time period to offer puja to Lord Vishnu. It is observed once in three months and four times a year. Vishnupathi in November 2012 date is November 16.
Previous three Vishnupathi punyakala in 2012 were – in February, May, and August. The best and auspicious time to observe Vishnupati puja rituals is – 1.30 am to 10.30 am as per Indian Standard Time (IST).
This last Vishnupathi Punyakalam in 2012 falls on Vrischika Sankranti, the day during which Sun transits to Vrischika rasi or Scorpio zodiac from Tula rasi or Libra zodiac.
It marks the beginning of Karthigai masam 2012 in Tamil calendar and Vrischikam month 2012 in Malayalam calendar. It falls in Kartik month in Chandramana Panchangams or lunar calendars followed in other parts of India.
The next Vishnupathi Punyakalam may fall in February 2013.