The amavasya of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravan is known as Hariyali Amavasya. This is the time when the monsoon settles properly and the earth wears a mantle of greenery. It is regarded as the first amavasya of the Shravan month and carries deep religious value. On this day devotees especially worship Lord Shiva and express gratitude towards nature.
Hariyali Amavasya is not limited only to North India. In Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. In Maharashtra the same day is known as Gatari Amavasya. In Andhra Pradesh it is called Chukkala Amavasya and in Odisha it is respected as Chitalagi Amavasya. Names may differ yet the inner feeling remains that on this day one should pray for greenery, water and divine blessings.
What Is the Religious and Astrological Significance of Hariyali Amavasya
Hariyali Amavasya falls three days before Hariyali Teej. The entire Shravan month is considered dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this period rainwater becomes the foundation of agriculture. Good rainfall brings abundance of grain and protects from calamities like drought. Therefore Hariyali Amavasya is connected not only with worship but also with agriculture, water and environment.
According to Hindu tradition the month of Shravan is known as a period of special grace of the deities. Vrats, worship, charity and chanting performed in this month are considered more fruitful compared to normal days. On the day of Hariyali Amavasya performing Pitru Tarpan and charity is regarded as highly auspicious. On this day worship of the Peepal tree also holds special importance because Peepal is considered the dwelling place of the trinity.
Peepal Worship and Pitru Tarpan Tradition on Hariyali Amavasya
On the morning of Hariyali Amavasya devotees wake up early and take a bath. They purify the home altar with Ganga water or clean water. Then they go near a Peepal tree and offer water, milk or water mixed with milk at its roots. Turmeric, vermillion, rice grains and flowers are offered. Circumambulation is done around the Peepal while remembering Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Brahma.
On this day the tradition of Pitru Tarpan is also followed. Sesame, water and tarpan are offered in the name of the ancestors with the feeling that their souls may be pleased and grant blessings. Many people also arrange meals for Brahmins, feed cows, offer grains to birds and donate clothes or food to the needy.
| Main Acts of Hariyali Amavasya | Brief description |
|---|
| Pitru Tarpan | Remembering ancestors with sesame and water offering |
| Peepal worship | Offering water, milk, turmeric, vermillion and flowers |
| Shiva worship | Rudrabhisheka, bilva leaves, incense and lamp |
| Charity | Food and clothes donation to Brahmins, cows and poor |
Shiva Worship and Method of Vrat on Hariyali Amavasya
On Hariyali Amavasya there is special arrangement for worship of Lord Shiva. After the morning bath devotees wear white or light green clothes and visit Shiva temples. Abhisheka of the Shiva Linga is performed with water, milk, curd, honey and ghee. Along with this bilva leaves, dhatura, sacred ash, sandal paste and flowers are offered.
During Shiva worship many devotees chant the five syllable mantra "Om Namah Shivaya". Its Roman form is Om Namah Shivaya and its meaning is "Salutations to Lord Shiva". The vrat observed on this day is usually not completely waterless. Most people follow fruit based fasting or take one simple sattvic meal. Food is taken only after completing the puja and evening aarti.
In Shiva temples special darshans, Rudrabhisheka and devotional singing are arranged. Women pray to Shiva and Parvati for the long life, health and happiness of their husbands and for a harmonious married life.
Simple Hariyali Amavasya Practices to Reduce Obstacles
Those who repeatedly face obstacles, quarrels and financial ups and downs may follow simple practices on Hariyali Amavasya. In the morning they may offer water mixed with a little raw milk at the roots of the Peepal tree. After three or seven circumambulations they may mentally chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya". Its Roman form is Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya and it means "Salutations to Lord Vasudeva".
In the evening it is considered auspicious to light two lamps at the main entrance of the house. One lamp is filled with sesame oil, the other with ghee. This practice is believed to reduce negativity in the house and attract the grace of Goddess Lakshmi.
Divaaso Festival and Avrat Jivrat Vrat in Gujarat
In Gujarat Hariyali Amavasya is also known as Divaaso. On this day a special lamp filled with ghee is lit and efforts are made to keep it burning for about thirty six hours. This lamp is regarded as a symbol of spiritual awakening and of removal of darkness.
The day is also associated with Avrat Jivrat Vrat which is performed to please Goddess Parvati. Women sit near the continuously burning lamp and pray for long life, health and happiness of their family members.
Bheemana Amavasya and Jyoti Bheemeshwara Vratam in Karnataka
In Karnataka Hariyali Amavasya is observed as Bheemana Amavasya or Jyoti Bheemeshwara Vratam. Women are the main observers of this vrat. Unmarried girls fast to obtain a worthy life partner. Married women keep fast for the well being of their husbands, brothers and fathers.
This vrat is traditionally observed for nine consecutive years. On this day special lamps made of flour called Thambittu Diya are prepared. Ghee or oil is filled in these lamps and they are lit in front of Shiva and Parvati during the puja.
Gatari Amavasya in Maharashtra and Preparation for Shravan Month
In Maharashtra Hariyali Amavasya is known as Gatari Amavasya. This day symbolises joy and celebration. In many regions people prepare rich meals, sometimes including non vegetarian dishes. The idea is that from the coming Shravan month onwards food habits will become simpler and more restrained and focus will shift to fasting, worship and spiritual practice.
During Shravan many devotees either observe day long fast with one meal or restrict themselves to fruits and milk. Gatari Amavasya is therefore seen as a farewell to old indulgent habits and a welcome to the sacred days ahead.
Deep Puja, Ashta Aishwarya and Worship of Pancha Mahabhuta
In many places the evening of Hariyali Amavasya is devoted to Deep Puja. Homes are cleaned and decorated with colourful lamps and diyas. During Deep Puja devotees bow to their Ishta Devata, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Saraswati and to the five great elements, that is air, water, fire, sky and earth.
It is believed that Deep Puja brings Ashta Aishwarya, the eight forms of prosperity. These include wealth, grains, progeny, happiness, health, fame, knowledge and spiritual progress. The light of the lamp is said to remove inner darkness, fear and negative thoughts and to bring new enthusiasm and positivity in life.
What is considered the main spiritual purpose of Hariyali Amavasya?
The main purpose of Hariyali Amavasya is to express gratitude for nature, rain and greenery, to remember ancestors through Pitru Tarpan and to receive blessings of Lord Shiva and other deities.
Can everyone observe the Hariyali Amavasya Vrat?
Yes. Men and women, married and unmarried, all can observe the vrat according to their capacity and take a resolve for Peepal worship, Shiva puja and charity.
Which charity is especially auspicious on this day?
Donating food, clothes, sesame and jaggery, serving cows, feeding birds and offering tarpan in the name of ancestors are considered highly auspicious.
Is only Shiva worship necessary on Hariyali Amavasya?
Primarily Lord Shiva is worshipped but along with Him worship of Goddess Parvati, Peepal tree, Deep Puja and Pitru Tarpan are also regarded as important parts of this day.
Is Deep Puja and Peepal worship believed to reduce negativity at home?
Traditional belief is that regular lamps, Peepal worship and truthful conduct purify the home atmosphere, reduce negativity and increase peace and prosperity in the family.
