Mauni Amavasya ~ A Day of Silence

Mauni Amavasya, also known as ‘Mauna Amavasya’ is a unique Hindu tradition observed on the ‘amavasya’ (no moon day) during the Hindu month of ‘Magha’. It falls during the month of January-February as per the Gregorian calendar.

As name suggests it is the day of silence in Hinduism when people take pledge to observe one day fasting by not uttering a word throughout the day. It is believed that the water of the most sacred and holy river in Hinduism, the Ganga, turns into the nectar on Mauni Amavasya day. Due to this belief Mauni Amavasya day is the most important day in Hindu calendar to take holy dip in the Ganges.

If this date falls on Monday, (which it does in 2019), then its auspiciousness increases all the more.

The day is also celebrated as the birthday of Manu rishi. It is believed, Lord Brahma gave origination to Maharaja Manu and queen Shatrupa. Hence, this day is considered as the beginning of the creation of the universe.

Do’s and Don’ts For Today

• Silence is considered auspicious on this day.
• Wake up early in the morning and take a bath while keeping silence.
• Better yet, bathe in a river, lake or sacred pool.
• After bathing, offer Sun (fire)  to the God.
• Silence on Mauni Amavas is of particular importance. If it is not possible to remain silent then do not speak bitter words from your mouth.
• In Vedic astrology the moon is said to be the factor of the mind. Restraining the mind by keeping a silence fast strengthens the mind.
• On this day there is also the law of worship of both Lord Vishnu and Shiva.
• The poor and the hungry should definitely have food. Offer food in grains, textiles, sesame, amla, blankets, beds, ghee and cows.
• Donations of gold or land can also be done.
• Remember the ancestors also on Mauni Amavas, this leads them to salvation.
• Both men and women should avoid having physical relations on this day. According to Garuda Purana, children born with sexual relation on the Mauni Amavas may have to face many kinds of problems in life.
• Men and women should avoid arguments. This brings an atmosphere of unrest to the house. It always gives birth to negative power.
• At the same time, one should remain silent on this day and worship God.
• Do not insult the poor and helpless. According to beliefs, Shani Dev represents the poor. In such a situation, Shani Dev does not bless the person who insults the poor.
• The worship of the Banyan Tree (Peepal) on the new moon day is considered to be auspicious and fruitful.
• It is considered inauspicious to touch a Banyan Tree on a day other than Saturday. So worship on Mauni Amavasya, but do not touch it.
• Do not go to the graveyard, negative powers are active on the night of the new moon.

Collected from various sources