● Amavasya Tithi starts at 06:49 PM on 13 July 2026
● Amavasya Tithi ends at 03:12 PM on 14 July 2026
What is the Significance of Ashadha Amavasya?
Ashadha Amavasya is among one of the most sacred amavasya’s in Sanatan Dharma. This Hindu new moon day is dedicated to prayer, self-reflection, remembering one's ancestors, and performing acts of charity with devotion. It is believed that remembering ancestors with faith and gratitude strengthens the bond between generations and brings positive blessings to the family.
The importance of Amavasya is also beautifully reflected in a popular Mahabharata tradition. Before the Kurukshetra war, the Kauravas planned to perform a powerful ritual on Amavasya to seek victory. To stop them, Bhagwan Krishna performed the Amavasya rituals a day earlier. When Bhagwan Surya and Chandra Dev questioned him, Bhagwan Krishna explained that wherever the Sun and the Moon come together, that itself becomes Amavasya. Through this divine wisdom, he confused the Kauravas and protected the Pandavas. This story reminds devotees why Amavasya is considered such a sacred and spiritually powerful day.
In Karnataka and some other parts of South India, Ashadha Amavasya is also observed as Bhima Amavasya. On this day, many married women pray to Bhagwan Shiv and Maa Parvati for the long life and well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a happy married life and an ideal life partner.
What is the Story Behind Ashadha Amavasya?
According to the Padma Purana, there was a gardener by the name of Hemamali who used to serve Bhagwan Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. Hemamali’s duty was to bring fresh lotus flowers every morning from the holy Manasarovar lake for Bhagwan Kubera's daily worship of Bhagwan Shiv. But Hemamali became so absorbed in spending time with his wife that he frequently neglected his duties to be with her.
One morning, Bhagwan Kubera noticed that the flowers were missing. Discovering Hemamali's neglect, Bhagwan Kubera became furious and cursed Hemamali to suffer from white leprosy (a disease) and separation from his wife.
Hemamali fell from the heavens and landed in a dense, fearful forest on earth. Wracked with physical agony and immense sorrow, he survived in total misery. He lost everything and wandered from place to place, regretting his mistake.
After many years, Hemamali reached the ashram of the immortal Sage Markandeya. Seeing his wretched state, the compassionate sage inquired about his past. Hemamali then narrated the events that had led to his curse. Upon learning the whole truth, the sage advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat with complete faith and devotion and pray to Bhagwan Vishnu.
Hemamali followed the sage's advice and observed the vrat sincerely. By the grace of Bhagwan Vishnu, Hemamali was freed from the curse, his leprosy was completely cured, he regained his health, and he was reunited with his wife.
This story reminds us of something simple but powerful: no mistake is too big to undo, if the repentance behind it is real.
What Devotees Do on Ashadha Amavasya?
On Ashadha Amavasya, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning the vrat. Many people keep a strict fast and avoid grains (rice, oats, corn, etc.), onion, garlic, and other tamasic foods throughout the day. Meanwhile, some devotees consume only fruits, milk, and simple sattvic food as part of the falahar vrat.
Throughout the day, devotees worship Bhagwan Shiv with Ganga jal, milk, bilva leaves, flowers, fruits, incense, and diyas. Many devotees spend time chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" or listening to Bhagwan Shiv bhajans with devotion.
A large number of devotees also travel to revered locations like Vishnupad Temple (Gaya, Bihar), Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh Ghats (Varanasi), Haridwar, Prayagraj, Trimbakeshwar, etc., to perform Pitru Tarpan and offer water, sesame seeds, and prayers while chanting:
“Om Sarva Pitru Devatabhyo Namah.”
“Om Pitrubhyah Swadha Namah, Om Matrubhyah Swadha Namah.”
Devotees also donate food, clothes, and help those in need on this day. Those who wish to participate in such devotional activities can also explore the sacred Sevas arranged by Sanatan Sansaar for this holy occasion.
Ashadha Amavasya Amavasya Vidhi at Home
● Wake up early
● Take a bath and wear clean clothes
● Clean the puja area
● Place an image or idol of Bhagwan Shiv
● Light a diya using ghee or sesame oil
● Offer Ganga jal, panchamrit, bilva leaves, flowers, and fruits
● Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and offer prayers for your ancestors
● Donate food, clothes, or other essentials if possible
● End the puja by doing aarti
