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AMAVASYA - SPIRITUAL & ASTRONOMICAL INSIGHTS

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  AMAVASYA: THE SHADOW & THE SCIENCE Amavasya is the darkest day of the month. On this day Moon will not be visible and it is called as New-Moon day or No-Moon day. On the day of Amavasya both Sun (Pithrukaaraka) and Moon (Maathru kaaraka) conjoin together. Ama means "together" and Vasya means "to dwell." Astronomically, it is the exact 24-hour window where the Sun and Moon "dwell together" in the same celestial longitude. A lunar month ending with Poornima is called Poornimanta, while one ending with Amavasya is known as Amanta. A Chaturdashi overlapping with Amavasya is called Sinivali, and an Amavasya overlapping with Pratipada is termed Kuhu. Astrologically, both of these conjunctions are considered malefic (inauspicious). Amavasya is also classically known as the Darsha Thithi. The word Darsha signifies the astronomical alignment where the Sun and Moon dwell together, rendering the Moon invisible to the Earth. On the day of Darsha, whe...

THE LEGEND BEHIND AMAVASYA

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  According to Matsya Purana & Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya The Puranic Narrative… There are seven distinct groups of Pithru Devathas : the Vyrajas, Agnishwatthas, Barhishadas, Sukalas, Angirasas, Suswadhas, and Somapas. Achhoda , the Manasa Puthrika (mindborn daughter) of these Pithru Devathas, possessed immense devotion and respect for them. Once, she performed intense penance dedicated to the Pithru Devathas. Pleased with her prayers, they appeared before her to grant a boon. Upon seeing them, Achhoda became momentarily infatuated with one of the Pithru Devathas named Maavasa . Due to this sudden reaction, she came to be known as Maavasya . However, because Maavasa did not reciprocate her feelings, she was later referred to as Amaavasya . Unfortunately, because of this fleeting, passionate reaction, Achhoda lost her divine status. Violating the rules of the higher realms by desiring a mortal caused Acchoda to instantly lose her divine luster and yogic powers. She began fa...

PITHRU YAGNA - THARPANA VIDHI

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Ø THARPANA VIDHI In the daily schedule (nithya karma) of a devout Hindu; Tharpana is one of the accepted modes of oblation performed to  the deities; sages and pithrus that we generally come across during Brahma-Yagna. Apart from giving tharpana during nithya karma; the maxims prescribe Pithru tharpana to be given on specific days which forms part and parcel of Pithru Yagna. The ritual Tharpana should be performed only by those who are eligible. An individual gets eligibility to perform Pithru tharpana only after getting inducted into the concept of Upanayana (Dvija) and after the death of father. Pithru tharpana should always be performed with Thila (black sesame seeds) except during Brahma Yagna when it should be performed with water. Tharpana should always be performed wearing Dharbha Pavithra. In lieu of Dharbha Pavithra one can also use silver ring. Pavithra should be worn to the right hand ring finger. After completing the ritual Pavithra should be removed....

Parva Dinas for Performing Pitru Karya

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  Pithru Yagna As we approach the end of Pitru Paksha , it is important to know the Parva Dinas for performing Pitru Karya. In this regard, here is a list of ParvaDinas for performing rituals such as Sraddha, Thila Tarpana, and Pinda Daana, etc. Parva Dinas for Performing Pitru Karya... In general, there are 96 special days in a Hindu calendar year dedicated to performing Pitru Karya (rituals for ancestors), collectively known as Shannavathi (Items 2 to 11 below). Beyond these, there are daily, annual, and specific astronomical occasions to perform these rituals. I. Daily and Annual Rituals - Brahma Yajna – Performed daily. - Pitru Tithi – The annual death anniversary (Kaala Sraddha), performed once a year. II. The 96 Shannavathi Days (Occurring Annually) - Amavasya – The new moon day (12 times a year). - Vyatipata Yoga – An auspicious astrological alignment (12+ times a year). - Vaidhruti Yoga – An auspicious astrological alignment (12+ times a year). - Surya...