The Story of Somvati Amavasya: Sacred Peepal Circumambulation and Liberation from Pitru Dosha

Somvati Amavasya is a day of profound spiritual weight in the Indian tradition. When the new moon falls on a Monday, it is known as Somvati Amavasya. This sacred occasion is especially observed for rituals dedicated to ancestors, the worship of Shiva and honoring the Peepal tree. It is believed that all virtuous actions performed on this day bear multiplied results. Have you ever wondered why circumambulation (parikrama) of the Peepal tree is performed on this day? There lies an ancient story, essential for every devotee to understand and absorb.

The Brahmin’s Virtuous Daughter and the Barrier to Marriage

Long ago, a poor but deeply devout Brahmin lived with his wife and their only daughter. This daughter was beautiful, virtuous and respectful of her parents. Every day she engaged in worship, served Brahmins and honored her parents. Yet, a persistent cloud hovered over their family - her marriage was endlessly delayed by obstacles. Years passed and despite their many efforts, the girl’s marriage could not be arranged. The parents became anxious and weary. They tried every possible remedy and consulted many learned astrologers but no solution appeared.

The Arrival of a Sage and the Revelation

One day, an elderly ascetic, suffering from hunger and thirst, arrived at their threshold. The Brahmin and his wife greeted him with respect, offered him food and shared the distress they felt for their daughter. The sage looked at the girl with deep focus, entered a meditative state and, after a while, said:

"Your daughter is virtuous but the barrier in her marriage is due to Pitru Dosha (ancestral affliction). Until this dosha is remedied, her marriage cannot take place."

With folded hands, the Brahmin humbly asked for guidance.

The Secret of Somvati Amavasya and the Parikrama of the Peepal Tree

The sage explained:

"On the day when Amavasya falls on a Monday - Somvati Amavasya - seek a chaste, devoted married woman. Let your daughter perform 108 circumambulations of the Peepal tree with this woman. During parikrama, meditate upon Lord Vishnu and the ancestors. Then, offer tarpan to the forebears, feed Brahmins and give alms to the needy. Only then will the dosha be lifted and the way cleared for your daughter’s marriage."

With the arrival of Somvati Amavasya, the Brahmin searched for such a devoted and virtuous woman. He found one, renowned for her loyalty to her husband and noble character.

Worship, Parikrama and Divine Resolution

On Somvati Amavasya, the Brahmin, his wife, their daughter and this devoted woman gathered at the Peepal tree. The Brahmin couple first performed worship, then the daughter, with the chaste woman, completed 108 circumambulations of the tree. They carried out the ritual worship, poured Gangajal, offered flowers and lit a lamp. Afterward, they offered tarpan to their ancestors, fed the hungry and gave alms to Brahmins according to their means.

Within a short time, the daughter’s marriage was arranged with a worthy and noble suitor. She enjoyed a happy, peaceful and prosperous life. Thus, through circumambulation, tarpan and worship performed on Somvati Amavasya, the impossible became possible.

What Does This Story Teach?

This story reminds us that the path of dharma, faith and devotion holds the solution to life’s challenges. On Somvati Amavasya, the parikrama of the Peepal tree, ancestral worship and devotion to Shiva can remove Pitru Dosha, obstacles to marriage and other family hardships.

• Especially, women observe this vrat for the long life of their husbands, the blessing of children and family prosperity.
• This vrat inspires purity in mind, speech and action.

Mantra from Ganapati Atharvashirsha (for Spiritual Merit)

As part of the puja, the following mantra may be chanted for sanctifying the mind and space:

Sanskrit

त्वं ब्रह्मा त्वं विष्णुस्त्वं रुद्रस्त्वं इन्द्रस्त्वं अग्निस्त्वं वायुः।
त्वं सूर्यस्त्वं चन्द्रमास्त्वं ब्रह्मा भूर्भुव: स्वरोम्॥

Tvam brahma tvam vishnustvam rudrastvam indrastvam agnistvam vayuh
Tvam suryastvam chandramastvam brahma bhurbhuvah swarom

Meaning

You are Brahma. You are Vishnu. You are Rudra. You are Indra. You are Agni and Vayu. You are the Sun and also the Moon. You are the essence of all - the sacred Om that pervades earth, space and heaven.

The lesson of Somvati Amavasya is clear: steadfastness, devotion and the proper observance of sacred practices can transform the course of a life and family.