Mauni Amavasya: A day of silence and spiritual awakening on January 29
Mahesh Bang
On January 29, millions across the globe will observe Mauni Amavasya, a day steeped in tradition and spiritual significance.
Also known as Maghi Amavasya, this auspicious occasion marks the last new moon before the revered festival of Mahashivratri.
Mauni, translating to "silent", encourages practitioners to observe silence, setting the stage for introspection and spiritual growth.
A moment of profound significance lies in the belief that the waters of the holy Ganges River transform into nectar on this day.
Bathing in these sacred waters is deemed to hold exceptional merit, symbolising purification and spiritual rejuvenation.
This year, the auspicious circumstances are heightened as the Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest religious congregations, unfolds in Prayagraj.
In the scriptures, the importance of doing charity on this day is said to be very fruitful and you get manifold benefits.
According to astrology, the planets are considered natural benefic or malefic depending on their nature and placement.
The moon however may act as either benefic or malefic depending on whether it is waxing or waning or in which zodiac sign etc.
A waxing moon is considered a natural benefic whereas a waning moon is not considered so.
The moon is waxing when it goes through the cycle from being a new moon to a full moon and it is waning when the full moon decreases and becomes invisible on Amavasya.
From an astrological point of view Amavasya occurs whenever (a planet) moon is in conjunction with the Sun and moves into the closest degree to each other in the same zodiac sign.
Amavasya and other tithis (Hindu dates) are based on the distance between the Sun and the Moon.
From a spiritual point of view, when the moon is in conjunction with the sun (i.e. Amavasya), this is always a sacred time for the spiritually inclined and for ancestor's prayers.
This period is believed to be wonderful for self-realisation as one is easily able to differentiate between the real self and false ego.
During Amavasya, the planet slows down, and life energies are pulled upwards.
As astrologically, the moon is considered to influence the mind and the sun, a soul (atma), it is a good time for spiritual practices.
This is indicated every month by the sun and moon coming into conjunction with each other and the moon disappearing from sight for a few hours.
Rituals :
1. Get up early in the morning before sunrise, take a vow of fasting in your mind, by keeping silent. In today's era it may not be possible, if not for the whole day, then at least observe silence till bathing.
2. Avoid gossip and over talking on this day.
3. Avoid any discussion and important meetings, if you can.
4. Take a bath in the Ganges and if you cannot go to the Ganges then mix Ganga water in the water at home and take a bath.
5. After bathing, offer water (Arghya) to the Sun.
6. Donate according to your ability after worship, or any time in the day is also fine. It gives you manifold benefits. It is said that if one does charity on this day the benefits are multiplied 100 times. If you live in the northern hemisphere then donate black sesame seed laddu made of jaggery.
Or donate blankets or kitchen utensils to the poor. If you live in the southern hemisphere like in South Africa then donate food parcels, clothes and/or kitchen utensils.
7. Options for fasting: fruits and water during the day. Go grainless on the day or at least be vegetarian on the day.
8. Doing prayers for your ancestors on this day is considered very fruitful.
9. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and/or Lord Shiva or any favourite deity on this day is recommended.
10. Avoid over-thinking on this day. Just do more naam-japa on this day in your mind. For eg. say Ram or Krishna or Narayana continuously in your mind.
11. Most important astrologically, on the day after, when you get up, before brushing your teeth bless your kids. Then say your wishes out to the universe.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE