Mauni Amavasya मौनी अमावस्या
Magha • Amavasya
Also known as: Maghi Amavasya, Silent Amavasya
Story — Significance of Mauni Amavasya
Falls during Magha Mela (Kumbh Mela in Kumbh years) at Prayagraj. Devotees observe complete silence (mauna) and bathe at sangam at sunrise. The merit of one bath equals 1000 ashwamedha yagnas.
Benefit
Liberation from samsara; merit equal to 1000 yajnas; soul purification through silence
Special Note
The most important Amavasya at Sangam (Prayagraj). During Maha Kumbh / Ardh Kumbh, this is the snan day. Observe silence from before sunrise to noon.
Vrat Vidhi (Procedure)
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1
Pre-Sunrise Bath
Wake before sunrise. Take bath in a sacred river if possible (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Kshipra, Narmada, Kaveri, Sindhu) — or add a few drops of Ganga jal to bath water. Wear clean white or black cloth (no bright colors).
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2
Tarpan to Ancestors
Stand facing south (direction of Yama). Mix water with til (sesame), barley, white flowers. Recite ancestor names (paternal first 3 generations + maternal 3 generations) and pour water from joined palms saying: 'Ye [Name] gotra [Gotra] [father's name]ya nama tarpayami' (3 times each). Conclude with 'Sarva Pitribhyo Namah'.
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3
Pind Daan (if home shraddha)
Make balls of cooked rice mixed with til, ghee, honey. Offer to ancestors invoking their names. Feed a Brahmin, a cow, a dog, and a crow before eating yourself.
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4
Donations
Donate til (sesame), white cloth, rice, water pots, umbrella, footwear, gold (if affordable) — these are pitru-dana items. Donating to a learned Brahmin family is most meritorious.
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5
Day Observance
Eat one satvik vegetarian meal (no onion-garlic, no meat). Avoid initiating new ventures, weddings, or grand purchases. Spend time in introspection, ancestor remembrance, and Shiva-Kali worship in the evening.
Mantras
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