Pausha Amavasya is the new moon (Amavasya) that falls in the Hindu month of Pausha, around December each year. According to the Hindu panchang, Pausha is the tenth month of the year and holds immense significance for rites dedicated to one’s ancestors — including Pind Daan, Til Daan and Tila Tarpan. The tarpan performed on Pausha Amavasya is considered especially powerful for winning the blessings of the forefathers.
The Significance of Pausha Amavasya
In Hinduism, the month of Pausha is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, which is why it is also known as the Paushya Lakshmi month. On the day of Pausha Amavasya, Dhana Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Dhanya Lakshmi (goddess of nourishment and grain) are worshipped for growth and prosperity in life. Many Hindu families perform special pujas on this day to please these two aspects of Goddess Lakshmi.
Ancestor Worship (Tarpan) on Pausha Amavasya
Pausha Amavasya is one of the most important days of the year for honouring ancestors. Performing tarpan — offerings of water, sesame (til) and prayers to the forefathers — is believed to bring their blessings, peace to the family lineage, and freedom from ancestral (Pitru) debts.
Charity and Donations (Daan)
Astrologically, it is advised to practise Vastra Daan (donation of clothes) and Anna Daan (donation of food) on Pausha Amavasya for remarkable benefits. These donations are believed to:
- Remove negativity and inauspicious influences from life
- Bring prosperity and happiness
- Nullify the negative effects of the planets Ketu, Rahu, Shani (Saturn) and Guru (Jupiter)
Those going through the Mahadasha or Antardasha of these planets can perform large-scale charity and offerings to devotees on this day to ease the difficulties these periods can bring.
Benefits of Pausha Amavasya Puja
Those who sincerely participate in the worship and charity of Pausha Amavasya are believed to receive abundant blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Peace and harmony in the family
- Financial security and abundant wealth
- Fulfilment of desires
- Freedom from negativity and planetary afflictions
Somvati Amavasya: When Amavasya Falls on a Monday
When Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya — considered especially auspicious. Monday is associated with the Moon, and the shastras say that worship and charity performed on a Somvati Amavasya help remove the negative effects of a weak Moon in a person’s horoscope, bringing emotional balance and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pausha Amavasya?
Pausha Amavasya is the new moon day in the Hindu month of Pausha (around December). It is dedicated to ancestor worship (tarpan), Goddess Lakshmi, and charity for prosperity.
What rituals are performed on Pausha Amavasya?
The key rituals are tarpan and Pind Daan for ancestors, worship of Dhana Lakshmi and Dhanya Lakshmi, and charity such as Vastra Daan (clothes) and Anna Daan (food).
What is the significance of tarpan on Pausha Amavasya?
Tarpan on Pausha Amavasya is offered to honour one’s ancestors. It is believed to win their blessings, bring peace to the family lineage, and relieve ancestral (Pitru) debts.
What is Somvati Amavasya?
Somvati Amavasya is an Amavasya that falls on a Monday. As Monday is ruled by the Moon, worship and charity on this day are believed to strengthen a weak Moon in the horoscope.
Which donations are best on Pausha Amavasya?
Vastra Daan (donation of clothes) and Anna Daan (donation of food) are especially recommended. They are believed to remove negativity and nullify the ill effects of Rahu, Ketu, Saturn and Jupiter.
Get Personalised Amavasya Guidance
To understand how planetary periods like Mahadasha and Antardasha are affecting you, and which Amavasya remedies suit your chart, get your Vedic Astrology Consultation report from AstroKapoor.
