Somvati Amavasya, Amavas on Somavar: Importance & Spiritual Significance

Somvati Amavasya, Amavas on Somavar: Importance & Spiritual Significance.. Somvati Amavasya, Amavas which falls on Somvar (Monday), is considered as auspicious day for Hindu devotees.

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.

The Somvati Amavasya Vrat is a highly revered fast observed by Hindus when an Amavasya (New Moon) falls on a Monday (Somvar). Because Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Amavasya is dedicated to ancestors (Pitrus), this day carries a unique dual significance.

For married women, the fast is observed to ensure the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands, making it very similar in spirit to the Vat Purnima vrat.

Key Rituals of the Vrat

Observing the Somvati Amavasya vrat involves strict discipline and a focus on both devotion and charity.

• The Holy Dip (Snan): The day begins before sunrise with a purifying bath. Traditionally, this is done in a sacred river like the Ganga. If that isn’t possible, devotees add a few drops of Ganga Jal (holy water) to their regular bathing water at home.

• Worshipping the Peepal Tree: This is the most crucial ritual of the day. The Peepal tree is believed to house the holy trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). Devotees pour water and raw milk at its base.

• The 108 Parikramas: Women wrap a sacred yellow or red thread (moli) around the trunk of the Peepal tree while walking around it in a circle (parikrama) exactly 108 times. With each round, they offer items like fruits, sweets, or coins, praying for their husband’s longevity.

• Fasting Rules: Many women observe a strict Nirjala fast (without water or food) until the rituals and the 108 parikramas are completed. Afterward, some may break the fast with simple sattvic food or fruits (Phalhari), while others maintain the fast for the entire 24 hours.

• Honoring Ancestors (Pitru Tarpan): Because it is an Amavasya, it is considered the most powerful day to perform rituals to appease departed ancestors and clear Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic debts).

• Charity (Daan): Donating food, clothes, or money to the poor, or feeding cows and crows, is mandatory to complete the vrat’s spiritual merits.

The Legend Behind the Vrat

The tradition of this fast is closely tied to the legend of a moneylender’s daughter and a devoted washerwoman named Soma. According to the lore, the daughter was cursed with widowhood. A saint advised her that her destiny could only be rewritten if she served Soma—who possessed immense spiritual merit—and gained her blessing. Impressed by the girl’s selfless service, Soma transferred the merit of her own Somvati Amavasya fasts to the girl, miraculously bringing the girl’s dead husband back to life.

Key insight: While Vat Purnima centers around the Banyan tree (representing immortality), Somvati Amavasya centers around the Peepal tree (representing the divine presence and ancestral connection). Both emphasize a wife’s devotion and spiritual strength.