Amavasya is the Sanskrit word for the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is the last day of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) when the moon is not visible in the sky. This day marks the end of one lunar month and the beginning of the next, holding significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism.
The Astronomical and Astrological Significance of Amavasya
Astronomically, Amavasya is the day of the conjunction of the Sun and the Moon, when they are on the same side of the Earth and occupy the same longitude in the sky. Because the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the side of the Moon facing the Earth is not illuminated by sunlight, making it invisible to us.
Astrologically, this alignment of the two most important celestial bodies, the Sun (representing the soul and father) and the Moon (representing the mind and mother), is considered a powerful time. It is seen as a period of rest and reset, a time when the energies are potent for introspection, spiritual practices, and honouring one’s ancestors.
Cultural and Religious Importance in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Amavasya is not considered an auspicious day for starting new material ventures, like a business, marriage, or house construction. The absence of moonlight is associated with darkness and negative energies. However, it is considered highly auspicious for spiritual activities.
- Honouring Ancestors (Pitars): Amavasya is the most important day for performing ‘Shradh’ or ‘Tarpan’ rituals to pay homage to deceased ancestors. It is believed that on this day, the souls of ancestors visit the Earth, and offering them food and water brings them peace and contentment, in turn blessing the family. This is especially important to address conditions like Pitra Dosh.
- Spiritual Practices: The day is ideal for meditation, fasting (vrat), charity (daan), and taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga. These activities are believed to wash away sins and grant spiritual merit.
- Worshipping Deities: Different Amavasyas throughout the year are dedicated to specific deities. For example, ‘Shani Amavasya’ (when Amavasya falls on a Saturday) is dedicated to Lord Shani, and ‘Mauni Amavasya’ is a day for observing silence and spiritual reflection.
| Name of Amavasya | Significance | Deity / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mauni Amavasya | Falls in the month of Magha. A day for observing silence (‘maun vrat’) and taking a holy bath in the Ganga. | Spiritual purification. |
| Shani Amavasya | When Amavasya falls on a Saturday. Considered very important for pleasing Lord Shani. | Lord Shani, to reduce malefic effects. |
| Mahalaya Amavasya | The last day of Pitru Paksha, the most important day for performing ‘Shradh’ for ancestors. | Ancestors (Pitars). |
| Diwali Amavasya | Falls in the month of Kartik. The main day of the Diwali festival, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. | Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha. |
| Hariyali Amavasya | Falls in the month of Shravan, celebrating the monsoon and greenery. | Lord Shiva. |
Understanding Amavasya is key to understanding the rhythm of the Hindu calendar. It is a day that reminds followers of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of connecting with the spiritual realm and honouring one’s roots. It’s a time for looking inward, unlike the outward celebrations of a full moon day (Purnima) or a special ceremony like the half saree function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya is the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is the day when the moon is not visible from Earth because it is aligned with the Sun. This day marks the end of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) and the end of a lunar month.
Is Amavasya a good day?
For material and auspicious events like weddings or starting a new business, Amavasya is generally considered inauspicious due to the absence of moonlight. However, for spiritual activities like fasting, meditation, charity, and performing rituals for ancestors (‘Shradh’), it is considered a very powerful and auspicious day.
What should we not do on Amavasya?
It is generally advised not to start any new important work, get married, or move into a new house on Amavasya. Travelling to unknown places at night and getting into arguments should also be avoided, as negative energies are believed to be stronger on this day.
What is the story behind Amavasya?
There is no single story, but Amavasya is deeply linked to the concept of honouring ancestors (Pitars). It is believed that on this day, the veil between the physical and ancestral worlds is thin, allowing the souls of the departed to visit their descendants on Earth and accept their offerings.
Why do we light a Diya on Amavasya?
Lighting a Diya (lamp), especially outside the house, on Amavasya is a common practice. The light is believed to dispel the darkness and negative energies associated with the new moon night. It also serves to guide the souls of ancestors who are believed to visit on this day.