Aadi Amavasya is the no moon day in the Tamil Month of Aadi (July-August). Aadi Amavasai is dedicated to dead ancestors, siblings, parents and other relatives. Aadi Amavasya 2018 date is Saturday, 11th August 2018. Special prayers, rituals and offerings are made on the day for departed souls to rest in peace.
Amavasya, or Amavasi, is the name of new moon night in Hindu religion. It is the first night of the first quarter of the lunar month. Since the moon is invisible on the day, Amavasya is also referred as no moon night. Amavasi holds great importance in Hinduism. Many Hindus choose this day to make offering (tarpanam) to the dead ancestors.
The term ‘Amavasya’ is commonly used in all regional languages in India. The fortnight that starts with Amavasya is also referred as the Shukla paksha (bright half of the month). Both Amavasya in Hindu Aadi month (July to August) and Mahalya Amavasya in Ashwayuja (September – October) are highly auspicious. Similarly the Amavasi in Aadi month is of great importance in Tamil Nadu. The Amavasya in Karkidakam month is of importance in Kerala.
On Aadi Amavasya, spirits are more willing and able to make a full crossing to the other worlds. They are especially satisfied and pleased when honored. When they cross over completely and successfully, they can bring you many blessings and significant improvement in your life. Take advantage of this time, Aadi Amavasya, the New Moon day when the Sun and the Moon in the star Pushya (ruled by Saturn) come together in Cancer making it an auspicious time for ancestral rituals, for bringing relief to your ancestors’ souls so you can have better overall progress in life.
Surya Grahan
There is Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) on 11 August, day of Amavasya. Surya Grahan is not visible in India, hence no requirement to halt doing of pitr tarpana and other puja on this day.
Majority of Pundits and astrologers in India agree that none of the rituals which are prescribed during Surya Grahan should be followed if Grahan is not visible at the area of residence. For example, if Surya Grahan is visible only in the United States of America then none of the rituals should be followed in India and vice-versa. The authorities are Nirnay Sindhu and Dharma Sindhu. According to these books, if Surya Grahan is during night time and Chandra Grahan is during day time then there is no need of taking purification bath and doing any charity activities. Dharma Sindhu clearly mentions that Punya Kala during Grahan ends as soon as it becomes invisible through eyes even though it is visible in some other parts of the country.
August 2018
Amavasya August 2018 date is August 11th. The Amavasya begins on 10 August evening at 7:07pm to 11 August, 4.33 pm 2017 in most regions of India. Amavasya Vrat (fasting) is marked on Aadi 23, 2017 – a single meal is taken while fasting on the day by some Hindu communities.
Penance is observed on this day as a mark of respect for the departed ancestors. However, special mention is made of the sons performing religious rites for the departed father.
In Tamil Nadu, Hindus take a holy bath in one of the sacred water bodies. Shradh and Tarpan are offered. There is a popular belief that on Aadi Amavasi day the souls of the dead visit to bless their relations on the Earth. The rituals and other pujas are performed on riverbanks or on seashores.
The day is of great significance at the Rameshwaram Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple.
2018 Pitr Tarpana Puja at Rameswaram
On Saturday, 11 August, tarpana puja will be conducted at Rameshawaram Temple from 6am to 4:22pm. Those wishing to participate may send names of deceased to Sai Bharathi and make donation using paypal link below.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Sai Bharathi
Agasthya Astrologer
Puttaparthi
