Vaishakha Amavasya in 2025 will be observed on Sunday, April 27th . This day marks the new moon (Amavasya) during the Vaishakha month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls in April or May. It is considered an auspicious occasion for spiritual practices and is particularly revered for its connection with ancestral worship. Devotees engage in various rituals, including fasting and performing prayers, with a primary focus on offering gratitude and seeking blessings from their ancestors. On this day, people often perform Pitru Tarpan, a sacred rite dedicated to honoring departed souls, invoking their blessings for the prosperity and well-being of the family. Temples and households become centers of devotion, where prayers are offered for both spiritual upliftment and material success.
Significance & Importance of Vaishakha Amavasya
Vaishakha Amavasya holds deep significance in Hindu tradition, particularly for its connection to the lunar cycle and the honoring of ancestors. Falling on the new moon day of the Vaishakha month, this occasion is seen as an ideal time for spiritual reflection and purification. The new moon represents a phase of renewal, symbolizing the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. It is believed that this darkness in the sky provides an opportunity for devotees to reflect on their past, cleanse their minds and hearts, and prepare for a new spiritual journey.
A central spiritual practice on Vaishakha Amavasya is Pitru Tarpan , where people offer prayers and food offerings to their ancestors. The day is considered especially potent for invoking the blessings of departed souls, as it is believed that the ancestors' spirits are most receptive on this day. By performing these rituals, devotees seek to ensure peace, harmony, and prosperity within their family, asking for their ancestors' guidance and support.
Moreover, Vaishakha Amavasya provides a time for spiritual renewal. Many people engage in fasting, meditation, and other spiritual practices to purify themselves and seek divine blessings. The day is an auspicious moment to seek forgiveness for past mistakes, reflect on one's actions, and invite positivity and spiritual growth into life. Thus, Vaishakha Amavasya holds immense importance as both a time for ancestral reverence and personal spiritual rejuvenation.
Story of Vaishakha Amavasya Festival
The story behind Vaishakha Amavasya is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly relating to the worship of ancestors and the power of the new moon. According to one popular legend, this day is connected to the tale of King Harishchandra, a righteous ruler known for his unwavering truthfulness and dedication to dharma (moral order).
King Harishchandra, after being tested by the sage Vishwamitra, faced immense hardship and had to give up his throne, wealth, and family. Eventually, he ended up working as a servant in a cremation ground, where he would perform the final rites for the deceased. One day, a woman came to him, grieving the loss of her son. However, she did not have the necessary funds to perform the last rites. Harishchandra, despite his own destitution, decided to help her and did not hesitate to perform the cremation even though it meant using his own wages.
Upon completing the cremation, it is said that Harishchandra’s son was miraculously revived, a divine act that occurred because of his supreme dedication to dharma and truth. As a result, the gods, moved by his virtue, restored his lost kingdom and wealth, granting him peace and prosperity. This story symbolizes the importance of selfless service, truth, and sacrifice for the greater good.
Vaishakha Amavasya, thus, has a significant spiritual connotation, drawing from the legend of King Harishchandra’s unwavering righteousness. On this day, the faithful honor their ancestors through rituals like Pitru Tarpan, offering food, water, and prayers to ensure peace for the departed souls. The observance of this festival is not only to remember ancestors but also to reflect upon one’s own actions, emphasizing the importance of dharma, charity, and the power of devotion in overcoming adversity.
Additionally, Vaishakha Amavasya is also linked to the belief that the new moon is a time when the influence of the moon is at its lowest, and thus, it is an ideal moment for cleansing, meditation, and reflection. By observing the day with purity and devotion, it is believed that one can receive divine blessings and enhance their spiritual growth.
Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi
Vaishakha Amavasya will be observed on Sunday, April 27th, 2025.
Amavasya Tithi (New Moon day) of the Vaishakha month as per the lunar calendar.
Key Timings for Vaishakha Amavasya 2025:
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Amavasya Muhurat:
05:47 AM to 07:58 AM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 11 Minutes - Amavasya Tithi begins at 04:54 AM on April 27th (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi ends at 04:30 AM on April 28th (IST)
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Pitru Tarpan Puja Muhurat:
05:47 AM to 07:58 AM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 11 Minutes
Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.
How to Celebrate Vaishakha Amavasya
Vaishakha Amavasya is celebrated with devotion and reverence, with a focus on spiritual cleansing, ancestral worship, and self-reflection. The day typically begins with the cleaning and purifying of the home. It is a tradition to sweep the floors, wash the house, and remove any clutter to create a sacred and clean environment. This act symbolizes the removal of negativity and the welcoming of divine blessings.
Many devotees observe a fast on Vaishakha Amavasya, a practice believed to purify the body and soul. The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset, although some people choose to follow a more lenient form of fasting by avoiding grains or limiting their food intake. Fasting on this day is thought to help cleanse the mind and body, making it more receptive to divine energies.
A significant part of the celebration involves performing Pitru Tarpan, or offerings to ancestors. It is believed that on this day, the souls of ancestors are especially receptive to prayers and offerings. Devotees perform rituals at home, offering water, sesame seeds, and other sacred items in honor of their departed ancestors. The offerings are made with the hope of gaining their blessings for the prosperity and well-being of the family.
In addition to ancestral worship, many devotees engage in prayers, chanting mantras, and meditating on Vaishakha Amavasya. This time is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and seeking forgiveness for past mistakes. People also visit temples to perform special prayers and rituals, further connecting with the divine and enhancing their spiritual practices.
The day culminates with a sense of renewal and spiritual purity, marking a fresh start in one's spiritual journey. It is a time for seeking divine blessings, healing, and bringing peace and harmony into one's life.
Vaishakha Amavasya Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)
Vaishakha Amavasya Puja is performed with devotion to honor ancestors and seek their blessings for peace and prosperity.
The puja procedure begins with preparing a clean and sacred space. It is customary to purify the surroundings by cleaning the home, especially the puja room, and lighting a lamp or diya to invite positive energy.
The first step in the puja is to take a ritual bath or cleanse oneself, purifying the body before performing the sacred rites. After this, devotees set up a small altar or puja area with a clean cloth, offering flowers, incense, and a lamp. The idol or image of the deity (usually Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva) is placed on the altar. If performing Pitru Tarpan, a picture or symbol of the ancestors can also be placed.
Devotees then offer water, sesame seeds, and barley in a small vessel while chanting mantras dedicated to ancestors. These offerings, known as Tarpan, are made with reverence, accompanied by prayers for the peace and liberation of the souls of departed ancestors. The water is offered in the belief that it helps soothe the souls of the ancestors, enabling them to attain peace and blessings for the family.
After the offering, the devotee recites the Pitru Stotra or other ancestral prayers. These prayers are meant to honor and seek blessings from the ancestors for family well-being, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is also important to offer food items such as fruits, sweets, and grains during this time.
The puja concludes with an aarti, where devotees sing devotional songs to Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva, seeking their blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the family. The offering of prasad (blessed food) is shared among family members to complete the ritual.
The day is then spent in meditation, chanting, and reflecting on one’s actions, with the goal of achieving spiritual peace, renewal, and an enhanced connection with both ancestors and the divine.
Vaishakha Amavasya Puja Mantra
Pitru Stotra (Prayer to honor ancestors):
'ॐ पितरं शान्तिमायुः सर्वे भवंतु पितरः।
सर्वे पित्रुं यथा धर्मं प्रति यानि च कर्माणि।
यानि च समर्पयामीशं पितृजनं महाश्रितं।'
(Om pitaraṃ śāntimāyuḥ sarve bhavantu pitaraḥ.
Sarve pitruṃ yathā dharmaṃ prati yāni ca karmāṇi.
Yāni ca samarpayāmīśaṃ pitṛjanaṃ mahāśritaṃ.)
This prayer is intended to honor and seek peace for the souls of the ancestors, asking them for blessings of health, prosperity, and harmony.
Vaishakha Amavasya Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
The Vaishakha Amavasya Vrat is observed by many devotees to seek spiritual purification and blessings from ancestors. The fasting procedure is an essential part of this ritual, which begins with preparing oneself physically and mentally for the fast. It is important to begin the day with a clear intention to observe the fast with devotion and discipline.
On the day of Vaishakha Amavasya, devotees wake up early in the morning before sunrise and take a ritual bath to purify themselves. This is followed by a brief prayer or meditation to calm the mind and set the tone for the day. After this, the devotee typically refrains from consuming any food or water until the completion of the fasting period, which lasts from sunrise to sunset. However, some may choose to observe a partial fast, consuming fruits, milk, or light vegetarian food as per personal capacity.
During the fast, devotees focus on spiritual practices such as chanting mantras, praying, and reflecting on their actions. Pitru Tarpan (offering to ancestors) is an important ritual performed during the fast. Devotees offer water, sesame seeds, barley, and other sacred offerings while chanting mantras dedicated to the ancestors, seeking their blessings for the peace and prosperity of the family.
Throughout the day, the devotee remains in a state of spiritual mindfulness, avoiding negative thoughts and focusing on positive, sacred activities. Some may also visit a temple to participate in special prayers or rituals conducted for the occasion. After sunset, the fast is broken with a simple meal, which is usually light and pure, ensuring the body is gently reintroduced to food after a day of abstinence. It is customary to offer food to the less fortunate or share prasad with family members to complete the ritual.
The Vaishakha Amavasya Vrat is about purification of the mind, body, and soul. The observance of this fast helps in seeking divine and ancestral blessings, and it is believed to bring peace, harmony, and spiritual growth.
Vaishakha Amavasya Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
The most popular story associated with the Vaishakha Amavasya Vrat is the tale of the King Harishchandra and his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness. This story is deeply revered, especially in the context of the rituals performed on this sacred day. The story highlights the immense power of dedication to dharma (righteousness) and the spiritual rewards that come with it.
King Harishchandra was known for his unparalleled sense of justice and truth. One day, the sage Vishwamitra tested the king's commitment to truth and virtue. The sage put forth a challenge, and Harishchandra, despite his royal position, did not hesitate to fulfill it. As a result, the king was stripped of his throne, his wealth, and even his family. He lost everything, yet remained committed to his vow of truth and integrity.
Harishchandra was eventually forced to work as a servant at a cremation ground, where he performed the last rites for the deceased. Despite his hardships, he never wavered from his principles. One day, a woman arrived at the cremation ground with the body of her son, grieving deeply. However, she had no money to perform the final rites. Harishchandra, despite his own poverty, decided to help her, even though he had nothing left.
The act of performing the cremation of the child, even though it meant giving away his meager wages, was a moment of deep spiritual significance. As he did so, it is said that the gods, moved by his sacrifice, decided to restore his kingdom and wealth. His son, who had been dead, was miraculously revived. Ultimately, King Harishchandra was reunited with his family, his throne was restored, and he was blessed with divine prosperity.
This story symbolizes the importance of truth, justice, and devotion to dharma. On Vaishakha Amavasya, devotees observe the fast to honor King Harishchandra's righteousness and to seek the blessings of ancestors and divine powers for prosperity, peace, and spiritual upliftment. The fast is believed to purify the soul and bring spiritual and material benefits, much like the blessings Harishchandra received after his unwavering commitment to truth.
The observance of the Vrat on this day is believed to help devotees overcome difficulties, gain peace, and receive divine protection, just as King Harishchandra did through his devotion to dharma.
Puja Utensils, Essentials
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Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja
Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja is done to rectify the Pitru Dosha in one's horoscope. The Pitru Dosha is caused when one's forefathers and ancestors have not received proper last rites or Shradha or are unhappy or unfulfilled for some reason and also due to negative deeds of one's forefathers. Pitru Dosha can lead to many hardships in life and thus Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja is recommended for a happy and peaceful worldly life and for attainment of peace for the departed souls of one's ancestors.
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Conclusion
Vaishakha Amavasya is a profound celebration of spiritual renewal, ancestral reverence, and the pursuit of divine blessings. This sacred day honors the power of devotion, the remembrance of departed souls, and the deep connection to the divine. Through fasting, prayers, and acts of worship, devotees seek to purify their minds and souls, offering gratitude to ancestors and seeking their blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth. As the lifeforce of the divine fills the atmosphere, this auspicious day becomes a time of deep reflection and devotion, reminding us that true peace and success come from honoring our roots, following the path of righteousness, and striving for spiritual elevation.
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