A paksha - fortnight is divided into 15 tithis. Two pakshas form a lunar month. Just like the solar calender is divided into days, the lunar month is reckoned in terms of tithis.
Dvadashi is one of the tithis. In Sanskrit, Dvadashi means 'Twelveth'. Every tithi has its own significance accorded by certain puranic events associated with it. Also, a tithi has its own importance on account of the position of moon on the given tithi.
The tithi of Ekasashi is auspicious for Vrata - praying to Bhagavan with fasting. Dvadashi follows Ekasashi. It is the day of Parana - breaking the fast.
The story of Ambarisha is associated with Dvadashi. As he followed Ekadashi Vrara and did parana on Dvadashi without fail, Bhagavan protected him from the outrage of Durvasas.
There are twenty-four Dvadashis in a year. Sometimes it may be twenty-six. Some of the Dvadashis are very special - like Narasimha Dvadashi, Vamana Dvadashi etc. They are observed to commemorate certain puranic events.
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