Somwati Amavasya 2023: Why Is It Observed?
Somvati Amavasya holds a special place in Hinduism, particularly when Amavasya, the new moon day, falls on a Monday. This day is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and is considered highly significant. Fasting on Somvati Amavasya is believed to bring blessings, ward off problems, and enhance happiness and prosperity in one’s life.
One of the key customs on this day is the worship of one’s ancestors. Observing this ritual brings the blessings of one’s forebears and provides peace to their souls. Somvati Amavasya occurs only 2-3 times a year, making it a relatively rare and auspicious occurrence. This day is an opportunity to seek divine grace, honour one’s ancestors, and enhance one’s well-being. Let us tell you why Somwati Amavasya is so significant.
Somwati Amavasya Significance
Somvati Amavasya is a significant day associated with the observance of Shani Jayanti and Vat Savitri Vrat. This special ritual is also known as Somvati Amavasya Vrat or Aswath Pradakshina Vrat, as described in ancient Hindu scriptures. If we break down the terminology, “Aswath” refers to the Peepal tree, and “Pradakshina” signifies the act of walking around in a holy manner. Therefore, on this day, it is believed that Bhagwan Vishnu resides under the Peepal tree.
People who have Kaalsarp Dosh are often advised to perform Kaalsarp Dosh puja to mitigate any negative influences in their lives. On this day, devotees worship Bhagwan Shiva and Shri Hari Vishnu, and women, in particular, observe a fast. They take 108 rounds of parikrama around Tulsi mata and make a commitment to donate fruits, clothes or other items for the well-being of their husbands.
During the parikrama, 108 fruits are set aside and donated to Vedapathi Brahmins. The act of fasting, worshipping, and making offerings on this day is believed to bring blessings equivalent to the virtuous act of donating to a thousand cows.
Legend has it that in the Mahabharata, Bhishma emphasised the significance of this day to Yudhishthira. He mentioned that individuals who bathe in holy rivers on Somvati Amavasya will experience prosperity, good health, and freedom from suffering. Bathing on this day is also considered a way to bring solace to the souls of one’s ancestors.
Somvati Amavasya coincides with Hariyali Amavasya, making it an auspicious day to worship Goddess Parvati, who symbolises the ideal married woman of Lord Shiva. In the realm of astrology, it is believed that on this day, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn remain within their respective zodiac signs.
Somwati Amavasya Tithi 2023
Kartik Somwati Amavasya for 2023: Monday, November 13, 2023.
- November 12, 2:45 p.m. Amavasya Tithi starts
- November 13, 2:57 p.m. Amavasya Tithi ends
- November 13, 6:24 a.m. Moonrise
- November 13, 5:36 p.m. Moonset
Somwati Amavasya Katha
In a well-known legend, there was a prosperous businessman who had seven sons and daughters. While all his sons had found suitable matches and were happily married, his daughters remained unmarried. One day, an elderly and humble Brahmin began visiting their home, seeking alms and blessing each son for a happy married life. However, when the daughters sought his blessings, he consistently wished them a lifetime of happiness with their brothers.
Curious about this pattern, the wife of the businessman inquired why the Brahmin never mentioned marriage for their daughters. In response, the Brahmin revealed that their daughters were not destined for marriage, leaving the mother heartbroken. She then asked if there was any way to change their fate. The Brahmin advised that the girls should seek the blessings of a holy woman named Sona, who lived several miles away.
One of the daughters embarked on the journey to meet Sona, accompanied by one of her seven brothers. During their travels, they sought shelter under a tree on the banks of a river. While resting, they noticed a snake approaching a nest with newly hatched eggs, poised to devour the helpless chicks. To protect the baby birds, the girl bravely killed the snake. When the parent birds returned, they expressed their gratitude for saving their offspring and, in return, led the girl and her brother to Sona’s dwelling.
The girl visited Sona’s house daily, diligently performing household chores. Sona, who had two daughters-in-law, was puzzled by the absence of quarrels between the two women regarding household responsibilities. Intrigued by this newfound harmony, she decided to uncover the underlying truth.
One day, Sona noticed the businessman’s daughter tirelessly managing all the household chores and inquired about her identity. The girl shared her story and expressed her desire for blessings to change her destiny and find a suitable match for marriage. Sona readily agreed and gave her blessings, also requesting an invitation to her forthcoming wedding ceremony. The businessman soon found a suitable groom for his daughter, and they got married.
However, on the day of the wedding, a tragic incident occurred when the groom was bitten by a snake and lost his life. But the presence of Sona, who observed Vrat on Somvati Amavasya days, proved to be a turning point. Sona blessed the groom by making him drink some water. Miraculously, the groom was revived and brought back to life. Sona’s devotion and blessings had a profound impact, altering the course of events and securing a happy future for the young couple.
Somwati Amavasya Vidhi
The procedures for Somwati Amavasya are easy to follow. Do the following things:
- Wake up early in the morning during Brahma Muhurta and visit a temple or a sacred place.
- Take a ritual bath in the holy Ganga or Yamuna rivers, or use Ganga Jal in regular water if you cannot access the sacred rivers.
- Arrange for a qualified priest to perform Hawan, Yagya, Pind Daan, and Tarpan as part of the puja rituals.
- Show your gratitude by offering food and clothing to the priest conducting the puja on your behalf.
- Consider reciting the Gayatri mantra in honour of your ancestors.
Things To Avoid On Somwati Amavasya
On Somwati Amavasya, keep the following things in mind:
- Refrain from initiating new ventures, business endeavours, or journeys on this day.
- Avoid purchasing new clothes or materials.
- Postpone or avoid organising significant cultural events like weddings or ceremonies.
- Abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food on this sacred day.
In case you have any query regarding any aspect of the day or question about what to do or not to do, you can reach out to our expert astrologers and pundits at NamoAstro.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is considered auspicious about Somvati Amavasya?
A: On Somvati Amavasya, it is considered auspicious to offer white items or white foods to the underprivileged, which may include rice, curd, sugar, milk and similar offerings.
