Amavasya - Spiritual time, not for material success - no important ceremony should be performed

Amavasya 2017: The New Moon Night

Amavasya is the new moon night as per the Hindu mythology. This is day is believed to be very auspicious for pacifying the negative effects of planets. Homam is also organized on this day for the peace of our ancestors. To know more about the days in 2017

Amavasya (New Moon Or No Moon)

According to the Hindu mythology, Amavasya (New Moon) is a name given to the New Moon or no moon’s night. Amavasya (New Moon) has great importance in Hindu mythology. It is said that if you offer Shraddha rituals to your ancestors on this day, it gives them peace. Some Kundali Dosh Puja (pacifying the negative effects of planets) are also performed on this day.

Amavasya 2017 Dates (New Moon 2017 Dates)

We all know that new Moon occurs every lunar month. So, accordingly, there are approximately 12 new Moon’s night in a year. Following are the dates of Amavasya 2017 (new Moon 2017):

Date	Day	Name of Amavasya
27 January	Friday	Paush Amavasya
26 February	Sunday	Magha/Mauni Amavasya
28 March	Tuesday	Phalguna Amavasya
26 April	Wednesday	Chaitra Amavasya
25 May	Thursday	Vaishakha Amavasya
24 June	Saturday	Jyeshtha Amavasya
23 July	Sunday	Ashadha Amavasya
21 August	Monday	Shravana/Hariyali Amavasya
20 September	Wednesday	Bhadrapada Amavasya
19 October	Thursday	Ashwin Amavasya
18 November	Saturday	Kartik Amavasya
18 December	Monday	Margashirsha Amavasya

Is Amavasya (New Moon) Inauspicious?

Amavasya (new Moon) is not inauspicious, as it marks a new beginning, the beginning of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight).

According to the astrology, no important ceremonies should be celebrated on the night of Amavasya (new Moon), as Moon is an important planet and is not visible on Amavasya (no Moon) night.

It's a big question, whether Amavasya (new Moon) is considered to be inauspicious or not. It is said that Amavasya is the night when Moon is not visible, so all the Tantras are done on this night. As the Amavasya (new Moon) night is very dark, so it is said to be an ideal time to invoke various occult powers.

People say that one should not travel on the night of Amavasya (New moon), as it can invite problems. But, the reality is that Moon provides light, and if it is not there, the darkness can cause problems during your journey.

Kali Puja is performed on Amavasya to get rid of the evil powers, as Goddess Kali can overcome all the evil spirits. As per beliefs, on the night of Amavasya, spirits get unusual powers. Hence, Goddess Kali is worshiped on Amavasya, so that the evil spirits can be away from you.

Now, you must be thinking that Diwali , being a very auspicious festival, falls on Amavasya night. This is the reason why Amavasya should be considered as auspicious. On the festival of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped along with Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati .

Now, we will tell you about the different types of Amavasya (New Moon) that occur every year.

Paush Amavasya

According to the Hindu Calendar , the period of December and January is known as Pausha Masa. The Amavasya (new Moon) occurring in this month is called Paush Amavasya. This year in 2017, Paush Amavasya is occurring on January 27.

People who are suffering from Pitru Dosha, donate food and clothes to get relief. This Amavasya is considered to be ideal for doing Shraddha for your ancestors. Paush Amavasya is said to be a very auspicious day to appease your forefathers.

People who want to get rid of the harmful effects of planets like Rahu & Ketu can get benefits by donating clothes and food on this day.

Mauni Amavasya

According to Hindu Calendar, Mauni Amavasya comes in the middle of Magha month. This year in 2017 Mauni Amavasya is occurring on February 26. Hindu mythology says that the holy water of Ganga river turns into Amrit (elixir) on Mauni Amavasya. It is considered to be very auspicious if someone takes a dip into Ganga river on Mauni Amavasya.

Maun means to remain silent, so on Mauni Amavasya people keep fast of not uttering a word whole day.

It is believed that the universe was created on this day. Mauni Amavasya is said to be the most auspicious day during Kumbh Mela , as the Triveni Sangam bath is done on this day, which makes one healthy.

So, you may plan your trip to Sangam this Mauni Amavasya.

Hariyali Amavasya

The Amavasya observed during Hindu month Shravan is known as Hariyali Amavasya. Usually, this Amavasya comes near Hariyali Teejand that’s why it is called Hariyali Amavasya. This year in 2017 Hariyali Amavasya is occurring on August 21.

Lord Krishna is worshiped on this day and it is celebrated all over the world, where Krishna devotees are present. This Amavasya holds a special significance in Mathura and Vrindavan. The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan is decorated with flowers to make a Phool Bangla (flower house). A number of devotees visit this temple in huge crowds to get the blessings of Lord Krishna.

It seems that it would be a nice idea to visit Banke Bihari, Vrindavan this Hariyali Amavasya.

Somvati Amavasya

The Amavasya, which falls on Monday is said to be Somvati Amavasya. According to the Hindu mythology, women observe fast on this day for the long life of their husbands.

Married women perform Parikrama (rounds) around the Peepal tree for 108 times. Peepal tree holds a special significance in Indian culture. A sacred thread is tied around the Peepal tree by women as a part of ritual on Somvati Amavasya.

There is a legend associated with Somvati Amavasya let’s read what the legend says.

The Legend Of Somvati Amavasya

According to the epic Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah narrated the legend of Somvati Amavasya to Yudhisthira.

The legend is about a money lender who was very happy with his family of seven sons and one daughter. All the sons of the money lender were married, but his daughter was still in search of a perfect match for her. The money lender had a friend who was a Pandit. Whenever he used to come at his place, his blessings were always for the daughters-in-laws, but not to his daughter. The daughter of the money lender was very upset with this behavior of the Pandit. Once the wife of the money lender asked Pandit about his weird behavior with her daughter. For that, the Pandit told her about the misfortune of her daughter. He told her that the daughter may become a widow. At this, the mother asked him about the solution for this problem. As a solution, the Pandit talked about a washerwoman living on Singhal island. He said that if the washerwomen puts Sindoor (vermilion) on the forehead of her daughter, she will become fortunate. Hearing this, the girl went to the Singhal island and met the washerwomen. She asked her to put Sindoor on her forehead. But, for that she had to impress the washerwomen and she made her happy with her service. Washerwomen fulfilled her wish by putting the Sindoor on her forehead. After that, her fate changed. She got married and lived happily with her husband.

Since then, women follow rituals on the day of Somvati Amavasya for the long life of their husbands.

So women, don’t miss this auspicious day of Somvati Amavasya, and fetch the blessing of a long life for your husband.

Margashirsha Amavasya

According to the Hindu Calendar, Margashirsha month comes between mid October to mid November. The Amavasya (no Moon) falling during this time is known as Margashirsha Amavasya. This month is said to be the month of devotion. Margashirsha Amavasya 2017 is on December 18. This month will have a special significance to devote yourself to Lord Krishna.

This day is considered to be very auspicious to start any religious work. The month of Margashirsha is the month to remember your ancestors. It is said that if you donate food and clothes on this particular day, it appeases your ancestors.

So, don't miss the chance of making your ancestors happy this Margashirsha Amavasya.

We hope that you have got all the information about the important Amavasya and the dates of Amavasya 2017.

Let's have a look over the fast of Amavasya and how it is done.

Amavasya (New Moon) : Observing The Fast

Many people in India will observe fast on Amavasya (new Moon). People usually keep Maun Vrat (fast of keeping silence) on Amavasya.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu have said in Garuda Purana, to offer food to your ancestors on Amavasya. If you do not offer food to them, they may become angry on you. To observe this fast of Amavasya, you can donate food and clothes to appease your forefathers.

So, this is how the fast of Amavasya is observed by people in India. Utilize the best of this information in Amavasya or New Moon.

We hope that this article of Amavasya 2017 (New Moon 2017) will be helpful to you and you will keep your ancestors happy by observing the fast.

Sun Sankranti - 2017 - Spiritual pursuit and no material pursuit should be initiated

Sankranti (Sanskrit: संक्रान्ति saṁkrānti) means transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi (constellation of the zodiac in Indian astronomy) to the next. Hence, there are 12 Sankrantis in a year.

Each Sankranti is marked as the beginning of a month in the sidereal solar calendars 

These days are good for spiritual activity and not good for material prosperity. Hence any material pursuit should not be initiated. These dates should be blocked out from calendar for any muhurta.

Important Sankranti

Most Significant Sankranti

Makar Sankranti: Marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi on its celestial path, and the six-month Uttarayana period. Makara Sankranti is also called as Uttarayana – the day on which the sun begins his northward journey The traditional Indian calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. The date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 January or occasionally, 15 January as the Sun begins to rise in Makara Rashi.

This is an auspicious day to propitiate Lord Surya (Sun God) - expressing our thanks for His Benevolence upon us in the previous year. Recital of Aditya Hrudayam, Surya Atharvaseersha upanishad, Suryaashtakam, etc. will help you to gain the Grace of the Supreme Almighty whose Radiance shines through Sun and various other stars in our galaxy(Though there are even brighter stars than Sun - it is the Sun whose rays benefit us on earth; and hence we offer our respects to Sun God; remember that we are offering our respects not merely to the visible Sun, BUT, to the sarvaantaryaami Paramaatma whose Infinite Radiance and Life-Sustaining/ Nurturing qualities are represented better by Sun's brilliance than any other thing that is immediately observable to human eyes on a daily basis). Worshipping Sun can ensure good health - shastras say "Aroghyam pradaatu Dinakarah:" Besides health, recital of Aaditya Hrudayam helps in improving professional prospects and winning over obstacles in life. Anyone who is facing seemingly daunting tasks in life can benefit by reciting Aaditya Hrudayam 9 times at a stretch as an emergency prayer. Similarly those suffering from skin ailments can benefit by reciting Surya Ashtakam (which benefitted Saambha - the Son of Lord Krishna).

 Karka Sankranti:  Mid July marks the transition of the Sun into Karka rashi. This also marks the end of the six-month Uttarayana period of Hindu calendar, and the beginning of Dakshinayana, which itself end at Makar Sankranti.

Surya Gochar Timings -2017

Sun transits Dhanu to Makara

January 13, 2017 (Friday) at 21:21

Sun transits Makara to Kumbha

February 12, 2017 (Sunday) at 10:21

Sun transits Kumbha to Meena

March 14, 2017 (Tuesday) at 08:16

Sun transits Meena to Mesha

April 13, 2017 (Thursday) at 16:48

Sun transits Mesha to Vrishabha

May 14, 2017 (Sunday) at 13:41

Sun transits Vrishabha to Mithuna

June 14, 2017 (Wednesday) at 20:17

Sun transits Mithuna to Karka

July 16, 2017 (Sunday) at 07:08

Sun transits Karka to Simha

August 16, 2017 (Wednesday) at 15:31

Sun transits Simha to Kanya

September 16, 2017 (Saturday) at 15:25

Sun transits Kanya to Tula

October 17, 2017 (Tuesday) at 03:20

Sun transits Tula to Vrischika

November 16, 2017 (Thursday) at 02:06

Sun transits Vrischika to Dhanu

December 15, 2017 (Friday) at 16:45

Punya Kaala

What is a Punyakala

The Vedic meaning of PunyaKala is said to be a Knot, a Confluence, and a Celebration. Based on the meanings, the time of confluence of two periods is called as Punya Kala. 

Spiritualize this moment

Study Gita

Meditation

Do Seva

Consistency of practice, and intention is very powerful. Ability to do your practice no matter what the circumstances are very powerful

2017 Kanya Sankranti Phalam

Punya Kaal Muhurta = 15:24 to 19:00

Duration = 3 Hours 36 Mins
Sankranti Moment = 15:24

Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta = 15:24 to 15:48

Duration = 0 Hours 24 Mins

For Kanya Sankranti sixteen Ghatis after the Sankranti moment are considered Shubh or auspicious and the time window from Sankranti to sixteen Ghati after Sankranti is taken for all Dan-Punya activities.

17^th

October 2017
(Tuesday)

2017 Tula Sankranti Phalam

Punya Kaal Muhurta = 07:15 to 12:42

Duration = 5 Hours 27 Mins
Sankranti Moment = 03:19

Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta = 07:15 to 09:04

Duration = 1 Hour 49 Mins

Vrischika Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurta

16^th

November 2017
(Thursday)

2017 Vrischika Sankranti Phalam

Punya Kaal Muhurta = 06:50 to 11:42

Duration = 4 Hours 51 Mins
Sankranti Moment = 02:06

Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta = 06:50 to 08:27

Duration = 1 Hour 37 Mins

15^th

December 2017
(Friday)

Dhanu Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurta

2017 Dhanu Sankranti Phalam

Punya Kaal Muhurta = 11:52 to 16:26

Duration = 4 Hours 33 Mins
Sankranti Moment = 16:44

Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta = 14:55 to 16:26

Duration = 1 Hour 31 Mins

G

Shraadh - Ancestor Fortnight - Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha from Sept 24th to Oct 8th

In Hinduism, parents are given a lot of importance and so do their blessings. As they are the ones who bring us into this world, respecting them and serving them is considered to be a good deed. And this is where Shradh gets its importance from. The 16 day period starting from the Purnima of Bhadrapada and ending on the Amavasya of the Krishna Paksha of Ashvin is known as the Pitru Paksha meaning the fortnight of fathers. In this duration, people perform activities to let the souls of their parents and ancestors rest in peace. Charity, Havan and various other rituals are performed during this period.

Benefits of honoring our ancestors on this day

• To gain the blessings of Lord Yama
• To protect the family from obstacles
• To relieve the souls of the ancestors
• Children in the family gain blessings
• An opportunity to express gratitude for the lineage you were born into
• Astrologically if you have Pitrudosha or Putradosha in your chart then these rituals can help get rid of the dosha.

Significance Of Shradh

Let's discuss the significance of performing rituals of Tarpan during Pitru Paksha for our ancestors, before performing them.

Blessings Of Ancestors

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that our ancestors are still watching us, they are protecting us from the hurdles of life and blessing us. But at the same time, they want us to remember them, pay respect and honor to them because they had already given us a lot and still giving a lot.

Rituals of Tarpan in Shraddha is a way to pay our gratitude toward the ancestors for all that they have given or giving to us. It is believed that if the rituals are performed with full faith, love, and respect, our ancestors get happy and protect us from all the evil powers of the universe. They don't let anything harm us either it is natural or supernatural.

No matter what we dedicate, an expensive or less expensive gift, but what is important is our love and respect. Our honor will make them happy instead of the price of our gift.

For The Peace Of Souls

We inherit the assets and properties of our ancestors, but at the same time we also inherit the results of their misdeeds. Sometimes, their misdeeds do not allow them to attain the peace after death. This disturbance of their souls can sometimes affect the present generations of the family. The rituals of Tarpan in Shradh helps them in attaining the peace of soul and paying of the misdeeds of their lives. Help your ancestors in gaining peace of soul by performing the Tarpan rituals in Shraadh.

Remove The Effects Of Unnatural Death

Unnatural deaths are a big reason for the disturbances of souls. Unnatural deaths are those which occur before the actual or natural time of death for that person. They can occur from any kind of accident or sometimes suicide may also be the reason for unnatural death. It can happen to anyone, be it an older or younger member of the family. Rituals of Tarpan in Shraddha are of a great significance in removing the effects of these unnatural deaths, and attaining the divine peace of soul. Perform the rituals of Tarpan on Shradh to remove the effects of unnatural deaths.

What Is Pitru Loka?

Pitru Loka is the region between earth and heaven. The souls of up to three preceding generations of one's ancestors stay in Pitru Loka. When any member of the next generation dies, the soul of ancestor from the first generation shifts to heaven. Then, the Shraddha or Pitru Paksha rituals for the very first ancestor are stopped. Yama (the lord of death) plays a very important role in Pitru Loka. He takes the souls of departed family members to Pitru Loka.

How To Perform Shraadh Rituals?

You can also perform the Tarpan rituals performed during the 16 special days of Shraddh or Pitru Paksha. Pitru Paksha has a special significance for Tarpan rituals and the rituals performed during Pitru Paksha produces best results. Take a look at how to perform Shradh rituals in the right way:

1. For performing Shradh rituals, prepare pure vegetarian food, you can also prepare the favorite food of the departed person. This food is offered to the Brahmins or Pandits, and known as Brahman Bhoj.
2. Cook Kheer (sweet rice porridge) and other food items, as per your family traditions.
3. Offer prayers for the peace of souls of ancestors.
4. The food should also be offered to cows, crows, and dogs on banana leaves.
5. Different fruits, sweets, and cereals can also be served.
6. Serve the needy like beggars and old people for the peace of the ancestor's souls.

When To Perform Shraadh?

Shraddha should be performed on the death anniversary of the departed family member, but if it is not possible or if one forgets the date, these rituals can be performed on the last day of Pitru Paksha or on the Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Noon time is considered best for performing Shraddh rituals during Pitru Paksha i.e. during the time of 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Tarpan ceremony, morning time is considered best that is during the time of 8 a.m to 12 p.m during Pitru Paksha.

Find out the Tithi (according to Hindu calendar) for performing Shradh by using Shraddha Tithi Finder Tool. Best results are produced by performing Shradh on the same Tithi, according to the death of our ancestor.

What Not To Do While Performing Shraadh?

Let's check out the things that we should avoid while performing the Tarpan rituals during Shradh.

1. Do not use non-vegetarian items for preparing food.
2. Do not consume alcohol while performing the rituals.
3. Avoid haircuts or shaving while performing the rituals.
4. Never use iron vessels for preparing or serving food.
5. Do not perform rituals in the evening, dusk and dawn.

What Is Pitru Dosha?

Pitru Dosha arises when one does not perform the rituals of Tarpan for the peace of souls of his/her ancestors. The Pitru Dosha arises only when the souls of ancestors are not in peace.

Pitru Dosha can be identified by reading the birth chart of an individual. It can be cured by performing the Shraddha rituals.

Performing Shraddha and Tarpan rituals is very important for the attainment of peace by our ancestors' souls and for receiving their blessings.

 How to do Tarpan in Hindi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDilNGIw-fw

How to do Tarpan in English

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9M7oVXSOhA&t=38s

Other videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLYk4gh04w8&t=190s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQKnVXy37cM

Remedy:

Remedy for Today - last day of Shradh for your ancestors

a) Take Milk, Sugar, Basmati Rice (or normal) any quantity

b) Along with it take Almonds, Cashew nuts, Cardomom (Elachi), Cloves (Lavang ), Raisins (brown kismis)

c) Go to Temple and donate, while donating if possible take the names of all ancestors who are dead and pray for their peace and well being.

d) This can be done at any religious places even if it is no a temple, if the religious place does not accept it then you can touch the articles to the temple or pray from outside and donate it to an ashram.

P.S. donate all items as much of quantity one wants

Ancestor Fortnight Begins Today

Published on: September 28, 2015 by drsvoboda

From the abundantly favorable to the significantly inauspicious: such is the ambit of the lunar month of Bhadrapada. Now that Ganapatideva has been respectfully returned to his home, with the request to return soon next year, the time has come for us to revere our ancestors, during the Pitr Paksha (the “Forefather Fortnight”). The Sanatana Dharma, which has always estimated human obligations to be greater than any rights or privileges, emphasizes the signal importance of repaying our genetic (and epigenetic) debt to our forebears via Tarpaṇa and Śrāddha, rituals which can be performed at any time (preferably when the moon is waning) but ideally during the Pitru Paksha. Given that we owe our very existence to our parents, their parents and their parents before them, it is only appropriate that we annually invest some time and effort appreciating them for what they have given (and done to) us.

Śrāddha is relatively more complicated, and Tarpaṇa relatively less so, but both aim to offer contentment (trpti, a word closely related to the word tarpaṇa) to the deceased. Many are rules for such offerings, and many the locations in India (including particularly Varanasi, Badrinath and Gaya) where these offerings are said to produce superlative effects; but Vimalananda (who offered choice insults to those priests who charge exorbitant sums for performing such ceremonies) maintained that in this context (as in most contexts), simpler is better (though he did concur with the pundits that these rites should always be done between dawn and noon, and preferably on the banks of a body of water). While it is optimal to hire a specialist to perform Śrāddha for your deceased loved ones, most anyone (according to V) can perform Tarpaṇa (procedures for which can be found here.) http://www.vedicastrologer.org/tarpana/pdf/tarpana_english_ss.pdf

http://www.vedicastrologer.org/tarpana/pdf/tarpana_english_s.pdf

In Sanskrit Śrāddha literally means an action performed with full faith (Śraddhā). For Śrāddha to be effective you need to have faith that it can in some way be effective. You might believe that the shades of your dead parents actually come to the event and consume the offerings, or that you are in fact making an offering to their genes and chromosomes that continue to live within you, or simply that by rendering heartfelt gratitude towards your ancestors and praying for their well-being and peace you are nourishing your own gratitude, well-being and peace. The key is that any offering should be “heartfelt”; the words Śrāddha and Śraddhā sprout from a root that in English gave us “heart”.

Our hearts and their feeling explain why the Pitr Paksha is regarded as one of the least propitious periods of the year. Just because a human dies does not mean that that human has lost all interest in living; in fact, in the vast majority of deaths, the dying continue to grasp at life even as life departs from them. Dead personalities usually crave a return to the pleasures that they enjoyed while alive, and the affinity that exists between their now-defunct bodies and the bodies of their descendants often permits them to express some of these desires (to some extent) through the bodies of those very scions, via a process that possibly shares some similarities with the process through which a transplanted organ (particularly a heart) can “transplant” important characteristics of the donor into the recipient.

If your departed relative was a great saint, you might perhaps find benefit in having him or her continue to live through you; otherwise, it is more likely that strong ancestral influence on you will transfer to you extra negative traits, or at the reinforce some of your pre-existing negative traits. Most authorities agree that the pitrs are not “liberated” but rather “appeased” through Tarpaṇa and Śrāddha. This brings up the interesting question (recently posed to me) of whether it would not be more beneficial for we the living to perform some sadhana on behalf of those in our maternal & paternal lineages, to assist them to evolve further even while (presumably) also removing their negative effects on us? The answer is IMO a cautious and qualified “yes”, qualified by how much stability in your own self you have already achieved thanks to your own sadhana. If you have already become a saint you may be able to release many of your progenitors from their desire-bondages; if not, the act of you focusing on them further may make your awareness further deteriorate, often without you being in the least aware of that deterioration.

And, frankly, any ancestor that is still in need of contentment should first become contented before we try to enlighten them; as Tukaram Maharaj is reported to have said, pahile pothoba ani nantar Vithoba, “first worship the belly god (i.e. address all your human needs and desires) before you try to worship the Supreme God.” Wise advice.

May all our ancestors become content!

2018

24	September	(Monday)	Purnima Shraddha
25	September	(Tuesday)	Pratipada Shraddha
26	September	(Wednesday)	Dwitiya Shraddha
27	September	(Thursday)	Tritiya Shraddha
28	September	(Friday)	Maha Bharani, Chaturthi Shraddha
29	September	(Saturday)	Panchami Shraddha
30	September	(Sunday)	Shashthi Shraddha
01	October	(Monday)	Saptami Shraddha
02	October	(Tuesday)	Ashtami Shraddha
03	October	(Wednesday)	Navami Shraddha, Dashami Shraddha
04	October	(Thursday)	Ekadashi Shraddha
05	October	(Friday)	Magha Shraddha, Dwadashi Shraddha
06	October	(Saturday)	Trayodashi Shraddha
07	October	(Sunday)	Chaturdashi Shraddha
08	October	(Monday)	Sarva Pitru Am