Today is Margashirsha Amavasya. For the unversed, the month of Margashirsha holds great significance in Hindu culture. Lord Krishna also spoke about it in the Bhagavad Gita.
“Among the months, I am Margashirsha,” he says. The Amavasya that falls in this month is called Margashirsha Amavasya. On this auspicious occasion, large numbers of devotees take a holy dip in holy rivers. Following this, they anoint Lord Shiva, the God of Gods, with Ganga water and worship him with devotion. Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are also performed for ancestors.
Mantras To Chant On This Day
- Om Pitru Devtaayai Namah:
- Om Pitru Ganaya Vidmahe Jagatdharine Dhimahi Tanno Pitro Prachodayat
- Namah Swahaayi Swadhaayi Nityamev Namo Namah
- Namah Swahaayai Swadhaayai Nityameva Namo Namah
- Shiva-Shakti-Swaroopen Pitru-Dev Prachodayat
- Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudra: Prachodayat
- Om Trimbakam Yajamahe Sugandhi Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiv Bandhananamrityormukshiya Mamritat
Why Should One Take A Holy Bath On This Day?
On this day, taking a holy bath in the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, or at any other pilgrimage site is considered highly auspicious. If this is difficult, one should bathe at home by mixing Ganga jal in water. It is said that giving charity after bathing helps to absolve all sins. Donating food, clothing, and sesame seeds on this day is considered highly auspicious.
Remedy For Agahan Amavasya
To receive the blessings of the ancestors on Agahan Amavasya, offer food, clothing, money and other items in their name. Set aside a portion of food for cows, dogs and crows. According to Hindu belief, performing this remedy on Amavasya removes difficulties from life and brings the grace of the ancestors.