Ashadha Amavasya 2023: Date, History, Significance, Rituals

Ashadha Amavasya 2023: The Amavasya Tithi of the Ashadha month is known as Ashadha Amavasya. This year, it will be celebrated on Sunday, June 17/18, 2023. On this Amavasya, Snans, donations, and other rituals honouring ancestors are held.

Amavasya Tithi is, according to the Hindu Panchang, the 30th Tithi beginning with Krishna Paksha Pratipada. According to the Panchang, each month has 30 days that are divided into two 15-day halves. The first half is known as the Shukla Paksha, while the second half is known as the Krishna Paksha. With each change in Paksha, the shape and location of the Moon alter. Beginning with Krishna Paksha, the moon begins to decrease. Amavasya Tithi marks the conclusion of Krishna Paksha. On Amavasya Tithi, the Sun and Moon share the same form and are in the same zodiac sign.

Ashadha Amavasya Tithi and Muhurata 2023

Amavasya Tithi – June 18th, 2023.
Amavasya Tithi Begins at 9:12 am on June 17, 2023.
Amavasya Tithi ends at 10:07 am on the 18th of June, 2023.

Devs are active during the Shukla Paksha and Danavs are active during the Krishna Paksh, according to religious beliefs. Amavasya Tithi is also a day dedicated to progenitors. On this day, ancestors are therefore appeased. In addition to rituals and Snan in sacred rivers, visiting religious pilgrimage sites on this Tithi is also regarded as significant.

Importance of the Day of Ashadha Amavasya

The significance of Ashadha Amavasya Day cannot be overstated. Amavasya has varying significance depending on the day it occurs, and each Amavasya has distinct effects. If Amavasya falls on a Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday, its effects are multiplied. These Amavasyas are known as Somvati Amavasya, Bhombhati Amavasya, and Shani Amavasya, accordingly.

Ashadha Amavasya Story

Amavasya is celebrated as Bheemana Amavasya in Karnataka. According to the legend of Bheemana Amavasya, a Brahmin couple who desired to undertake the Kashi Yatra could not do so because they had a young, attractive daughter who could not accompany them on the lengthy pilgrimage. Therefore, they decided to leave her in the care of the Brahmin’s brother and his wife before embarking on their voyage. Due to the remote locations of the pilgrimage, the Brahmin couple did not return home for quite some time. In exchange for wealth, the brother and sister-in-law of the Brahmin took advantage of the circumstance by marrying the young woman off to a deceased Prince.

After the wedding ceremonies, the King, the bride, and the king’s soldiers transported the body of the Prince to the banks of the Bhagirathi for final rites. People fled the crematorium as a result of the sudden downpour, leaving the girl in a state of melancholy. She did not lose faith, however, and constructed two lamp-like structures known as Kalikamba and began the Amavasya Vrat as instructed by her parents.

A couple passing by observed the girl’s devotion and prayer and inquired about her helplessness, to which she related her story. After the conclusion of the Puja, she later touched their feet to receive blessings. The couple unknowingly blessed her with the phrase “Deerga Sumangali Bhava,” which means “may you live long with your husband.” When the inert prince suddenly arose from the grave, the girl quickly realised that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were the couples who had bestowed her prosperity.

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Ashadha Amavasya Rituals

Among the rituals performed on the day of Ashadha Amavasya are:

• Holy Snan or bathing in sacred rivers at dawn is practised by devotees who visit pilgrimage sites.
• To obtain divine blessings, they engage in religious activities conducted in the temple throughout the day.
• Pitru Puja, Tarpan, Pinda Daan, and Tila Tarpan are performed to appease the souls of ancestors who welcome offerings on this day.
• On Amavasya, it is considered beneficial to give food and essentials to the impoverished and needy.
• According to the Holy Scriptures, it is essential to feed cows on this day, which is why every household does so.
• It is believed that ancestors assume the form of crows, which devotees feed to appease the spirits of their ancestors.