Pithori Amavasi is no moon day in the month of Bhadrapad (August – September). It is celebrated according to North Indian calendar. In some places the day is still considered as a day in Shravan month. The day of Pithori Amavasi is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
The Importance
The importance of Pithori Amavasi vrata was narrated by Goddess Paravathi. She told this to wife of Lord Indra. This legend explains that by performing this vrata one can get healthy and brave sons.
Rituals of Pithori Amavasya
Pithori Amavasya is observed by married women. “Pith” means flour from which life and name comes into existence. On this day, women who have children worship 64 Goddess and pray for long life of their children. The idols of 64 Goddess are made of Pith, the flour. In some regions, Goddes Durga is worshipped as Yogini. Each Pith represents one Yogini. So there are 64 yoginis.
Another important feature is worship of Saptamatrikas. Saptamatrikas are the 7 divine mothers who are seen associated with Shiva and Shakti. Names of 7 devis are: Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi. There are several legends associated with each of them, which are found in the Kurma Purana, Varaha Purana and the Mahabharata. When Yogeshwari, a divine Shakti created by Lord Shiva, is mentioned then the count is eight.
On the day of pithori amavasya 64 Yoginis and Saptamatrikas are worshipped. Married women form a gathering and take part in celebrations. They prepare special recipes and offer to the Goddess. They exchange gifts with each other. They bless their children for their future.
Different States:Pithori amavasi is observed with great enthusiasm in Northern states of India. Marathi calendar marks the day of pithori amavasi as Pola. Pola is celebrated on Amavasya in the Sravana month. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh this Amavasya is observed as Polala Amavasya. It is said that if one performs Pinda daan, offering to dead ancestors, it fetches great merits.
The Importance
The importance of Pithori Amavasi vrata was narrated by Goddess Paravathi. She told this to wife of Lord Indra. This legend explains that by performing this vrata one can get healthy and brave sons.
Rituals of Pithori Amavasya
Pithori Amavasya is observed by married women. “Pith” means flour from which life and name comes into existence. On this day, women who have children worship 64 Goddess and pray for long life of their children. The idols of 64 Goddess are made of Pith, the flour. In some regions, Goddes Durga is worshipped as Yogini. Each Pith represents one Yogini. So there are 64 yoginis.
Another important feature is worship of Saptamatrikas. Saptamatrikas are the 7 divine mothers who are seen associated with Shiva and Shakti. Names of 7 devis are: Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi. There are several legends associated with each of them, which are found in the Kurma Purana, Varaha Purana and the Mahabharata. When Yogeshwari, a divine Shakti created by Lord Shiva, is mentioned then the count is eight.
On the day of pithori amavasya 64 Yoginis and Saptamatrikas are worshipped. Married women form a gathering and take part in celebrations. They prepare special recipes and offer to the Goddess. They exchange gifts with each other. They bless their children for their future.
Different States:Pithori amavasi is observed with great enthusiasm in Northern states of India. Marathi calendar marks the day of pithori amavasi as Pola. Pola is celebrated on Amavasya in the Sravana month. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh this Amavasya is observed as Polala Amavasya. It is said that if one performs Pinda daan, offering to dead ancestors, it fetches great merits.
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