Significance of Amavasya

Amavasya, according to Purana, refers to the New Moon day, which holds significant importance in Hindu rituals. It is a time recognized for honoring deceased ancestors through specific rituals and for spiritual cleansing, often involving the application of ashes. This day is considered especially auspicious for performing shraddha, and it is believed to be a favorable moment for spiritual practices, highlighting the connection between prana and apana breaths, promoting spiritual balance.1
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Synonyms: New moon, Dark moon, No moon, Moonless night

In Dutch: Amavasya; In Finnish: Amavasya; In Spanish: Amavasya

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Amavasya'

Hinduism Books

Amavasya, in Hinduism, signifies the New Moon day dedicated to honoring ancestors through rituals like shraddha. It symbolizes spiritual balance and cleansing, marking a crucial time for performing significant spiritual practices.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The conjunction of prana and apana breaths, leading to a state of spiritual balance.[1]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) A specific day (New Moon) that is significant in Hindu rituals, particularly for the application of ashes for spiritual cleansing.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras

(1) This is an astronomical term for the conjunction of the sun and moon, commonly known as the new moon.[3]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

The concept of Amavasya in local and regional sources

History Books

Amavasya, identified as kuhu, is a significant lunar day in the Hindu calendar, representing one of the 15 tithis. It holds cultural and religious importance, often associated with new beginnings and ancestral rituals.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Amavasya is the name for kuhu, a tithi, a lunar day, and is part of the 15 tithis mentioned in the text.[4]

The concept of Amavasya in scientific sources

Science Books

Amavasya, the new moon day, serves as a crucial reference point for comparing the growth outcomes of Ashwagandha, highlighting its effects in contrast to those observed during the full moon.