Somvati Amavasya 2023: Rituals and Fasting
Amavasya, according to the Sanatan Hindu calendar is a ‘no moon’ or ‘new moon’ day, when the moon is not visible in the sky, making the night dark. On this day the Sun and the Moon are on a straight line. The reason the moon is not visible on Earth is that the Sun comes between the Moon and Earth. So, due to the absence of moonlight, it is also the darkest day of the month. It also marks the end of Krishna Paksha, according to the Hindu calendar. Now what is Somvati Amavasya? When an Amavasya falls on any Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya. According to Hindu beliefs, Somvati Amavasya is a very significant day and it occurs only once or twice in a year. But, this year (according to the English Calendar) it will occur three times. It occurred on February 20, 2023, the two other dates are July 17 and November 13, 2023. On this day, usually, married Hindu women observe fasts for the long life of their husbands.
Somvati Amavasya Worship (Puja)
Hindus offer puja to both Shiva Bhagwan and MataParvati and also to Shri Vishnu Bhagwan and Mata Lakshmi on Somvati Amavasya day.
On this day, there is a tradition of worshipping the Peepal tree by tying the thread 108 times around its trunk and doing Parikrama of the Peepal tree. Married women (not widows) follow this tradition. Devotees also worship Shri Vishnu Bhagwan on this day. People also do puja of Tulis Mata. Paddy, betel and raw turmeric are mixed and offered ritually to Tulsi ji. People also offer 108 fruits to Vedapathi Brahmins, after completing their Pradakshina (Parikrama).
Devotees, also offer puja to Mahadev on this day and chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ the whole day. People also do Shiva Parvati puja. Some people visit sacred places of worship, near the sacred rivers so that they can take a holy dip in the water of the holy rivers. Offering water, milk, honey, bilwa patra, bhajan, dhatura, flowers and fruits are some of the common practices followed by devotees to please Mahadev and get his blessings.
Significance of Somvati Amavasya Puja
Hindu married women observe Somvati Amavasya fast for the good health, success and longevity of their husbands. It is believed, that doing charity on this day brings good fortune. However, do it as per your ability. Women who are not able to fast on every new moon should observe Somvati Amavasya fast and do 108 times Pradakshina of the Peepal tree by tying thread around it. Peepal trees should be worshipped ritualistically.
In the scriptures, Somvati Amavasya Vrat is called ‘Ashwath Pradakshina Vrat’. ‘Ashwath’ means Peepal tree on which Shri Vishnu resides. This is the reason why, on this day, Shri Vishnu is also worshipped on the Somvati Amavasya day.
In Maharishi Ved Vyas’ words, on this day, after bathing if you meditate, fast and do ‘virtuous deeds like charity, it is considered very auspicious and receives the blessings of Shri Vishnu Bhagwan.
There is a mention of Somvati Amasvasya even in the Mahabharata, when Bhishma Pitamaha, explains what is the importance of this day to Yudhishthira. He says a person who takes a dip in the holy rivers on this day will prosper and be free from all the miseries and lead a healthy life. According to traditional beliefs, taking a bath in the holy rivers on this day also gives peace to the souls of the ancestors.
The Date and Time of Somvati Amavasya in 2023
Somvati Amavasya in February 2023
Day and Date: Monday, 20 February 2023
Somvati Amavasya in July 2023
Day and Date: Monday, 17 July 2023
Amavasya Start: 16 July 2023 at 10:08 pm
Amavasya Ends: 18 July 2023 at 12:01 am
Somvati Amavasya in November 2023
Day and Date: Monday, 13 November 2023
Amavasya Start: 12 November 2023 at 02:45 pm
Amavasya Ends: 13 November 2023 at 02:57 pm
When is coming Somvati Amavasya Date in 2023?
This Somvati Amavasya will occur thrice, February 20, July 17 and November 13.
To know more about Somvati Amavasya dates and tithi, consult our astrologers here.
