Somvati Amavasya, the Amavas that falls on a Somvar (Monday), is considered as auspicious day for Hindu devotees. In 2010, Somvati Amavasya dates are – March 15, 2010 (Phalguna Amavasya/Chaitra Amavasya) and August 10, 2010.

Significance of Somvati Amavasya – Somvati Amavas Mahatmya:

The importance and significance of Somvati Amavasya is narrated by Bhishma to Dharma Raj in the Mahabharat. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in sacred rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri would considered as highly auspicious. Performing ritual bath in holy rivers on the day of Somavati Amavasya would provide prosperity, make free from diseases and give peace to souls of ancestors.

Married women observe Somavara Amavasya Vrata on Somvati Amavasya day. Some people also observe fasting on Somvati Amavasya. On Somvati Amavasya, many people take holy dip (Punya Snaan) at holy places such as Haridwar, Varanasi (Kasi), Triveni Sangam and Prayag.

Sankalpa Mantra to worship Lord Lakshmi Narayana on Somvati Amavasya – Ama Somvar Vrata Stotra:
“Santhathi chiranjeevatva parama soubhagya kama asyam somavathya mamaayaam brahma Vishnu shivatma kashwaththa vrukshe yathamilithopacharie lakshmi narayana poojam karsihye”

Merits of Somvati Amavasya Vrata – Ama Somvar Vrata Phala:
After the Kurukshetra war, Yudhistira was anxious with the Kuru pandava dynasty and asked Bhishma to advice something to rejuvenate the dynasty for his coming generations. Bhishma suggested Dharmaraj to observe Somvati Amavasya Vrata (Ama Somvara Vratam). He also explained him the merits of this vrata as – whoever observes the Ama Somvara Vrata would get long living and noble children.

Nirjala Ekadasi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimasena Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during Jyeshta masa Shukla paksha. Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhimsani Ekadashi is considered to be most auspicious and beneficial day to observe Ekadashi Vrat.

Date of Nirjala Ekadashi in 2009 – When is Pandava or Bhimsena Ekadasi observed?
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of first half during Jyeshta month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. Date of Nirjala Ekadashi observance is June 3, Wednesday.

Why Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi is called Pandava Ekadasi or Bhima Ekadashi? What is the significance and importance of Nirjala Ekadashi?
Every devotee who observes all the 24 Ekadashi Vrat in a year, observes this Pandava Ekadasi with utmost devotion. According to several sacred texts, Nirjala Ekadashi fasting or Vrata can give a devotee the fruits of all 24 Ekadashi observances.

As per the Mahabharata, once Bhimasena asked Sage Veda Vyasa about the importance and significance of Ekadasi fasting. Veda Vyasa explained him the benefits and merits of Ekadashi fasting. Listening to that, Bhim told him that his brothers Yudhistira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva would observe the fast without any hesitation but, he cannot be able to observe fasting on 24 Ekadashi throughout the year. Bhimsen asked Veda Vyasa to suggest only one day fasting that can give him 24 Ekadashi fasting results.

On Bhimsen’s request Veda Vyasa advised him to observe fasting on Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi, also called as Nirjala Ekadasi, which can give him all the benefits and merits of 24 Ekadashi fasting. Because of this legend, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi is also named as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimsen Ekadashi.

What to do on Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi – Rituals and Customs of Nirjala Eakdashi:
Devotees have to avoid even drinking water from sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi day. Because of this reason, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi is also named as Nirjala Ekadashi (Nirjala means without water). As Jyeshta month (May – June) falls during mid-summer, observing this Ekadashi fasting without even drinking water is more difficult than all other Ekadashi fasting. This vow is accomplished when devotee is utmost dedicated. In some regions, there is a tradition of donating gold and water pot.

Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009

Vindyavasini Puja or Goddess Vindhyavasini Pooja is observed on Sashti in first half of Jyeshta month. This day is dedicated to Mata Vindhyavasini, one of the incarnations of Goddess Shakti.

Date of Vindyavasini Puja – When is Vindhya Vasini Pooja Observed?       
Vindyavasini Durga Puja is observed in Jyeshta mas, the sixth day (Sashti) in second half of the month Jyeshta. In 2009, Vindhyavasini Pooja falls on May 29, Friday.

Who is Goddess Vindhyavasini Durga – Vindyavasini Durga Devi?
Maa Vindhyavasini is considered as one of the significant incarnations of Maa Shakti. As per the Puranas, Maa Vindyavasini is associated to Vindhyachala (Vindhya Mountains).

The legend of Vindhyavasini is mentioned in the Vamana Purana. Vindhyavasini Durga is also called as Shashi Mukhi (the one who has Moon face). According to Padma Purana, Lord Indra (the king of the Gods) worshipped Goddess Durga and got a boon to get her abode in Vindhya Mountains.

Rambha Tritiya is observed on the third day (Tadiya) in first phase (Shukla Paksha) during the month of Jyeshta as per the traditional lunar calendar.

When is Rambha Tritiya Vratam observed in 2009?
In 2009, Rambha Tritiya Vratam falls on May 27, Wednesday.

Significance and Importance of Rambha Tritiya Vrat:
According to the Puranas, Rambha Tritiya Vrat was observed by Goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva as her husband. On the day of Rambha Tadiya, married women perform Savitri Puja under the banana tree. To get married, unmarried women observe Rambha Tadiya Vratam. During the Rambha Trutiya vratam, women observe fasting to get full merits of the vrata.

Vat Savitri Vrata is observed by women on Purnima (full moon day) in Jyeshta mas. This day is also called as Vat Savitri Purnima. Vat Savitri Vrata is a ritual and custom performed by every married woman for her husband’s well-being and long life.

Legend and Story of Vata Savitri Vratam – What is the significance and importance of Vat Savitri Vrata Puja?
Vat Savitri Vrata Puja is dedicated to Sati Savitri, who fought with Lord Yama, the God of death, and finally got her husband’s life back. When Savitri’s husband Satyavant destined to die within a particular time but she observed a great penance which made her husband to live longer. Lord Yama was very much determined to take away Savitri’s husband Satyavant’s life. But Savitri’s great dedication and devotion towards her husband results in regaining Satyavant’s life as well as his kingdom. Vata Savitri Vratam is especially dedicated to the married life of Savitri and Satyavant.

When is Vat Savitri Vrata – The date of Vata Savitri Vratam in 2009?
Vat Savitri Vrata is observed either on Amavasya or Purmina during the month of Jyeshta or Jyeshtha. In 2009, for those who observe Vat Savitri Vratam on Amavasya (Vat Savitri Amavasya Vratam), the date of Vrata is May 24, Sunday. And for those who observe Vat Savitri Vratam (Vat Purnima Vratam) on Pournami day (Vata Purnima Vratam), the date of Vrata is June 7, Sunday.

Customs and Rituals of Vat Savitri Vrata:
 Sati Savitri is worshipped as the deity during Vat Savitri Vrata. Early morning on the Vat Savitri Vrata day, married women perform ritual bath and after wearing new clothes. During the puja, devotees offer Bhoga (food offerings) to Savitri Devi and worship her with utmost devotion.