Mauni Amavasya – When is it Fall and the Importance of Charity
January 14, 2025 Tuesday
Mauni Amavasya – When is it and the Importance of Charity
In Hinduism, most festivals depend on the moon’s movement. As the moon progresses, the dates and festivals are determined. It is due to the moon that the Shukla (waxing) and Krishna (waning) Paksha are formed. The last day of Krishna Paksha is called Amavasya. According to ancient beliefs, Amavasya holds great significance. On this day, people engage in charity, merit, and sacred bathing in holy rivers. Additionally, special prayers are performed for the ancestors. Amavasya occurs every month, but the Amavasya in the month of Magha holds particular importance. It is known as Mauni Amavasya. During the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, the second royal bath will occur on this day. Let’s explore the date and significance of Mauni Amavasya (Mauni Amavasya 2025).
When is Mauni Amavasya in 2025?
Mauni Amavasya falls on the 29th of January, 2025, on the new moon day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. For Hindus, Amavasya is a day of faith, fasting, charity, and performing religious deeds.
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Date
Amavasya begins: January 28, 2025, at 19:35
Amavasya ends: January 29, 2025, at 18:05
Why is Mauni Amavasya Celebrated?
Both religious and social beliefs explain the significance of Mauni Amavasya. According to ancient texts, on this day, all the gods, with their families, reside in the holy confluence of rivers. This is why, on this day, large lines of devotees and religious enthusiasts can be seen at significant rivers like the Ganges. In many places, prayers for alleviating the Pitru Dosha (ancestor-related afflictions) are also performed. If there is Pitru Dosha in one’s horoscope, it leads to problems in business, children, and marital harmony.
The Importance of Mauni Amavasya
On Amavasya, one should bathe in a sacred river. Some other ancient texts suggest that on this day, when a person remains silent and chants specific mantras of the Lord, they attain spiritual success. Many individuals observe a vow of silence for the day, or for some time. Scriptures state that the merit gained through silent chanting is far greater than through verbal chanting.
Observing silence the entire day holds significant importance. However, given the fast-paced nature of modern life, even if one observes silence for an hour before charity and bathing, it brings immense merit. According to some learned pundits, if a person observes silence and worships Lord Shiva and Vishnu according to the proper procedures, all their sins are absolved.
What Donation to Make on Amavasya?
According to scriptures, after bathing in a sacred river on Mauni Amavasya, offering donation increases the rewards manifold. This day holds a great religious importance. According to beliefs, after bathing in a holy river, one should offer water (Arghya) in the name of their ancestors. Donating food to the needy also brings peace to the ancestors’ souls. People observing the fast on Mauni Amavasya should donate items like money, clothes, cows, land, gold, food, sesame seeds, and other precious items.
Astrological Significance of Amavasya 2025
Indian culture holds a deep connection between astrology and the festivals. The significance of Amavasya is also intertwined with astrology. According to Vedic astrology, when the Sun and Moon align in the Capricorn zodiac (Makara), Amavasya is observed. On this day, the combined energies of the Sun and Moon make it an auspicious occasion.
Capricorn is the tenth zodiac in the astrological cycle, and the Sun is particularly strong in the tenth house of the horoscope. In astrology, the Sun is considered the symbol of the father and dharma, and hence, when the Sun and Moon come together in Capricorn, Mauni Amavasya is celebrated. This is why the charity performed on this day brings exponential benefits to the donor.