In the Hindu lunar calendar, Amavasya is the day of the new moon, when the moon disappears completely. Emotionally and spiritually charged and frequently linked with the rituals of one’s ancestors and introspection, Amavasya Puja is celebrated with great respect throughout India. This day lights the way to moksha (liberation), purifying the soul, and balancing karmas.
In this blog, we will discuss, what is Amavasya, why it is religiously significant, the dos and don’ts of the day, rituals such as Amavasya Shanti Puja, and what to do if you are affected by Amavasya Dosh.
What Is Amavasya?
The word “Amavasya” has been derived from Sanskrit. There, “Ama” means “together” and “Vasya” means “to dwell.” It represents the day when the sun and the moon both stay in the same zodiac sign, due to which the moon becomes invisible.
In the Hindu lunar calendar, each month has one Amavasya, and it falls typically in between the Krishna Paksha (decreasing moon) and the Shukla Paksha (increasing moon).
The Spiritual Significance of Amavasya Puja
On Amavasya, the energies surrounding us are said to be extremely high, both positive and negative. This is a perfect day for Amavasya Puja, wherein the devotees take blessings from their ancestors and give tarpan (ritual offerings of water and food).
Key Objectives of Amavasya Puja:
1. To pay respects to ancestors (Pitru)
2. To erase obstacles and karmic debts
3. To purify negative energies
4. To achieve spiritual peace
In places such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, Amavasya Puja is performed in temples and at home, frequently in the early morning hours.
What to Do on Amavasya: Rituals and Observances
It is essential to know about Amavasya to harness spiritual energy for the day. The following is a step-by-step procedure to conduct the Amavasya Puja:
1. Wake Up Before Sunrise
Begin the day early with a bath, ideally by a river, lake, or at home with holy water such as Ganga Jal.
2. Pitru Tarpan
Provide water, sesame seeds, and rice to the souls who have left. Recite Pitru mantras for invoking the blessings of ancestors.
3. Perform Amavasya Puja
Create a small altar with a lamp, incense, flowers, and a food offering. Pray to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, or your Ishta Devata and do a Shanti Puja for peace and protection.
4. Charity and Cow or Poor Feeding
Food donation, clothing donation, or donation of grains and feeding the cows or the poor are highly auspicious.
5. Meditation and Fasting
Many people keep fasts to purify the mind and body and meditate to gain spiritual wisdom.
Amavasya Dosh
If Amavasya is present on your birth chart, it might create Amavasya Dosh — an astrological flaw in which the native will experience difficulties in family peace, financial security, or mental health.
Signs of Amavasya Dosha:
1. Unexplained family conflicts
2. Delays in marriage or childbirth
3. Mental disturbances or depression
4. Recurring financial issues
Remedies:
1. Do Amavasya Shanti Puja
2. Light sesame oil lamps near a Peepal tree
3. Feed ancestors with food and water
4. Recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times
It is always recommended to consult a Vedic astrologer for individualized Amavasya Dosh remedies.
Amavasya Shanti Puja
The Amavasya Shanti Puja is done in order to counteract the ill effects of the new moon, particularly for those who are under the influence of Amavasya Dosh. The puja is said to eliminate negativity, enhance spiritual power, and induce peace.
Key Steps of Amavasya Shanti Puja:
Sankalp (intention setting) – State your intention to conduct the puja.
Invocation of Deities – Invocating Lord Shiva, ancestors, and planetary Gods.
Offerings (Naivedyam) – Offer food, incense, flowers, and water.
Havan or Homam – Fire ritual with sesame seeds, ghee, and specific mantras.
Prayers and Donations – Finish with prayers and distribute prasadam or donations.
This puja is usually performed at holy sites such as Kashi, Gaya, or Rameswaram, or with the help of an eligible priest.
Polala Amavasya Pooja: A South Indian Tradition
Among different regional customs, Polala Amavasya Pooja is a prominent one in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and sections of Karnataka.
Key Aspects of Polala Amavasya:
1. Committed to Goddess Poleramma
2. Women pray for their children’s well-being
3. Ceremonies consist of rangoli drawing, sacred thread tying, and offering of special food items
Polala Amavasya Pooja is observed with reverence and is a significant example of local devotion to the Amavasya Puja.
Things Not to Do on Amavasya Day
There are certain things not to do on Amavasya day as per Hindu beliefs. Doing them is considered breaking the taboos, which is said to bring in negative energies.
Do Not Do the Following on Amavasya:
No New Beginnings – Do not conduct weddings, housewarming parties, or start new projects.
Avoid Cutting Hair or Nails – It’s considered unlucky and is said to bring sickness or loss.
Don’t travel during the Night – Particularly to unfamiliar or wooded locations, because of greater negative energy.
Avoid Non-Veg Foods or Drinking Liquor – It interferes with spiritual cleanliness.
Do Not Argue or Gossip – Emotional disharmony can draw negativity on this day.
Is Amavasya Good Day to start New Things?
If you are wondering, is Amavasya good day to start new things, traditionally it is not. Amavasya in Hindu dharma is a good day for contemplation, worshiping the ancestors, and releasing things, but not for starting new things.
That said, there are exceptions in certain contexts:
1. Shani Amavasya (occurring on a Saturday) is a great day for doing protection rituals.
2. A few tantric traditions also regard Amavasya as an auspicious time to start spiritual activities.
3. For worldly undertakings, however, such as starting a business, marriage, or executing important papers, it is advisable to select an auspicious muhurat recommended by an astrologer.
Scientific and Astrological Perspective
Modern astronomy verifies the Amavasya moon phase as a gravitational turning point. This has tangible impacts on ocean tides, human activity, and biological cycles.
From an astrological perspective:
1. The mind and emotions are controlled by the moon. A no-moon day, such as Amavasya, can lead to mood swings or heightened sensitivity.
2. It is also associated with Pitru Dosha (ancestral karma), which could be cured through appropriate puja and charity.
3. This combination of science and spirituality also highlights the reasons why Amavasya Puja is so effective.
Regional Variants of Amavasya
Here are some special Amavasya observances from across India:
| Type of Amavasya | Region | Significance |
| Mauni Amavasya | North India | Day of silence and bathing in Ganga |
| Somvati Amavasya | Varies | Falls on a Monday, powerful for Vrata |
| Polala Amavasya | South India | Mother’s prayers for children |
| Bhadrapada Amavasya | Maharashtra | Shradh and Pitru rituals |
| Shani Amavasya | Nationwide | Shani dosh and black magic remedies |
Conclusion
Amavasya is not just a black moon phase but a highly spiritual period of purification, remembrance, and karmic healing. If you’re doing Amavasya Puja, fasting, or finding a cure from Amavasya Dosha, this day possesses vast power to recharge your spiritual energies.
Are you looking to perform Amavasya Puja, ancestral rituals, or dosh shanti remedies the correct way? Connect with Pandits near me – a trusted web-based portal availing professional pandits for Hindu rituals, who follow authentic Vedic procedures and ensure every ritual is done with precision.
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FAQ's
1. What is Amavasya, and why is it important?
Amavasya is the New Moon day in Hinduism, best suited for spiritual purification, offering to ancestors, and dosh solutions.
2. What are the rituals performed on Amavasya?
Main rituals involve Tarpan, diyas lighting, mantras chanting, and performing pujas such as Shani or Narayan Bali.
3. What not to do on Amavasya?
It is advisable not to initiate new work, long journeys, non-veg food, and evil deeds like quarrels or liquor.
4. Is Amavasya auspicious for dosha remedies?
Yes, it’s believed to be strong for conducting shanti pujas and dosh nivaran rituals such as Pitra Dosh or Kaal Sarp Dosh.
5. How can pandits near me help with Amavasya Puja and remedies?
We can guide you with the correct rituals, timings, and mantras for Amavasya Puja based on your dosha or horoscope. Our pandits also perform specialized shanti homas and help with ancestral offerings (Tarpan and Pind Daan), ensuring proper Vedic procedures are followed for maximum spiritual benefit.