Worship and Aarti on Somvati Amavasya: Auspicious Fruits of Devotion to Shiva and the Ancestors

Somvati Amavasya stands as a rare and sacred time, not only for offering peace to one's ancestors but equally for receiving the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is said that one who observes this day with devotion opens the path to peace, prosperity and inner harmony in life.

A Union of Ancestral Grace and Shiva’s Blessing

Amavasya occurs every lunar month but when it coincides with a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya - an uncommon and highly auspicious occurrence. On this day, rituals such as bathing in sacred rivers, charitable giving, worshipping the sacred Peepal tree and offering tarpan to ancestors are considered spiritually rewarding. Along with this, heartfelt worship of Lord Shiva removes life’s inner blockages and distress.

How to Perform the Puja and Aarti

• Rise during Brahma Muhurta and bathe
• Visit a Shiva temple and offer Gangajal or pure water to the Shivling
• Apply white sandalwood paste and offer bilva leaves (bilpatra)
• Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or other Vedic mantras with focus
• Light a lamp using camphor and pure ghee and perform Shiva’s aarti
• After that, perform aarti of Pitru Devatas and offer water with reverence

Aarti of Lord Shiva

Om Jai Shiv Onkara
Om Jai Shiv Onkara
Brahma Vishnu Sada Shiva Arddhangi Dhara
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raje
Hansanan Garudasana Vrishavahana Saje
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Ati Sohe
Trigun Roop Nirakhta Tribhuvan Jan Mohe
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Aksha Mala Bana Mala Rundamala Dhaari
Chandan Mrigamad Sohai Bhale Shashidhari
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Shvetambar Peetambar Baghambar Ange
Sanakadik Garunadik Bhootadik Sange
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Kar Ke Madhya Kamandalu Chakra Trishul Dharta
Jagakarta Jagabharta Jagasamharkarta
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva Janat Aviveka
Pranavakshar Madhye Ye Teeno Eka
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Kashi Mein Vishwanath Virajat Nandi Brahmachari
Nitya Uthi Bhog Lagavat Mahima Ati Bhari
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Trigun Shivaji Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gave
Kahat Shivanand Swami Manvanchhit Phal Pave
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

Jai Shiv Onkara Har Om Shiv Onkara
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva Addhangi Dhara
Om Jai Shiv Onkara

This aarti glorifies the many forms and attributes of Mahadev - the ruler of time, the embodiment of awareness and the essence of Omkara. It praises his universal form as the synthesis of the energies of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva Himself. He unfolds as Ekamukha (one-faced), Chaturmukha (four-faced), Panchamukha (five-faced) - riding Hamsa, Garuda or Nandi. With varying arms, from two to ten, He enchants the beings of all three worlds.

He wears garlands of skulls, rudraksha and forest flowers. The crescent moon rests on His forehead, glowing with sandal fragrance. His attire ranges from white and yellow cloth to tiger skin. Surrounded by divine sages like Sanaka, Garuda and the bhutaganas, He carries kamandalu, chakra and trishula in His hands.

The aarti affirms that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are unified in the Pranava sound - Om. As the Lord of Kashi in the form of Vishwanath, He accepts daily offerings from devotees with compassion. Swami Shivānanda, in this aarti, conveys that one who sings it with unwavering devotion receives the blessings of Lord Shiva and the fulfillment of heart’s true prayers.

Meaning in English

You are Brahma. You are Vishnu. You are Rudra. You are Indra. You are Agni and Vayu.
You are the Sun. You are the Moon.
You are the Supreme Brahman - the essence of Bhuh, Bhuvah and Svah.

This mantra is a deep invocation of divinity within form and formlessness. It recognizes the supreme truth residing in all deities and all elements, thereby sanctifying the practitioner’s intention before beginning ancestral and Shiva worship.

Aarti of the Ancestors (Pitru Devata)

The aarti for Pitru Devatas is performed after offering water and prayers to the departed souls. In this ritual, the practitioner acknowledges the presence and contribution of ancestors and seeks their peaceful journey and support for future progress of the family lineage.

Jai jai pitar ji maharaj
Main sharan padha tumhari
Sharan padha hoon tumhari deva
Rakh lena laaj hamari
Jai jai pitru ji maharaj, main sharan padha tumhari

Aap hi rakshak aap hi data
Aap hi khevanhare
Main moorakh hoon kachu nahin janu
Aap hi ho rakhware
Jai jai pitru ji maharaj, main sharan padha tumhari

Aap khade hain hardam har ghadi
Karne meri rakhwari
Hum sab jan hain sharan aapki
Hai ye arj gujari
Jai jai pitru ji maharaj, main sharan padha tumhari

Desh aur pardesh sab jagah
Aap hi karo sahai
Kaam pade par naam aapke
Lage bahut sukhadai
Jai jai pitru ji maharaj, main sharan padha tumhari

Bhakt sabhi hain sharan aapki
Apne sahit parivar
Raksha karo aap hi sabki
Rahoon main barambar
Jai jai pitru ji maharaj, main sharan padha tumhari

Jai jai pitar ji maharaj
Main sharan padha hoon tumhari
Sharan padha hoon tumhari deva
Rakhiyao laaj hamari
Jai jai pitru ji maharaj, main sharan padha tumhari

A Simple Way to Receive Auspicious Results

If your wish is to earn the grace of blessed ancestors, to cleanse the consequences of past actions and to establish steadiness and success through Shiva’s grace - observe the rites of Somvati Amavasya sincerely. This day is not just a calendar marking. It is an opening for purification of the soul, peace of the departed and sacred alignment with divine energies. Use this sacred occasion to offer worship, aarti and gratitude and allow your home and heart to carry the light of both remembrance and reverence.