Inner DarshanWhat is Amavasya?
According to the Hindu calendar, Amavasya is the date when the moon completely disappears. It is the last day of the Krishna Paksha. On the night of Amavasya, there is pitch darkness all around as the moon is not visible in the sky. According to religious scriptures, Amavasya is a very important day for worship, offering prayers to ancestors, and performing charity.
Religious and Scientific Significance of Amavasya
- Religious Significance: According to the Puranas, Amavasya is dedicated to the ancestors. Performing Shraddha rituals and donating on this day helps relieve ancestral sins. India's most famous festival, Diwali, is also celebrated on Amavasya.
- Scientific significance: Scientifically, Amavasya is a normal event in the Earth's cycle. However, according to astrology, there is a possibility of a solar eclipse on this day.
Remedies to be followed on Amavasya
Performing certain measures on Amavasya brings happiness and prosperity in life:
- Feed flour balls to fish. This brings virtue and financial gain.
- Take a bath in a holy river or add Ganga water to your bathing water.
- After waking up in the morning, recite the songs of Hanuman Ji and offer him laddus.
- Go to the temple and donate food.
- Donate oil, black gram, and iron to Shani Dev.
Types of Amavasya
The name and significance of Amavasya change depending on the day on which it falls.
- Somvati Amavasya: When Amavasya falls on Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya. It is considered very auspicious.
- Shani Amavasya: When Amavasya falls on Saturday, it is called Shani Amavasya. Worshiping Shani Dev on this day increases luck.
- Mauni Amavasya: The new moon day that falls in the month of Magha is called Mauni Amavasya. Observing a silent fast on this day has special significance.
The new moon day is generally not considered auspicious for starting any auspicious work, but it is very important for spiritual pursuits.