Somvati Amavasya, or Paush Amavasya as it is also referred to, happens to be one of the highlights of the Hindu calendar, especially for modern followers of any ancient amavasya traditions. As this day happens to fall on a Monday, it will be on 30th December. Meanwhile, in the year of 2023, Somvati Amavasya is expected to take place on December 19.
Paush Amavasya certainly holds some importance too as it marks the end of the month of Paush which is considered by many as an auspicious month to conduct a number of spiritual activities including ones to pray to ancestors and seek their blessings. The devotion includes millions of Hindus who decided to fast on this day religions amavasya prayers and rituals as it is believed to sooth the soul and provide wealth and other spiritual gains.
Timing and Date of Somvati Amavasya in December 2024
Somvati Amavasya will occur on Monday, December 30, 2024. Amavasya Tithi Commences: 10:25 AM on December 29, 2024 (Sunday). Amavasya Tithi ends: 12:23 AM on 30 December 2024(Monday).
Somvati Amavasya is the day when the new moon day falls on a Monday. As in December 30 2024 is a Monday, rituals to be conducted will be in favor of Lord shiva and worshiping ancestors as the moon being new is an ideal time for that. This day is very vital as it helps strengthen the bonds of families and helps them during significant spiritual practices.
Importance of Somvati Amavasya (Paush Amavasya)
Somvati Amavasya has its touch of importance in the number of things religion, community, culture, and spiritually.
Somvati Amavasya is mainly associated with Pitru Tarpan, a ceremony where offering prayers and water is made to ancestors by the followers.
It is believed that on this particular day the spirits of the ancestors are at peace and growth. People living on river banks or within the houses perform this ritual by bringing water, sesame seeds, barley and other things to offer to their ancestors. This ritual is considered to remove the curses of the ancestors and bring financial blessings to the family
Blessings of Lord Shiva: Somvati Amavasya is observed on a Monday that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. So many devotees consider this day special to worship Shiva. The performance includes chanting of Om Namah Shivaya, offering milk, honey and water onto the Shiva lingam, and performing the Shiva Puja. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva on this day are blessed with no hurdles, a calm mind and wealth.
Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal: Somvati Amavasya is said to be a day of spiritual baptism. People fast, pray or perform other customs aimed at cleansing their souls and bodies. The new moon is the end of the darkness, and so it is a good time to begin fresh and make amends for past mistakes and seek divine help for a new journey to begin.
Beneficial for Married ladies: Many married women fast on Somvati Amavasya to seek their husband’s good health and long life.
Such ceremonies are intended to help the couple find peace, happiness, and duration in their married life. Ladies either completely refrain from eating or have only fruits and water.
Charitya and Philanthrophy: The essence of charity is observed on this day. Distribution of food, clothes, or even money to the poor is considered very important during Somvati Amavasya. It is believed that doing this brings God’s blessings and earns good karma.
Rituals and Traditions of Somvati Amavasya
Various rites are performed on Somvati Amavasya in order to reap more out of the spiritual significance of that day. Some of these are:
Abstinence from food or other items is one of the most important sacred works of Somvati.
Supporters especially the females engage in fasting in various ways. Some opt for a complete fast while others are contented with a strict fast of only fruits or some vegetarian delicacies. It is observed that when someone is fasting, both the body and mind are cleansed. At the same time, fasting is interpreted as showing respect to Lord Shiva.
Pitru Tarpan (Ancestral Offering): One of the noteworthy events this day is Pitru Tarpan in which group members give water, sesame seeds, barley, and many other grains to their ancestors.
Some individuals believe that this action brings comfort to the deceased’s souls and assists the family in living a fulfilling life.
Auspicious Ritual: The Ganges, Yamuna or other holy rivers is believed to have healing properties and due to the healing properties, some devotees take ceremonial baths in the rivers in order to purify their bodies every somvati amavasya.
From what we know, every devotee has his own way of maintaining the passion and commitment towards their beliefs. Some Siva puja is worshipped in homes, some in temples which means people are allowed to chant “Om Namah Shivaya” mantras, hold a flower, serve milk and honey to the Shiva Linga, and light a ghee lamp for God. This type of worship is believed to calm one’s mind and guarantee safety (along with other amazing benefits).
A Deepak or a diya lamp is lit on a Somvati Amavasya to signify the end of ignorance, allowing the person to gain insight and for the Divine to bless them. Some residents light up their houses and temples or place lamps near the entrance along with lighting up a Tulsi plant.
Lastly, devotees are encouraged to give donations such as clothes, food or money to the poor and needy after every ceremony.
The day on which charity is performed earns people more spiritual merit as well as earns them blessings from God.
Recital of religious Texts: There are also many people who celebrate this day by reciting sacred scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita , Shiv Puran or Ramayana. Invoking the aid of these scriptures is said to bring blessings as well as peace of the body and the mind.
Concluding Remarks
The second new moon in the month of January, Somvati Amavasya or otherwise known as Paush Amavasya is a very important new moon in the Hindu calendar. It has a religious significance for people who wish to get blessings of Lord Shiva and it also provides the right opportunity to perform Pitru Tarpan to pay homage to the ancestors. The things done by people on this day such as fasting and offering pujas or giving alms and praying for one’s relatives are believed to bring peace and enhancement of one’s spiritual side. Somvati Amavasya 2024 is all about remembering ancestors, blessings and renewal and I believe it is a good day for prayers and concentration for self improvement.
If you are interested for more: Somvati Amavasya December 2024: Date, Time, Significance And Rituals Of Paush Amavasya Chennaiyin FC 2-4 Bengaluru FC Highlights, ISL 2024-25: The Blues Secure Triumph at Machans’ Fortress
Leave a Reply