Washing Hair and Cutting Nails on Amavasya

Ancestral Anger or Disciplined Lifestyle

Amavasya is the date when Moon becomes completely invisible due to which water element on Earth and human mind sensitivity is at highest level. In ancient times when rivers and wells were only sources of water there was rule to keep water bodies clean and calm for pitru tarpan and meditation on Amavasya day. To avoid water getting contaminated from activities like washing hair or clothes and time of day be spent completely in self contemplation these activities were prohibited. Instead of linking this to fear of ancestral anger this should be seen as a disciplined lifestyle and respect towards environment. In today busy life if this has to be done in unavoidable circumstances then it can be done without any mental fear.

Spiritual Importance of Amavasya and Effect of Moon

Amavasya is an important date in Hindu calendar which is considered very auspicious for spiritual activities. On this day Moon does not come in front of Earth due to which night becomes completely dark. In astrology Amavasya is related to ancestors and forefathers.

Main aspects of Amavasya:

1. Moon Invisible: On Amavasya day Moon becomes completely invisible.
2. Water Element: Sensitivity of water element on Earth is highest.
3. Mental Sensitivity: Human mind becomes more sensitive.
4. Pitru Karma: Day for doing karma for ancestors and forefathers.
5. Spirituality: Very auspicious for spiritual activities.
6. Tarpan: Ancestors become pleased from pitru tarpan.
7. Charity: Virtue is obtained from doing charity.
8. Fast: Spiritual benefit is obtained from observing fast.

From these aspects it is clear that spiritual importance of Amavasya is very deep.

Why Washing Hair and Clothes was Prohibited

In ancient times washing hair clothes and cutting nails was considered prohibited on Amavasya day. Behind this there were scientific and spiritual reasons not only superstition.

Reasons for prohibition:

1. Water Conservation: There was rule to keep water sources clean and calm.
2. Pitru Tarpan: Purity of water was necessary for tarpan.
3. Self Contemplation: Time of day was to be spent in self contemplation and meditation.
4. Water Not Contaminated: Water should not get contaminated from washing hair or clothes.
5. Environment Respect: Respect towards environment was shown.
6. Discipline: Disciplined lifestyle was followed.
7. Energy Conservation: Physical energy was kept conserved.
8. Spirituality: Focus was on spiritual activities.

Due to these reasons these activities were prohibited.

Do Ancestors Actually Get Angry

This is a common question that comes in many people minds. Do ancestors actually get angry from washing hair or clothes on Amavasya day. From Vedic perspective answer is clear that ancestors see feeling not only external activities.

Main points:

1. Feeling is Primary: Ancestors see feeling and devotion.
2. No Anger: Ancestors do not get angry from small mistakes.
3. Purpose: Purpose was spirituality not frightening.
4. Unavoidable Circumstances: Can be done if necessary.
5. No Mental Fear: Do activities without mental fear.
6. Forgiveness: Ancestors are forgiving.
7. Karma: Results are obtained based on karma.
8. Devotion: Devotion and faith is most important.

From these points it is clear that there is no need to worry.

Rules of Amavasya in Modern Times

In today modern times lifestyle has changed and water sources are also different. In such times rules of Amavasya should be adopted with flexibility.

Modern perspective:

1. Flexibility: Rules should be adopted with flexibility.
2. Necessity: Can be done in unavoidable circumstances.
3. Feeling: Maintain feeling and devotion.
4. No Pollution: Do not pollute water.
5. Time Management: Take time out for spiritual activities.
6. Tarpan: Definitely do pitru tarpan.
7. Charity: Do charity.
8. Fast: Observe fast if possible.
9. Meditation: Do meditation and prayer.
10. Devotion: Maintain devotion feeling.

By following these things Amavasya can be observed.

What to Do and What Not to Do on Amavasya

On Amavasya day some activities are considered auspicious to do and some should be avoided.

What to do:

1. Bath: Wake up early in morning and take bath.
2. Tarpan: Do pitru tarpan.
3. Charity: Do charity.
4. Fast: Observe fast.
5. Worship: Do worship and prayer.
6. Meditation: Do meditation.
7. Mantra: Chant mantras.
8. Lamp: Light lamp.
9. Food: Eat only once.
10. Devotion: Maintain devotion feeling.

What not to do:

1. Washing Hair: Avoid washing hair if possible.
2. Washing Clothes: Avoid washing clothes.
3. Cutting Nails: Avoid cutting nails.
4. Meat Alcohol: Do not consume meat and alcohol.
5. Lie: Avoid lying.
6. Anger: Avoid anger.
7. Theft: Avoid theft.
8. Violence: Avoid violence.
9. Bad Activities: Avoid bad activities.
10. Negativity: Avoid negative thinking.

By following these things full benefit of Amavasya is obtained.

Right Method and Importance of Pitru Tarpan

Doing pitru tarpan on Amavasya day is considered very auspicious. From this ancestors become pleased and provide blessings.

Tarpan method:

1. Time: Morning or evening time is excellent.
2. Bath: Take bath and wear clean clothes.
3. Place: Do tarpan in river well or at home.
4. Water: Mix sesame in water.
5. Mantra: Chant pitru mantras.
6. Tarpan: Do tarpan and offer water to ancestors.
7. Charity: Donate to Brahmins.
8. Food: Feed Brahmins.
9. Devotion: Maintain devotion feeling.
10. Prayer: Pray for blessings from ancestors.

From doing tarpan with this method ancestors become pleased.

Astrological Perspective and Effect of Moon

In astrology Amavasya is related to Moon which is significator of mind and emotions. On this day energy of Moon is minimum.

Effects of Moon:

1. Mental Sensitivity: Mind becomes more sensitive.
2. Emotions: Emotions become deeper.
3. Concentration: Concentration in meditation and prayer increases.
4. Spirituality: Spiritual progress happens.
5. Pitru Karma: Benefit is obtained from doing pitru karma.
6. Health: Effect happens on health.
7. Sleep: Disturbance in sleep can occur.
8. Stress: Mental stress can increase.
9. Energy: Energy level is low.
10. Discipline: Discipline and restraint is necessary.

Understanding these effects Amavasya should be observed.

Relation of Environment Conservation and Amavasya

One main objective of Amavasya rules was also environment conservation. In ancient times maintaining purity of water sources was very important.

Points of environment conservation:

1. Water Conservation: Keeping water sources clean.
2. No Pollution: Avoiding water pollution.
3. Environment Respect: Respect towards environment.
4. Natural Balance: Maintaining natural balance.
5. Purity: Maintaining purity of water.
6. Cleaning: Cleaning of water bodies.
7. Usage: Proper usage of water.
8. Conservation: Water conservation.
9. Respect: Respect of nature.
10. Discipline: Disciplined lifestyle.

From these points it is clear that Amavasya rules were also related to environment conservation.

FAQ

Is washing hair prohibited on Amavasya
If possible avoid but can be done in unavoidable circumstances

Do ancestors get angry
No ancestors see feeling do not get angry from small mistakes

What to do on Amavasya
Do tarpan donate observe fast and do worship

Can clothes be washed
If possible avoid but can be washed if necessary

What is importance of Amavasya
Day for pitru karma spirituality and self contemplation