Somvati Amavasya today coincides with the Surya Grahan. Ahead of the Mahakumbh less than a month away, Somvati Amavasya is of immense significance to Hindus across India.
Devotees traditionally block the date on the calendar for a holy dip in the Ganges. The new moon day in the month of Agrahayana is known as Somvati Amavasya as it also falls on a Monday or Somwar.
According to Hindu tradition, devotees offer prayers to the Sun God and Lord Shiva on Somvati Amavasya.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SOMAVATI AMMAVASYA
The last new moon of the year, Somavati Amavasya is particularly associated to Lord Shiva with devotees observing special vrat (fasts), dedicated to Lord Shiva for the wellbeing of family members. Those who take a holy dip on this day also pay respect to parents who have passed on. People distribute food items among the poor and plant saplings in their neighbourhood.
The timing of Somvati Amavasya begins at 1.30am (14th December 2020) and ends at 12.30pm (15th December 2020). The timings differ from country to country.
People who observe Somvati Amavasya, usually do Nirjala Vrat (without drinking water or eating food). However, devotees who are unable to keep a stringent fast, have fruits and milk or special vrat food.
This year the Somvati Amavasya on the day of Surya Grahan or Solar Eclipse has great significance. This is also the last Surya Grahan of 2020.
Rituals that can be performed for Somavati Ammavasya are:
* Chanting of Shiva mantra:
Om Namah Shivaya 108x
* Milk and rose water Abhishek (bathing ritual)
* Observe vegetarian or fruit fast if you are unable to completely fast for the duration of the ammavasya.
* Offer white flower and vilva leaves to Lord Shiva or Shivalingams
Set the sankalpa (intention) to invite new beginnings into your life, ridding all that serves you no more. Find deep meaning in the things that define you, especially the painful experiences and give yourself permission to come home to your Self!
Forget the external validation and find yourself over and over again, with the reminder that YOU ARE MORE…
May you discover the bliss of being your own best friend and learn to make peace with that discovery. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
HAR HAR MAHADEV!
SUJATA NANDY WORLD GURUKUL
www.sujatanandy.com