Significance of New moon days
According to various religious traditions, New-moon day holds significant spiritual and ritualistic importance. In Jainism, it signifies new beginnings and the union of kings. The day is considered auspicious for rituals like Shraddha, honoring ancestors in Hinduism, and is marked by the moon's absence, symbolizing a fresh start. It is also viewed in astrological contexts, impacting births and other ceremonies. Overall, New-moon day represents a crucial time across cultures for spiritual observance and initiating various religious practices.
Synonyms: Dark moon, Moonless night
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'New moon days'
In Buddhism, New-moon day signifies the day Venerable Maha Moggallana attained parinibbana and serves as a designated lunar day for important monastic observances, specific activities, and actions contrasting with full-moon days.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A specific day in the lunar calendar when certain activities, such as invitations, may be conducted.[1]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A day in the lunar calendar designated for important monastic observances and practices.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Specifically refers to occasions that hold a significance in terms of permitted actions, contrasting to full-moon days.[3]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The day on which the Venerable Maha Moggallana entered parinibbana, illustrating another significant event in the timeline.[4]
Hindu concept of 'New moon days'
New-moon day in Hinduism signifies a day of absence of the moon, marked by rituals, dietary restrictions, and auspicious practices, particularly for performing Shraddha and other sacred ceremonies tied to spiritual benefits and family honor.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The specific day linked to particular religious observances, stating that those who encounter the Candradityeshvara on this day will not face the afterlife consequences.[5] (2) A significant day in the lunar calendar, marked by darkness and new beginnings, ideal for worship.[6] (3) A sacred time when spiritual offerings made, such as rice balls, are believed to yield multiplied benefits.[7] (4) A specific day recognized for performing rituals and seeking blessings from ancestors.[8] (5) Another auspicious time for performing the holy bath at the Bhutishvara.[9]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) A significant time when performing shraddha at Sannihiti yields exceptional spiritual rewards.[10] (2) A significant day in the lunar calendar marked by the absence of the moon, often associated with particular rituals and observances.[11] (3) An auspicious time when the characters were instructed to bathe for purification.[12] (4) A lunar phase marking the beginning of the moon's cycle, considered auspicious for religious activities.[13] (5) A significant day in the lunar calendar often marked by specific rituals like offerings to ancestors.[14]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) A specific lunar day considered particularly auspicious for performing shraddha.[15] (2) An important day when Rahu kills an enemy positioned in the north-west.[16] (3) A day marking the opposite movement of Rahu compared to the full-moon day.[17] (4) The lunar day recognized for its significance in various religious practices, including worship of deity Brahma.[18]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A day on which there are prohibitions related to dental cleansing with a twig.[19] (2) A day associated with specific prohibitions regarding personal hygiene practices such as teeth brushing.[20] (3) Another lunar day significant for performing the described rituals.[21]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) Days that mark the lunar cycle and are often significant for performing specific religious observances.[22] (2) The day when the Moon is absent from the night sky, culminating the dark half.[23] (3) A significant day in the lunar calendar during which specific vows or fasting may be observed as part of the holy rites.[24]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) A phase in the lunar cycle when the moon is not visible, significant for certain rituals and the consumption of nectar by the Pitris.[25] (2) A significant lunar day marked by the absence of the moon's visible disc, when King Pururavas would engage in rituals to honor the Pitris.[26] (3) A significant day for performing Shraddha with special care, believed to yield benefits.[27]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) The designated time for the Nagas to deposit offerings to Garuda at a specific location.[28]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) An auspicious time as per Vedic rituals, particularly for conducting the shraddha ceremony to honor ancestors.[29]
From: The Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A specific lunar phase deemed auspicious for conducting shraddhas.[30]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) Specific days in the lunar calendar significant for certain practices and rituals.[31]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The day when the moon is not visible, designated for fasting and specific rituals.[32] (2) A specific day where an offerer of sacrifices should perform the relevant rituals; if missed, a cake on eight potsherds must be offered to pathikrit Agni.[33] (3) A specific time identified for performing certain rituals including the consecration of the priest.[34] (4) Another designated day for entering the vow, suggesting a time for sacrificial acts after certain preliminary rituals.[35] (5) A significant day during which certain dietary restrictions apply, including a prohibition on drinking milk for the sacrificer's sons.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The day marking the end of the dark half of the month, during which practitioners of Candrayana shall fast.[37] (2) The day on which the Yavamadhyama penance starts, marked by fasting.[38] (3) A day in the lunar calendar observed for specific religious observances, including the performance of certain shraddhas, or ancestor rituals.[39] (4) Specific days in the lunar calendar associated with making offerings to the gods.[40] (5) One of the two specific days in the lunar month when the practitioner may consume boiled barley-gruel.[41]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Specific days in the lunar cycle that hold significance and require interruption of Veda recitation.[42] (2) The day on which the new moon occurs, identified as important for certain actions and rituals.[43] (3) An auspicious time mentioned for kindling the fire, suggesting the importance of lunar phases in ritual timings.[44]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific day in the lunar calendar during which the penance ritual for breaking the vow of chastity is performed.[45] (2) A specific day marked by the new moon when studies should be interrupted if certain conditions are met.[46]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A specific day in the lunar calendar recognized for fasting and spiritual observances.[47]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The day when the moon is not visible, marking a significant point in the lunar calendar often associated with new beginnings.[48]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Days associated with the lunar cycle when the Vedic study is to be interrupted for specified durations.[49]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific day in the lunar calendar when the moon is not visible; an important time for performing Shraddha.[50]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A day observed for performing the expiatory ceremony, believed to hold special significance.[51]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A sacred day dedicated to the pitris (ancestors) where particular works and rituals may commence.[52] (2) Another lunar phase referenced for its significance in determining economic predictions.[53]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A specific day in the lunar cycle that marks the beginning of a new month and serves as a significant time for initiation in the spiritual process.[54]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A specific time considered favorable for making offerings of food.[55]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A specific day in the lunar calendar when the wrestling matches are celebrated.[56]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A day associated with certain astrological implications, particularly for births, as stated in Vedic astrology.[57]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A lunar phase under which Sarvanandanatha's miraculous achievement of Siddhi was said to have occurred, marked by the appearance of a perfect full moon.[58]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) Another type of occasion that is advised against for carrying out Shankusthapana activities.[59]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The specific time when the moon begins its cycle, symbolizing a state of bashfulness as the moon hides during this phase.[60]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Specific days of the lunar cycle designated for performing rituals or ceremonies for the horses.[61]
Jain concept of 'New moon days'
In Jainism, New-moon day symbolizes new beginnings and the union of two kings, while also marking a significant lunar cycle day that influences natural tides, akin to the full-moon's effects.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Symbolizing new beginnings and the significance of the union of the two kings.[62]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Another important day in the lunar cycle when the moon is not visible, impacting the tides of the Salt Sea in a manner similar to the full-moon day.[63]