Sarvapitra Amavasya 2025: Date, rituals and significance of Tulsi Puja

Mumbai: According to the Hindu calendar, Sarvapitra Amavasya will fall on 21 September 2025. This day marks the conclusion of the fortnight of Pitru Paksha, a sacred period dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors. Hindus observe this day with deep faith, performing rituals such as tarpan (offering water), charity, and prayers for the peace of departed souls. Religious texts suggest that rituals performed on this date not only bring satisfaction to the ancestors but also invite their blessings for the family’s prosperity and wellbeing.

What makes Sarvapitra Amavasya especially significant is the practice of Tulsi Puja. In Sanatan Dharma, the Tulsi plant is revered as the manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and is considered dearly beloved by Lord Vishnu. Worshipping Tulsi on this day with devotion is believed to resolve life’s troubles, bring prosperity to households, and ensure spiritual upliftment. Lighting a lamp near Tulsi and circumambulating the plant is said to bring peace to departed souls and help them attain liberation.

How to perform Tulsi Puja on Sarvapitra Amavasya

Morning bath and clean attire: Rise early, bathe, and wear fresh clothes before starting the rituals.

Clean the Tulsi plant: Purify the area around the plant and wipe the leaves gently.

Offer clean water: Pour fresh water to the Tulsi plant. Avoid touching it before bathing.

Light a lamp: Place a ghee lamp near Tulsi, especially during the evening, which is considered highly auspicious.

Circumambulation: Perform 11, 21, or 108 rounds of circumambulation around Tulsi.

Chant mantras: Recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” while circling the plant.

Pray sincerely: Seek blessings for the peace of your ancestors’ souls and for relief from personal challenges.

Benefits of Tulsi Puja on this day

Relief from Pitru Dosh: Those facing ancestral karmic imbalances (pitru dosh) in their horoscope may find relief by worshipping Tulsi on this occasion.

Financial stability: Devotees believe that Tulsi Puja attracts prosperity and removes monetary struggles.

Planetary peace: Worship helps calm malefic planetary influences and fosters positivity in life.

Family harmony: The ritual enhances peace and unity within the household, resolving internal disputes.

The spiritual importance of Tulsi Puja

In Hindu belief, Tulsi is regarded as sacred and is often referred to as Vishnu Priya, the beloved of Lord Vishnu. During Pitru Paksha, Tulsi acquires even greater significance as ancestors are considered manifestations of Lord Vishnu himself. Scriptures state that offering prayers, lighting lamps, and circumambulating Tulsi on Sarvapitra Amavasya not only ensures family prosperity and harmony but also grants peace to the departed souls, guiding them towards the divine abode of Vaikuntha.