● 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 Darsha Amavasya?
Darsha Amavasya holds a special place among the monthly Amavasya observances in Sanatan Dharma. The moon is not visible in the sky on this day. Many believe this darkness brings a natural stillness, one that makes the mind quieter and more open to prayer, meditation, and thoughts of our ancestors.
This day matters most for Pitru Tarpan, Shraddha, and Bhagwan Chandra puja. Devotees pray to their ancestors and believe that doing so will bring peace to the home and ease troubles that have followed the family for generations
There's also a simpler meaning behind Darsha Amavasya. It marks the end of one lunar cycle and the start of another, so many treat it as a chance to drop old worries and start fresh.
What is the Story Behind Darsha Amavasya?
The story of Darsha Amavasya is connected with the Samudra Manthan, the great churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras.
Once, Sage Durvasa cursed Bhagwan Indra (the king of Svarga (heaven) and leader of all gods). Due to this curse, all the power and wealth of King Indra was destroyed. Taking advantage of this, the demons attacked heaven and defeated the gods and took control of heaven.
To restore the gods to heaven, Bhagwan Vishnu advised the Devas to temporarily collaborate with the Asuras and churn the ocean to obtain Amrit (the nectar of immortality). During the Samudra Manthan, many divine treasures appeared, and finally Bhagwan Dhanvantari emerged carrying the Amrit Kalash.
To protect the Amrit from the Asuras, Devraj Indra's son Jayanta quickly carried the pot away. This divine event symbolized divine protection and the triumph of wisdom and purity even in challenging times.
What Devotees Do on Darsha Amavasya?
On Darsha 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, Bhagwan Vishnu, and Bhagwan Chandra. Many devotees spend time chanting "Om Namah Shivaya", “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, “Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah” or listening to bhajans with devotion.
A large number of devotees also travel to revered locations 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.
Darsha Amavasya Vidhi at Home
● Wake up early
● Take a bath and wear clean clothes
● Take a Sankalp by stating your name, lineage, and prayer before starting the vrat
● Clean the puja area
● Worship Bhagwan Shiv, Bhagwan Vishnu, followed by Bhagwan Chandra (some devotees also worship Maa Kali on this day to seek protection from negative energies)
● Light a diya using ghee or sesame oil
● Offer white colored items, such as rice, milk, and flowers
● Recite the “Amavasya Vrat Katha" and chant “Om Som Somaya Namah”
● Offer prayers for your ancestors
● Donate food, clothes, or other essentials if possible
● End the puja by doing aarti
