In Hinduism, Amavasya (New Moon day) holds special significance. The Amavasya of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Margashirsha is known as Margashirsha Amavasya. It is also referred to as Aghan Amavasya or Shraddha Amavasya. During the month of Margashirsha, special worship and rituals are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. This time, Margashirsha Amavasya falls on December 12, Tuesday. This day is considered auspicious for pleasing ancestors.
Let's explore the activities that bring peace to the souls of ancestors on Margashirsha Amavasya.
Activities To Be Performed On Margashirsha Amavasya:
On Margashirsha Amavasya, various activities such as Tarpan (offering water to ancestors), bath, charity, and other rituals are prescribed to bring peace to the departed souls. Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this day is considered highly auspicious. In the morning, take a sacred bath in a holy river, pond, or reservoir, and offer Arghya to Lord Surya. After bathing, let sesame seeds flow in the water and recite the Gayatri mantra. On this day, perform the worship of Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva. Conduct Tarpan for ancestors, expressing the desire for their salvation. After the worship and rituals, it is essential to give charity to a needy person or a Brahmin.
Satyanarayan Puja:
Observing a fast for the peace of ancestors on Margashirsha Amavasya is considered beneficial. Performing the puja of Lord Satyanarayan on this day is highly auspicious. Place the pictures of Lord Satyanarayan and Goddess Lakshmi at the puja site and perform the worship following proper rituals. Offer halwa as bhog (offering) after the puja. The recitation of the Satyanarayan Katha is an integral part of the worship, and the puja is considered complete after its completion.
Significance Of Margashirsha Amavasya: Observing worship and fasting on Aghan Maas's Amavasya helps in the destruction of sins. Due to the presence of Amavasya, on this day, activities such as bathing, charity, and other religious rituals are performed. Tarpan and Pind Daan (offering rice balls to ancestors) hold special importance on Margashirsha Amavasya. Fasting on this day is believed to bring an end to all troubles and usher in happiness and prosperity in life. According to mythological scriptures, worshiping on this day helps in mitigating the effects of Pitru Dosha, and the blessings of ancestors continue to shower on the family.