Amavasya
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya is the day of the new moon when the moon entirely disappears, marking the end of a lunar month. It occurs during Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of the lunar month) and is characterized by complete darkness. As per the Hindu calendar, Amavasya begins after the new moon starts. The day holds special spiritual significance, as it is considered an ideal time for worship and offerings to ancestors.
Meaning of Amavasya
Amavasya is also known as the lunar phase of the new moon. According to the Hindu calendar, there are 30 lunar phases, or Tithis. Amavasya marks the phase when the moon's angular distance from the sun is less than 12 degrees. On this day, the moon is invisible and does not reflect light, signifying a time of darkness, reflection, and renewal.
Importance of Amavasya Vrat
The Amavasya vrat is of great spiritual significance in Hinduism. On this day, Hindus offer prayers and perform rituals to honor and seek blessings for the souls of their ancestors. The day is dedicated to the remembrance of departed souls, with devotees fasting and performing special prayers to bring peace and salvation to the ancestors.
Amavasya Puja Method/Vidhi
Amavasya, also known as the "No Moon Day," holds great importance in the Vedic Hindu traditions. It is believed that performing rituals on this day brings auspicious results and is especially beneficial for remedying Pitra Dosha. Here is the traditional method of worship on Amavasya:
- Early Morning Rituals: Wake up early during Brahma Muhurt and take a holy bath.
- Offering to the Sun: Offer Argha to the Sun God with the Surya Mantra or Gayatri Mantra.
- Vishnu Worship: Take flowers, rice, and water, and pledge to worship Lord Vishnu while remembering both Vishnu and ancestors.
- Recite Sacred Texts: Worship Lord Vishnu by visiting a temple or performing rituals at home. It is considered auspicious to chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Narayan Stotra.
- Tulsi Garland: Chant mantras while wearing a Tulsi garland to receive Lord Vishnu's blessings.
- Aarti: Perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu with devotion.
- Ancestor Worship: Perform rituals for the peace and salvation of the souls of ancestors, offer food to Brahmins, and make donations.
- Fasting: Some devotees also observe fasting for the peace of their ancestors' souls.
Different Types of Amavasya
- Paush Amavasya
- Magha Amavasya
- Phalgun Amavasya
- Chaitra Amavasya
- Vaishakh Amavasya
- Jyeshtha Amavasya
- Ashadh Amavasya
- Shravan Amavasya
- Bhadrapada Amavasya
- Ashwin Amavasya
- Karthik Amavasya
- Margashirsha Amavasya
Amavasya Vrat Katha
- One of the most famous stories associated with Amavasya is the tale of Somvati Amavasya, which teaches how the vrat changed the fate of a young girl:
- Once, there was a moneylender with seven sons and one daughter. His sons were all married, but he could not find the right match for his daughter. The moneylender and his wife became very stressed as they could not solve this issue. A Sadhu visited their house regularly but never blessed the daughter. The daughter, troubled by this, confronted the Sadhu, but he did not answer and left.
- A pandit examined the girl’s horoscope and declared that she was destined to be a widow. The mother, desperate for a solution, asked the pandit for a remedy. The pandit suggested that a washerwoman living on the island of Singhal could help by applying vermillion to the girl’s forehead. Additionally, the girl was advised to observe the Somvati Amavasya Vrat to change her destiny.
- The mother sent the youngest son and the daughter to the island. Along the way, they came across a seashore, and while resting under a tree, they noticed a vulture’s nest. A snake had attacked and destroyed the nest, but the girl, determined to save the vulture’s babies, fought the snake and killed it. Grateful for her courage, the vulture helped them cross the seashore.
- Once they reached the island, the girl served the washerwoman for several months. In return, the washerwoman applied sindoor to her forehead, and the girl returned home. She observed the Somvati Amavasya Vrat, and her fate was completely transformed. She married, and her life became prosperous.
