Today (30 December) is Paush Amavasya. It is believed that worship, Shraddha, and charity performed on this date brings inexhaustible virtue. Akshaya virtue means such virtue whose auspicious effect remains throughout life. On this date the moon is not visible and from the next day the moon again starts rising slowly. Therefore this festival is a symbol of new beginning.
Perform Shraddha and charity for ancestors
Water should be offered to ancestors on Amavasya. This is called tarpan. Today at around 12 noon, burn the pots and offer jaggery and ghee while meditating the ancestors. Take water in the palm and offer it to the ancestors from the thumb side. Donate money and food to needy people.
There is a tradition of taking river bath on Amavasya
On this date, there is a tradition of taking bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Shipra. If you are not able to take bath in the river, then you can take bath by mixing Ganga water in water at home. After bathing, one should do charity. It will be very auspicious if you donate clothes, food grains, jaggery, sesame seeds, blankets and money.
chant mantra and meditate
While doing morning puja on Amavasya, one should chant the mantras of one's presiding deity. If you meditate along with chanting mantras, your thoughts will become positive and you will get energy to work. To meditate, spread a seat in the home temple or any other holy and quiet place and sit in Padmasana posture. Close your eyes and concentrate completely on the eyebrows between both the eyes. Concentrate for as long as you can. During this period, one should avoid thinking about other things.
worship peepal tree
There is a tradition of worshiping Peepal tree on Amavasya. It is believed that on this date, Peepal tree is worshiped to pacify the evil effects of Shani. Offer water to the Peepal tree and circumambulate it. At least seven circumambulation of the Peepal tree should be done. During this time, Shani Mantra Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah or Vishnu Mantra Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay should be chanted. There is also a tradition of observing fast on Amavasya. Devotees observing fast remain fasting on this day. Those who cannot remain hungry, consume fruits and milk.
Start the day by offering Arghya to the Sun and also worship the Moon.
There is special significance of worshiping Sun God in the month of Paush. Today on Paush Amavasya, offer water to the Sun from a copper pot while chanting the Surya Mantra Om Suryay Namah. After Surya Puja, also worship the idol of Moon God in the home temple. If there is no idol of Moon God, then one can worship Moon installed on Shivalinga. There is also a tradition of reading and listening to the stories of God on Amavasya.
Keep these things in mind too
On Amavasya, peace should be maintained in the family and there should not be any trouble. Avoid anger, do not commit injustice and do not disrespect anyone.
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