About Mauni Amavasya – मौनी अमावस्या
Mauni Amavasya or Maghi Amavasya is one of the most sacred days and is observed with great devotion across India.
“Mauni” means absolute silence, which is derived from the Sanskrit word “maun”.
The fifteenth day of the dark fortnight (The Amavasya) of Magha Maas (As per the Purnimant Calendar) is called Mauni Amavasya. Mauni Amavasya is the last Amavasya before Maha Shivarathri.
On this day, devotees try to stay silent all day, observe fast, and take a dip in the holy Ganga (or any other river) to wash off evil deeds made by them in the past. The bathing ritual starts on Paush Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima day.
Amavasya is considered an auspicious day for some activities and holds a special significance. People offer pindas to their ancestors to get blessings. Lord Vishnu and Yama are worshiped on this day and offer arghya to the sun.
Hindus believe in doing pious activities such as observing fast which results in all desires being fulfilled.
It is considered inauspicious to buy new things, forbids marriages, house warmings, etc.
Mauni or Maun means silence, on this Amavasya day Maun Vrat should be observed. Maun (Silence) Vrat is to control all our senses. On this day taking bath in holy rivers, along with fasting is considered very auspicious.
Five Important Thing about Mauni Amavasya
- As per Hindu scriptures, The universe was created on this day.
- It is believed that Manu Rishi was born on earth on this day.
- The Sun and Moon enter into the Capricorn sign on this day.
- It is believed that practicing austerities helps to purify one’s existence and the easiest way to do so is through a vow of silence.
- This day holds extreme importance in the Hindu religion and taking a bath on this day in holy waters gives freedom from the clutches of materialistic comfort.
Devotees taking bath on Mauni Amavasya in River
During Kumbh Mela, Mauni Amavasya is the most important bathing day at Prayag in Allahabad and is known as the day of Amrit Yoga and the day of Kumbh Parva.
Mauni Amavasya 2023 Date
- Mauni Amavasya 2023 Date – Saturday, 21st January
Amavasya Tithi Begins at 06:17 AM on 21st January & Ends at 02:23 AM on 22nd January
*These timings are according to Indian Standard Timings (IST). For local timings, Please refer to your local Panchang.
Why is Mouni Amavasya Celebrated?
It is a most important bathing day during Kumbh Mela, where thousands of devotees gather in the holy cities of Haridwar, Prayagraj, and other places along the Ganga to take a dip in the water believing that the waters of Ganga “turn into nectar” on Mauni Amavasya.
Devotees not only take a dip on this day but also during the whole month of Magha.
People worship Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu by gathering at Sangam ghat after taking a holy dip in the sacred river, wearing fresh clothes, and offering arghya to the sun.
It is believed that Manu Rishi was born on Mauni Amavasya. Devotees observe “maun vrat” the whole day which makes it unique. Most of the day is spent reading Scriptures, Meditating, and also engaging in charitable activities.