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Amavasya Muhuratअमावस्या मुहूर्त

New moon day, monthly, sacred to ancestor worship and tantric sadhana.

Timing
Once per lunar month — the new moon day (no visible moon)
Duration
~24 hours per occurrence
Ruled by
Pitru-gana (ancestor realm); secondary association w/ Kali / Bhairava for tantric tradition

Best for

  • Pitru tarpana and shraddha for departed ancestors
  • Kali Puja (especially Diwali Amavasya)
  • Bhairava worship and Kalashtami
  • Mahadev abhishek (Shiva is also Amavasya-associated)
  • Pind daan at Gaya / Kashi / Prayagraj

Avoid

  • New auspicious life events (Amavasya is for completion + closure, not new beginning)
  • Solo travel late at night during Amavasya (traditional cautionary)
  • Initiating business launches

Spiritual Significance

Amavasya literally means no-moon. Considered the time when the moon is absent and the ancestor realm (pitru-loka) is most accessible to descendants offerings. The 12 Amavasyas of the year each carry specific significance — Mahalaya Amavasya is the most important for shraddha (peak Pitru Paksha). Kartik Amavasya is Diwali / Kali Puja. Tantric tradition uses Amavasya for advanced sadhana given the cosmic absence of moonlight (lunar disturbance minimised).

How to Calculate

Identify Amavasya tithi in panchang — one occurrence per lunar month. Most months have one Amavasya falling between previous Krishna Chaturdashi and following Shukla Pratipada. Software apps publish 12-Amavasya annual calendar with specific names.

Modern Application

Pitru Paksha Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya, end of Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha) drives 500K+ pilgrim shraddha bookings at Gaya alone. Diwali Amavasya simultaneously serves as Lakshmi Puja (Vaishnav) and Kali Puja (Shakta) — Bhaktisetu features dedicated dual-tradition Amavasya programming. Strong NRI engagement for pitru tarpana during all 12 monthly Amavasyas.

Today's Amavasya Muhurat in your local time

Live panchang shows today's exact timing for your city.

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