Somvati Amavasya is a special observance in Hinduism that occurs when Amavasya (the new moon day) falls on a Monday (Somvar). The word "Somvati" combines "Som," which means Monday, and "Amavasya," which refers to the new moon day. This day holds particular significance and is considered highly auspicious for various spiritual and religious activities.
Importance of Somvati Amavasya
Pitra puja or rituals to our ancestors in the family are performed on Somavati Amasvasya. Many Hindus observe fasting on this day as it is considered to bring peace and welfare to the family. It is also a common belief that taking a bath in the holy rivers like Ganga (Ganges) on a Somavati Amavasya, especially at Haridwar or Triveni, will bring in prosperity and peace as well as a healthy life that is free from diseases, illness, grief and sorrows to an ardent observant of this auspicious day.Somvati Amavasya holds great spiritual and religious significance in Hinduism. Here are some of the key reasons why this day is considered important:
1. Auspicious Day for Fasting and Worship:
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Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati: The day is particularly dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees believe that fasting and praying on Somvati Amavasya can bring divine blessings, peace, and prosperity.
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Blessings for Longevity and Well-being: Married women observe fasts and perform rituals for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. It is believed that their prayers and devotion can protect their husbands from harm and bring happiness to their married life.
2. Pitr Tarpan (Ancestor Worship):
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Somvati Amavasya is considered a powerful day for performing Pitr Tarpan, a ritual to honor and seek blessings from deceased ancestors. Offering water, food, and prayers is believed to bring peace to the departed souls and ensure their well-being in the afterlife.
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It's also believed that performing these rituals can remove obstacles in the lives of the devotees and bring them blessings from their ancestors.
3. Spiritual Cleansing and Penance:
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Fasting on this day is seen as a form of penance, helping devotees purify their minds and bodies. It's believed that such observances can help in atoning for past sins and lead to spiritual growth.
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Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, on Somvati Amavasya is thought to wash away sins and bring spiritual merit. The act of bathing in holy waters is considered to purify both the body and soul.
4. Rituals for Prosperity and Protection:
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Special rituals and prayers are conducted for prosperity, health, and protection from negative influences. Devotees believe that observing the prescribed rituals on this day can help remove negative energies and attract positive outcomes in life.
5. Charity and Good Deeds:
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Giving in charity, especially food and clothing, is considered highly meritorious on Somvati Amavasya. Acts of kindness and charity performed on this day are believed to bring blessings and accumulate good karma.
6. Mythological Beliefs:
- According to Hindu mythology, Somvati Amavasya is associated with various legends and stories that emphasize the importance of devotion, purity, and righteous actions. These stories often highlight the rewards of observing the rituals and practices on this day.
Somvati Amavasya Rituals and Celebrations
On this day, it is a common sight to watch Hindu women worshiping the Peepal tree, which is considered as a sacred tree in India. The sacredness of a Peepal tree is attributed to the belief that the Hindu trinities – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv (also called Trimuti) – dwell in this tree. Women tie holy threads dipped in turmeric and sandalwood paste around the trunk of the peepal tree. They perform circum-ambulation of the tree 108 times with folded hands. This ritual done by women is called Parikrama. On Somavati Amavasya, another common practice is to pour milk and water in the roots of the Peepal tree. They offer flowers, sandal paste, vermillion, turmeric, and rice (akshada) near the Peepal tree trunk. Ardent devotees of the Hindu Trinity sit under the Peepal tree and chant mantras to appease the Trimurti. Married women fast and pray for a long and healthy life of their husbands. Lord Shiva is particularly worshiped by married women on this day.
Spiritual Significance of Somvati Amavasya
This day signifies the fact that “There is always light at the end of a tunnel”. Anything that seems dark is not going to be so forever. Soon after darkness, there comes a bright day filled with rays of hope and happiness.Legend of Somvati Amavasya
Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava, enquired Bhishmacharya of the significance of Somvati Amavas. In response, the story narrated by Bhishma Pitamaha is provided in the Mahabharata. It is about how the fate of a washer-man s daughter turned to ashes when she followed the advice of a Pandit and observed Somvati Amavasya with sincerity and commitment. The significance of applying vermillion and observing fast on Somvati Amavasa is explained in this story.To read in English Read here