Menu
Login
30

Amavasya

अमावस्या • Amavasya

"New Moon (No Moon)"

30th Tithi Special Pitru (Ancestors) Mixed/Powerful

Ama (together) + Vasya (dwelling) = Sun and Moon dwelling together

Amavas New Moon Day Mavasya
Group
Special
Group Meaning
Unique/Powerful
Ruling Deity
Pitru (Ancestors)
Nature
Mixed/Powerful
Element
Earth (Prithvi)
Ruling Planet
Saturn/Rahu
Quality
Introspective, Ancestral, Transformative

Pitru (Ancestors)

Amavasya is sacred to the ancestors (Pitru). On this day, the veil between worlds is thinnest, making it ideal for honoring and feeding the departed souls.

Calculation Details

Krishna Paksha 348° to 360°/0° elongation (Moon conjunct Sun)
Formula Tithi = (Moon longitude - Sun longitude) / 12
Duration Approximately 19-26 hours (varies)

Auspicious & Inauspicious Activities

Auspicious Activities

  • Pitru Tarpan (ancestor offerings) — Ancestors receive offerings directly
  • Shraddha ceremonies — Most powerful day for ancestor rites
  • Tantric practices — Dark energy supports transformation
  • Kali and Bhairava worship — Fierce deity worship favored
  • Black magic removal — Good for breaking negative influences
  • Deep meditation — Inward-focused energy
  • Lakshmi Puja on Diwali — Special exception; most auspicious night

Inauspicious Activities

  • Marriage ceremonies — Dark night not suitable for unions
  • New beginnings (general) — Energy supports endings, not beginnings
  • Travel (especially long distance) — Considered inauspicious for movement
  • Buying new items — Energy not supportive of acquisitions
  • Auspicious ceremonies — Reserved for ancestor work
  • Sowing seeds (in some traditions) — New Moon not good for planting

Associated Festivals

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)

Ashwin/Kartik

Festival of lights; Lakshmi worship

Mahalaya Amavasya

Ashwin

End of Pitru Paksha; Sarva Pitru Shraddha

Somvati Amavasya

Various (Monday)

Special Amavasya on Monday

Maghi Amavasya

Magha

Sacred bathing at Prayag

Spiritual Significance

Represents the darkness before new light; death before rebirth

Practices

  • Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha
  • Kali Puja (especially in Bengal)
  • Deep meditation in darkness
  • Tantra sadhana
Meditation Focus: Focus on ancestors and inner transformation

Health & Profession

Health

Focus Rest and introspection advised
Advice Good for fasting and detox
Caution Avoid major medical procedures if possible

Profession

Priest services for Shraddha Charitable organizations Spiritual counseling

Focus on ancestor-related and charitable work; avoid new business

Remedies

  • Perform Shraddha and Tarpan
  • Feed Brahmins or the poor
  • Offer til (sesame) to ancestors
  • Light a lamp for Pitru

Mantras

Pitru Mantra

Om Pitrubhyo Namah

Yama Mantra

Om Yamaya Namah

Lakshmi Mantra

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah (Diwali)

Tithi Mantra

Om Amavasayayai Namah

Classical References

Garuda Purana Detailed Shraddha and Pitru rites
Matsya Purana Importance of Amavasya for ancestors
Vayu Purana Pitru Loka and ancestor worship

Regional Variations

Bengal Kali Puja on Diwali Amavasya
South India Amavasya Tarpan at temples
Gaya Most important place for Pind Daan
Varanasi Shraddha at Ganga ghats
Astronomical Note

Amavasya occurs when Moon and Sun are in conjunction (same longitude). The Moon is not visible as it rises and sets with the Sun. This marks the end of Krishna Paksha and beginning of new Shukla Paksha.