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 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