It is believed that the water of the holiest and holy river in Hinduism, the Ganges, turns into nectar on the day of Mauni Amavasya. Because of this belief, the day of Mauni Amavasya is the most important day in the Hindu calendar for a sacred bath in the Ganges.
According to the North Indian calendar, Mauni Amavasya falls in the middle of the month of Magha and is also known as Maghi Amavasya. Many people agree to take a sacred bath in the Ganges, not only on the day of Mauni Amavasya but also throughout Magha Mahina. The daily bathing ritual begins at Paush Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima day.
This is the month in which the famous Kumbh Mela and the annual Magh Mela take place in Sangam in Prayag or Allahabad and is known as Amrit Yoga Day and Kumbh Parva Day. It is a great bathing day, and as important as Kartik Purnima. On this day, a fast is observed and donations are done. Early in the morning, after ablutions, the dead ancestors are offered libations and Dakshina is given to the poor according to one’s means and ability.
On Magh Purnima day, Sri Vishnu is worshiped after bathing. Just like Makar Sankranti, donating food, clothes, etc to Brahmanas are considered sacred on this day. Sri Vishnu blesses anyone who bathes on this day in a holy river. He blesses such a person with happiness, contentment, wealth, etc.
Sri Satyanarayana is worshiped on Magh Purnima day. He is worshiped with fruits, banana leaves, supari, bread, til, pan, roli, kumkum etc. Panchamrit is made with milk, honey, banana, Ganga Jal, tulsi and sweets. Prasad is made by mixing wheat and sugar and roasting them. Sri Satyanarayana is worshiped after this Katha. After this Goddess Laxmi, Shiva and Sri Brahma.
The month of Magh has also been considered important from a scientific point of view. The month of Magh helps the body adapt to the changing seasons. The Magh month is the transition from autumn to winter. The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter. New plants and flowers can be seen everywhere.
Therefore, taking a bath in the morning in this month gives a person power and strength. This proves that if a person keeps his soul pure and engages in religious activities, he becomes more powerful to face all problems with ease.
It is believed that Vishwamitra performed the ritual bath during the Kumbh Mela on Magh Purnima in 2382 BC. Magh Purnima is an important bathing date during Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela.
Mauni Amavasya on Saturday, January 21, 2023
Amavasya Tithi Starts- 30:17+ on January 20, 2023
Amavasya Tithi Ends – 26:22+ on January 21, 2023
