Bhadrapada Amavasya, also known as Pithori Amavasya, is a significant Hindu observance that falls during the Bhadrapada month. This day holds great spiritual significance as it is dedicated to honoring ancestors through rituals such as Pitru Puja. This day is also considered auspicious for performing Kaal Sarpa Dosha Puja, which is believed to alleviate the negative effects of this astrological condition. In Rajasthan, this Amavasya is celebrated as Pithori Amavasya, where devotees pay homage to Rani Sati by visiting the Rani Sati Temple in Jhunjhunu.
Understanding Bhadrapada Amavasya, Krishna Amavasya 2024
Amavasya, the lunar phase of the new moon, holds profound spiritual significance in Hinduism as a time to honor and seek blessings from ancestors. Bhadrapada Amavasya, which falls in the Bhadrapada month, is also known by different names in various regions, such as Avani Amavasya in Tamil Nadu and Bhado or Bhadi Amavasya in the Marwari community. This year, it will be observed on September 2, 2024.
Date and Time of Bhadrapada Amavasya, Krishna Amavasya 2024
As per Drik Panchang, Amavasya Tithi Begins on September 2, 2024, at 05:21 AM. Amavasya Tithi Ends on September 3, 2024, at 07:24 AM.
Significance of Bhadrapada Amavasya
Bhadrapada Amavasya is a day of deep spiritual and religious importance for Hindus. It is a time for performing various puja rituals to honor ancestors, seeking their blessings for prosperity and peace. Common practices include performing Pitru Puja and Pitru Tarpan, which involve offering prayers, food, and water to ancestors.
On this day, many families invite priests to their homes to conduct rituals, offering them food, clothes, and donations (dakshina). Devotees also visit the banks of sacred rivers like the Ganges to take a holy dip, which is believed to purify the body and soul.
Acts of charity, such as feeding cows, dogs, crows, and ants, are considered especially rewarding on this day. Some devotees also engage in spiritual activities like chanting mantras, performing hawan (fire rituals), and meditation.
Bhadrapada Amavasya is also considered an auspicious day for conducting Kaal Sarpa Dosha Puja, a special ritual for those afflicted by this astrological condition. It is believed that performing this puja can help individuals overcome the negative effects of past sins associated with this Dosha.
Pithori Amavasya in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, Bhadrapada Amavasya is known as Pithori Amavasya and holds special significance. This day is dedicated to Rani Sati, a revered figure symbolizing sacrifice and devotion. A grand celebration takes place in Jhunjhunu, where many devotees gather to visit the famous Rani Sati Dadi Temple to seek her blessings.
Rani Sati is honored as a divine figure who sacrificed her life on her husband's funeral pyre, and married women pray to her for the longevity and well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women seek blessings for a good match.
Rituals of Bhadrapada Amavasya, Krishna Amavasya 2024
1. Early Morning Bath: Devotees begin the day with an early morning bath, considered a purifying act before performing any rituals.
2. Holy River Bath: Many devotees visit sacred places to take a dip in holy rivers like the Ganges, which is believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.
3. Offering Water to Sun God: Devotees offer water to Lord Surya (the Sun God) as a gesture of respect and pray for overall well-being.
4. Pitru Puja and Tarpan: Performing Pitru Puja and Tarpan on this day is essential for ensuring peace to ancestors' souls.
5. Charity and Donations: Donating food, clothes, and money to the needy, especially to Brahmins, is considered highly meritorious.
6. Feeding Animals: Offering food to cows, dogs, ants, and crows is believed to bring good karma and blessings.
7. Prayers and Meditation: Engaging in spiritual activities, such as chanting mantras and meditation, adds to the positive spiritual energy of the day.
Bhadrapada Amavasya, or Pithori Amavasya, is an auspicious day that allows devotees to connect with their ancestors and seek their blessings. The rituals performed on this day are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to the family.
