AMAVASAI:This marks the new moon day. The moon, which is one of the Nava Grahas denoted as CHANDRAN, is considered as a deity who showers blessings of prosperity and good health. This occurs once every month, usually a fortnight after Pournami. The Amavasai, which occurs in the month of Puratasi, that is the end of September and the beginning of October, is considered of special importance and celebrated as Mahaliya Amavasai. Fasting during this day brings peace to the belated and ancestors. It is a ritual to give Annadhanam (food) to Brahmins on this day.

Astrologically Unique New MoonTo calculate This New Moon has great significance because both the Sun as well as the Moon are placed in the same sign Cancer. Again, Cancer is the sign of Moon, it indicates Mother, and is very favorable to Sun. Also, as per Vedic tenets, the Sun signifies your Father and soul, while the Moon represents your Mother and mind. Since the planets denoting your parents are together in a beneficial sign, your departed ancestors are most pleased during this time and can bestow fortunes on you.

The New Moon of TranformationThe Aadi month is the month of transformation, as it marks the beginning of the Dakshinayana period (southern transit of the Sun) which is considered as the night time for the celestial beings (one human year equals one day for divine). There are 96 special days in the year for honoring one's departed ancestors. Of these, Aadi Amavasai is not to be missed, as this is the first New Moon in the Aadi month and the first New Moon of Dakshinayana. Since Dakshinayana is also called Pitrayana (the period of the Pithrus or ancestors), the blessings of the departed ancestors are abundantly available during this time to transform your life.

A Most Powerful New MoonWhen a New Moon falls on Monday (or Moon's Day), it signifies a very rare auspicious time. It can happen once a year, or once in two years or so. When this combination of New Moon and Monday occurs, it brings a special energy to the earth plane. On this day, the departed ancestors are said to look after their living descendants. Any Tarpanam ritual done on this day immensely satisfies the ancestors and, as a result, they are willing to empower and fulfill the desires of their descendants.

AstroVed 'Aadi Amavasai' Offerings:On the occasion of Aadi Amavasai (August 9), we are organizing special Tarpanam ritual for those who want to honor the souls of their departed ancestors, including father, mother, paternal and maternal grandparents. We invite you to participate wholeheartedly in the Tarpanam ritual at the holy Rameswaram and express your gratitude towards your ancestors.