Amavasya
अमावस्या • Amavasya
"New Moon (No Moon)"
Ama (together) + Vasya (dwelling) = Sun and Moon dwelling together
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)
Festival of lights; Lakshmi worship
Mahalaya Amavasya
End of Pitru Paksha; Sarva Pitru Shraddha
Somvati Amavasya
Special Amavasya on Monday
Maghi Amavasya
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
Health & Profession
Health
| Focus | Rest and introspection advised |
| Advice | Good for fasting and detox |
| Caution | Avoid major medical procedures if possible |
Profession
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
Om Pitrubhyo Namah
Om Yamaya Namah
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah (Diwali)
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 |
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.
