Significance of Somvati Amavasya
The significance of Somvati Amavasya was explained to Yudhishtra by Bhisma in the Mahabharata.
It is said that who ever takes a bath in the sacred rivers on the day would be prosperous, free of diseases and would be free from sorrow and grief.
It is also believed that the soul of ancestors will rest in peace if family members take a holy dip in the sacred rivers like Ganga at Haridwar, Triveni and other places..
Somavara Amavasya Vrata (fasting) is observed for a long and happy married life. The women worship Peepal tree and tie thread round the trunk of this tree 108 times. Pipal is the most sacred tree in India. It is regarded as the dwelling place of the Hindu Trinity-Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. They circumambulate one hundred and eight times with their hands folded. They pour water and milk on its roots and offer sandal paste, vermillion, wet rice and flowers.
Vaishakha Amavasya is considered as important for Pitru tarpan and shraddh karma rituals.
Amavasya of any month which falls on Monday is called Somvati Amavasya. It is specially known for the Tarpan of ancestors. Person observing this fast should sit under the Peepal tree and chant the Shani mantra on this day. In the year 2011, there will be only one Somvati Amavasya. This will be on 29th August in Bhadrapada Masa.
Baths and donations performed on Somvati Amavasya have a special significance. Staying Maun (silent) is very fruitful on this day. According to Dev Rishi Vyas, staying Maun and performing baths and donation give virtues similar to donating thousand cows.
Additionally, person observing fast revolves 108 times around Peepal tree and offers Puja to lord Vishnu and the tree. This fast is mainly observed by women. After this, donations are made according to the capabilities. On 29th August, Somvati Amavasya, thousands of people could be seen having a dip in Haridwar.
Having a dip in Brahma Sarovar of Kurukshetra gives auspicious fruits to a person on this day. This gives inexhaustible fruits. From sunrise to sunset, crowd of people can be seen bathing in holy river. Echo of sacred verse is spread in all directions. Performing these works fulfils all wishes of an individual.
Women observing the fast of Somvati Amavasya should hear the fast story.
Somavati Amavasya Fast Story
A moneylender had seven sons and one daughter. He married off all his sons. But, the daughter was yet not married. A monk used to come everyday to his house and asked for alms. In return, he gave blessings to them. He used to bless the daughter-in-law with happy married life but he never gave blessing of marriage to the daughter of the house.
Once the daughter told this thing to her mother. Mother felt sad and next day, she asked the monk about this. Sadhu gave no answer and went away. Seeing this, the mother got worried.
Mother immediately called the Pandit and asked him to see the Kundali of her daughter. He said that the girl’s destiny is to become a widow. Mother got upset and asked for a remedy. He said the girl to go the island Singhal, where lived a washer women. The girl needed to ask for the Sindoor from that lady and wear on her forehead. Moreover, by observing the fast of Somvati Amavasya, the inauspicious Yoga can be removed.
Hearing this, mother requested the sons to go with her daughter. Only the youngest son agreed to go. Both of them left and reached the seashore. They started thinking, how to cross it. They sat under a tree on which a vulture had a nest.
Whenever female vulture gave birth to a child, a snake used to eat him up. That day, vulture and his wife was out when a snake came and their children started shouting. Daughter of moneylender understood and killed the snake with her courage. When vulture and his wife returned, they became happy seeing their children alive and helped the girl to go to the house of washerwomen.
The girl secretly served the washerwomen for many months. The lady was pleased and applied Sindoor on her forehead. Then, the girl left for her home without drinking water. On the way, she revolved around a Peepal tree and then, she drank water. She worshipped the Pipal tree and observed the fast of Somvati Amavasya. This way her inauspicious Yogas were cancelled and she became fortunate.
On the Day of Somvati Amavasya Worship Of Lord Shiva and Lord Chandra is Performed
Significance or Importance of Somvati Amavasya:
The Importance of Somvati Amvasya Was narrated By Bhisma To Yuddishtra
- Bhishma explained that taking a bath in Holy rivers on this holy day makes the person prosperous,healthy and relief from pain and sorrows
- Another important significance is that it will make the Soul of ancestors rest in peace.The ritual is called "Pitra Dhan"
- Somvati Amavasya vrat is observed for prosperous and Happy married life
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