The calendar of Hindus is based primarily on lunar phases and the so the concept of waning moon (dark phase) and waxing moon (light phase) is attached to the months. However, it not only about the celestial phenomenon, the heavenly bodies and their positions has a major effect on human lives as per our ancient beliefs. The Amavasya is a time which finds its place in Hindu traditions and beliefs in a strange way. Although, many important festivals are celebrated on this day, there is also a sense of vulnerability that exists in people’s mind in respect of this day. The Vaisakha or Darsha Amavasya is a time when tendency to Buy Puja Items Online and offline witnesses an increase, since it is an auspicious day for worship.
The Various Beliefs Related to Amavasya
1. The Auspiciousness of Vaisakha Amavasya:
The ‘new moon’ or ‘no moon’ night is termed as Amavasya in Hindu religion. The day marks the end day of Krishna Paksha (waning moon fortnight) and start of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase). There is a great value of offering Tarpanam or prayers to forefathers on Vaisakha Amavasya supposedly. Also the worship of Maa Kali idols is a done by devotees to remove the effect of evil spirits from life. In fact, every new moon day of Hindu months have one or another significance attached to it. While there is a sense of divine importance related to this Tithi, there are also beliefs of it being unfavourable.
2. The Concept of Ominous Amavasya:
There is a notion that invoking of evil powers through black magic proves to be quite effective on Amavasya. This concept has been made more popular through television and cinema. Organising an important ceremony or undertaking a journey on an Amavasya night is still taken to be inauspicious by a lot of people. Beginning a new work might be a matter of avoidance due to invisibility of moon and other astronomical bodies, who are divine bodies as per Hinduism. However, that may also be linked to a hidden logic of darkness inviting accidents, since in earlier ages electronic lighting equipment were absent.
The Connection with Skanda Purana Excerpts
The significance of the Darsha Amavasya has to do more with the month of Vaisakha that has been given immense importance in Hindu scriptures. The Skanda Purana, which is the largest Purana, also mentions its value in an elaborate way. The lunar month is associated with noble tasks of Dharma, Yagna, Kriya and Tapasya as per the mythology. Pitra Puja with offerings of camphor, musk, and other fragrant materials, on this particular day, relieves the various sufferings in the other world, where souls are transported post death. Giving away food grains, water and clothes is also given emphasis in this month.
This Tithi is among the three days considered to be highly conducive for well being if holy bath is taken in the Ujjain Kumbh Mela. This practise is an act of righteousness for common people, as well as saints. The Puja of Kali Mata Idols that is performed on this day have great fruitfulness. The goddess, who is the slayer of evil spirits, is believed to neutralise the harms that are caused by supernatural forces. Charitable activities, visiting of local temples, as well as, paying homage to dead ancestors through Shraddh, Til Tarpan and Pind Daan clear hurdles of life and wash off the sins.