Comprehensive Guide to Worship on Somvati Amavasya in Hinduism
Somvati Amavasya is an auspicious day observed when the Amavasya (New Moon) falls on a Monday. In Hinduism, this day holds special significance for worshipping Lord Shiva, performing ancestor rituals, and seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and good health. Here's a detailed guide on how to worship on Somvati Amavasya with an emphasis on eco-friendly, traditional practices.
Importance of Somvati Amavasya
Somvati Amavasya is considered highly auspicious for:
- Ancestral Worship (Pitru Tarpan) – To pay homage to ancestors and seek their blessings.
- Lord Shiva Worship – Offering prayers to Lord Shiva for peace, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.
- Health and Longevity – Especially for the well-being of the family, particularly husbands in the case of women fasting and worshipping.
- Spiritual Upliftment – Meditation and prayers on this day bring inner peace and spiritual growth.
Preparation for Somvati Amavasya Puja
Cleanliness:
- Begin by cleaning your house and the puja area thoroughly. Cleanse yourself by taking a bath, ideally using holy water like Gangajal if possible.
- Ensure your body and mind are pure before starting the puja.
- Wear fresh, clean clothes after bathing.
Timings:
- Perform the puja during the early morning hours after sunrise or during the Pradosh Kaal (1.5 hours before sunset) which is highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva.
- The most significant rituals (like Pitru Tarpan) can be performed during the time between 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, though this may vary based on the lunar timing of the day.
Clothing:
- Wear white, yellow, or light-colored clothes, which are considered pure and serene for worship.
- Avoid black and dark-colored clothes, as these are generally considered inauspicious for religious rituals.
Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required:
Use traditional, eco-friendly items for the puja, avoiding plastic or non-biodegradable products.
- Idol or Picture of Lord Shiva
- Brass or Copper Kalash (water pot)
- Bael Leaves (Bilva Patra) – Sacred for Lord Shiva
- Rudraksha Mala
- Fresh Flowers (Jasmine, Lotus, Marigold) – Ensure they are unpolluted and organic
- Fruits (Banana, Coconut, Pomegranate)
- Incense sticks and Camphor (eco-friendly, natural)
- Diya (lamp) – Use ghee or sesame oil for the lamp
- Gangajal (holy water)
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
- Sandalwood Paste
- Rice (Akshat)
- Organic turmeric and kumkum
- Banana leaves or Areca nut plates for placing offerings (avoid plastic or Styrofoam)
- Tulsi leaves
Simple Steps of Somvati Amavasya Puja:
Sanctify the Puja Space:
- Sprinkle Gangajal or clean water around the puja area for purification.
- Set up a clean and natural altar with a photo or idol of Lord Shiva.
Kalash Sthapana (Establish the Kalash):
- Fill a brass or copper kalash with water, place mango or betel leaves around it, and a coconut on top.
- Place the kalash near Lord Shiva’s image to symbolize auspiciousness.
Offerings to Lord Shiva:
- Light an eco-friendly ghee diya and incense sticks.
- Begin the puja by offering fresh flowers and bael leaves (Bilva Patra) to Lord Shiva.
- Offer Panchamrit (the five nectars) and pure water from the kalash.
- Offer fruits, especially coconuts and bananas, and sprinkle rice (Akshat) around the idol or picture.
- Chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra 108 times using a Rudraksha mala.
Pitru Tarpan (Ancestral Worship):
- Take some water and black sesame seeds in your palm and offer it towards the sun or on the ground, praying for the peace of departed ancestors.
- Chant the Pitru Tarpan mantra:
- "Om Pitrubhyo Namah"
- Offer fruits, water, and white flowers to them with reverence.
Concluding the Puja:
- Perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva using camphor.
- Offer prasad (sweets like kheer or fruits) to everyone after the puja.
- Thank the deities and ancestors for their blessings.
Prasad to be Prepared:
- Kheer (Rice Pudding) – Made with milk, rice, and jaggery.
- Panchamrit – Mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
- Fruits – Especially bananas and coconuts.
Mantras & Prayers:
- For Lord Shiva:
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” (108 times)
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for health and longevity:
- “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
- For Ancestors:
- Chant “Om Pitrubhyo Namah” for the peace of departed souls.
Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Leftover Items:
- Flowers and organic offerings should be disposed of in a river, lake, or in your garden rather than throwing them away as waste.
- Bael leaves and other natural items can be buried in soil.
- Prasad and edible items should be distributed among family and the needy; nothing should be wasted.
- Avoid using synthetic materials like plastic or artificial flowers, which harm the environment.
Benefits of Somvati Amavasya Puja:
- Blessings of Ancestors – Performing the Tarpan brings peace to ancestors, and in return, their blessings ensure family prosperity.
- Health and Longevity – Worshipping Lord Shiva with devotion on this day is believed to ensure good health and long life.
- Spiritual Growth – Chanting mantras and offering prayers cleanse the soul and elevate one's spiritual journey.
- Harmony and Prosperity – Prayers on Somvati Amavasya help remove obstacles and foster peace and harmony in the home.
Final Thoughts:
Somvati Amavasya is a powerful and spiritually enriching day. By observing it with sincerity and using eco-friendly materials, you honor both nature and divinity. The simple, heartfelt puja described above ensures that your family and ancestors are blessed with good health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.