Amavasya: The Time of Spiritual and Emotional Correction

Amavasya is the time during which the Moon stays dark when viewed from Earth. It is a scientific phenomenon happening due to the Moon getting in between the Sun and the Earth. However, according to ancient history, it happens because Chandra Dev was cursed by his father-law to slowly fade out of existence and then saved by Lord Shiva, making this vanishing phase eventually lead to Chandra gaining back his full form. Thus began the cycle of New Moon to Full Moon to New Moon again. It is the time of the new Moon when the Moon temporarily ceases to exist when viewed from Earth, while Poornima is the time when it is a Full Moon. Amavasya is generally considered to be the most inauspicious time of the month. However, it is also considered as virtuous as the Poornima.

Amavasya in 2024 List

The Amavasya 2024 dates are as follows:

• January 10, 8:11 pm – January 11, 5:27 pm
• February 09, 8:02 am – February 10, 4:29 am
• March 09, 6:18 pm – March 10, 2:30 pm
• April 08, 3:21 am – April 08, 11:50 pm
• May 07, 11:41 am – May 08, 8:51 am
• June 05, 7:55 pm – June 06, 6:07 pm
• July 05, 4:58 am – July 06, 4:27 am
• August 03, 3:51 pm – August 04, 4:43 pm
• September 02, 5:22 am – September 03, 7:25 am
• October 01, 9:39 pm – October 03, 12:19 am
• October 31, 3:53 pm – November 01, 6:17 pm
• November 30, 10:30 am – December 01, 11:51 am
• December 30, 4:02 am – December 31, 3:56 am

Which Amavasya is today?

Ideally, there should be 12 Amavasyas a year, though it tends to be 13 in some years. Each of them is named after the month it falls on and has its significance.

Pausha Amavasya (January 11, December 30)

Pausha Amavasya falls on the month of Paush. It is considered inauspicious as negative energies are predominant during this time. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi during this Amavasya is considered beneficial. Individuals who have Pitra Dosha in their chart would do well to observe Shradh during this time. Observing proper spiritual practices during this time can eliminate deadly diseases and premature death. It can bestow prosperity and the blessing of forefathers on the person.

Magha Amavasya (February 9)

It is also known as the Mauni Amavasya. Mauna Vrat is observed during this vrat. In this fast, complete silence is maintained for the duration of Amavasya. The person is supposed to get in touch with his inner self during this time. It is a good way to attain spiritual growth and become more aware of one’s metaphysical senses. Taking a dip in holy rivers is also recommended.

Phalguna Amavasya (March 10)

This is an inauspicious Amavasya, where negative forces dominate the positive ones. This is a good time to perform Shradh and Tarpan and pay respects to the forefathers. It is believed that one’s deceased ancestors visit Earth on Amavasya. If proper respect is not paid to them, they will be disappointed.

Chaitra Amavasya (April 8)

Chaitra being the first month of the Hindu calendar, the Chaitra Amavasya is seen as an occasion for spiritual healing. Observing the Chaitra Amavasya vrat helps the person get rid of past and present sins and also gain the blessings of the forefathers. Performing shraddha on Amavasya is believed to make the residence of the souls of the forefathers in Pitru Loka as they await the next birth a pleasant one.

Vaishakha Amavasya (May 7)

Vaishakha Amavasya is also known as Shani Jayanti in some states. Shani or Saturn is believed to have been born on this day. Saturn is the planet of karma. It is believed that this is the day when the souls of our forefathers come closest to us. It is up to us to relieve them from the restrictions of this world and allow them to enter wider worlds. This can be achieved by performing Pind Daan.

Jyeshtha Amavasya (June 6)

Negative energies are too powerful during the Jyeshtha Amavasya. It is generally regarded as an unfortunate day. Any business or journey that begins during this time will fail. Devotees generally avoid doing anything significant during this time. But it is auspicious for performing tantric pujas, black magic, and kaal sarpa dosha pooja.

Ashadha Amavasya (July 5)

Ashadha Amavasya is considered an auspicious time. Tila Tarpanam, or offering to the dead, and Annadanam, or feeding the poor, are done during this time. It is customary to light diyas and lamps in houses to mark the occasion.

Shravana Amavasya (August 4)

Shravana is regarded as a holy month in Hindu culture. This is celebrated in different names across India. Along with the worship of ancestors, this Amavasya also sees the worship of nature and that of Lord Shiva. Traditionally, the month of Shravan heralds the arrival of the monsoon, hence the worship of nature. Lord Shiva is worshipped to ensure wealth, health, and good fortune. In some parts of the country, grand fairs are held as part of observing Shravan Amavasya.

Maha Shivratri: The Great Night of Shiva

Bhadrapada Amavasya (September 2)

Praying on the eve of Bhadrapada Amavasya is believed to free the person from past sins and malicious thoughts. People observe vrat to keep disturbances away and let peace reign at home. Natives suffering from Kaal Sarpa Dosha can put an end to the miseries caused due to it by performing puja on this Amavasya.

Ashwina Amavasya (October 2)

This signifies the beginning of the celebration of Durga Puja. Observing shraddha rituals and tarpan during this time helps the person attain the blessings of Lord Yama while also helping the souls of his forefathers attain moksha. It also blesses the children of the person with long life and prosperity.

Kartika Amavasya (November 1)

This is celebrated all over the world as Diwali. It is believed Lord Rama returned from the 14-year exile after vanquishing Lord Ravana on this day, and hence Kartika Amavasya represents the victory of good over evil. It is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Samudra Manthan on this day. Hence this is also known as Kamala Jayanti.

Margashirsha Amavasya (November 30)

Lord Krishna is worshipped on this Amavasya. This is considered an auspicious time, and every activity one does during this time will have deep significance in life. Donating money or other things along with paying respect to forefathers brings peace and prosperity to the person.

Get Your Detailed Horoscope

Is Amavasya a good day?

Amavasya occurs when the Moon and the Sun get placed at the same sign. The proximity of the Moon (mind) and the Sun (soul) causes disturbances on an emotional and spiritual level. So generally, this is considered an inauspicious day except for performing black magic and tantric practices since it is the time when negative energies gain the upper hand over positive ones. However, this is also spiritually significant as it is during this time that your deceased forefathers come to visit you. Performing shraddha and paying respect to one’s forefathers during Amavasya is believed to bless the person with peace and prosperity in life while healing past karma. It also does good to the souls of forefathers by helping them attain moksha.

What are Amavasya and Purnima?

Amavasya is the new moon, or when the Moon is not visible in the sky. Purnima is the full Moon, or when the Moon is fully visible in the sky. Amavasya occurs when the Sun and the Moon are positioned in the same sign. Purnima occurs when the Sun and the Moon and positioned 180 degrees apart in the chart. Purnima is universally considered auspicious, while Amavasya is generally considered to be inauspicious.

There is one other interesting fact separating Amavasya from Purnima. When viewed from Earth on any day, the same side of the Moon appears in the sky. This is because the time taken by the Moon to go around Earth and spin on its axis is the same. However, in reality, the Moon takes nearly 30 days to go around Earth and a little more than 27 days to spin on its axis. This difference is negated during Amavasya. The duration between the Moon going out of vision and then reappearing back is longer than it should mathematically be. On certain days the Amavasya lasts two days, rather than one. As per Vedic astrology, Amavasya is the time when the four karanas, which do not repeat through the other tithis, come into effect.

What are the effects of Amavasya?

During Amavasya, the gravitational pull of the Moon is at a peak. It also has effects on the soul represented by the Sun since both the Moon and the Sun occupy the same sign during an Amavasya. Hence, it is usual for people to feel spiritually and emotionally imbalanced during this time. Due to the increased effects of the Moon’s gravity, the blood flow in the human body also increases. The resulting surge of blood into the brain may cause paranoia. In extreme cases, people can go mad. Babies born during this day are also affected by this. Some people get an unusual feeling in the body during this time. Wearing proper gemstones during this time will help.

What should we not do in Amavasya?

It is better to not start new ventures during this period or set off on a journey. Cutting nails and hair during this period is also believed to bring adverse effects. Also, buying a broom on Amavasya days is supposed to anger Goddess Lakshmi, thus affecting the inflow of money. Consuming alcohol on this day may attract negative energies to you. The same goes for eating meat and fish. Food items like wheat grains and flour too should be avoided during this time. Do not apply oil on your head during Amavasya.

Read about Akshaya Trititya