Somvati Amavasya: Importance, Puja Vidhi and Katha
Somvati Amavasya holds special significance in Hinduism. When Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya, dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. Fasting on this day is believed to ward off life’s problems and increase happiness and prosperity.
Somvati Amavasya occurs only 2-3 times a year, making it rare and auspicious. Let us tell you about the Tithi of Somvati Amavasya in 2024.
In the year 2024, a total of 3 Amavasyas are expected. The first Somvati Amavasya is set to occur in the month of Chaitra.
Somvati Amavasya 2024 Tithi
This year, the Amavasya date of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month will begin on April 8th at 8:21 am and continue until 11:50 pm on the same day.
The next Somvati Amavasya is set to occur in September. Specifically, it will be Bhadrapada Amavasya, falling on September 2nd, starting at 5:21 am and concluding on September 3rd at 7:27 am.
The third Amavasya of the year 2024 will fall in the month of Pausha. This amavasya will begin at 4:01 am on December 30th and continue until 3:56 am the following day, December 31st.
Let us tell you about the importance of Somvati Amavasya.
Somvati Amavasya Importance
People observe a fast known as the Aswath Pradakshina Vrat on this day, which is considered highly auspicious.
During Somvati Amavasya, the Peepal tree is worshipped as it is believed to be the residence of Bhagwan Vishnu. Performing rituals under Peepal invites the blessings of Bhagwan Vishnu. Astrologically, performing rituals and puja on Somvati Amavasya can help alleviate ill effects and obstacles caused by Kaal Sarp Dosh in one’s horoscope.
People often perform Pitru Dosha pooja for their ancestors, involving Tarpana and Pinda Danam for three generations on this day. This brings peace to the souls of our ancestors.
Somvati Amavasya Katha
Once, there was an old Brahmin man who couldn’t find a husband for his kind and beautiful daughter. A rishi visited him and told him that there was a problem, a dosha, stopping his daughter’s marriage. The old man asked for a solution, and the rishi suggested his daughter serve a washerwoman named Sona.
Following Rishi’s advice, the girl woke up early every morning and went to Sona’s house to do all the household chores before anyone woke up. Sona and her daughter-in-law were puzzled by this and eventually found out about the girl’s situation. When the girl explained her troubles, Sona was pleased by her dedication and blessed her by applying vermillion (sindoor) on her forehead.
Shortly after, Sona’s injured husband passed away. Sona left the girl and her daughter-in-law at home and went to find a peepal tree to pray for her husband. She didn’t have anything to offer, so she picked up a brick and circled the peepal tree 108 times, praying fervently. It was Somvati Amavasya Day. Touched by her devotion, Bhagwan Shiva and Vishnu brought Sona’s husband back to life as a blessing for her immense dedication.
Somvati Amavasya Puja Vidhi
Follow these steps to perform the Puja on Somvati Amavasya
- Wake up early in the morning on the day of Somvati Amavasya and clean yourself by taking a dip in a holy river to purify your body and soul.
- While taking the dip, women should chant the Gayatri mantra and seek blessings.
- The most significant ritual of Somvati Amavasya is worshipping the peepal tree. Women gather together, tie a holy thread dipped in turmeric to the tree, and then perform Parikrama, which involves taking 108 rounds around the tree with the thread tied to it.
- Offer rice, flowers, milk, and curd at the base of the peepal tree, along with the tulsi plant, as a sacred offering to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who are believed to reside in the peepal tree.
- Since Somvati Amavasya falls on a Monday, it’s auspicious to visit a Shiva temple and offer water and milk to the Shivlinga.
- Married women observe a fast on Somvati Amavasya for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Amavasya is most powerful?
A: Mahalaya Amavasya is considered the most powerful Amavasya.
Q: Is Amavasya lucky or unlucky?
A: This period is generally considered inauspicious. Therefore, if a person is born on Amavasya, they may face challenges such as disgrace, poverty, disharmony, issues related to progeny, and a lack of respect from family members.
Q: Which God is special for Amavasya?
A: During Amavasya, Devi Kali and Bhagwan Shiva are especially worshipped. Bhagwan Shiva is particularly worshipped during Amavasya because of his close connection to the moon.
