Margashirsha Amavasya, a revered day in Hinduism, holds great significance for spiritual seekers and devotees. This auspicious day falls on the lunar holiday of the Margashirsha month of the Hindu lunar calendar, a time traditionally associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga. It is believed that following the rituals of Margashirsha Amavasya can bring blessings from ancestors and invoke prosperity and peace in one’s life.

Margashirsha Amavasya 2024: Dates and Timings

Margashirsha Amavasya 2024 will take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The time starts at 10:29 AM on November 30 and ends at 11:50 AM on Sunday, December 1, 2024. As it falls on a Saturday, it is also known as Shani Amavasya, a day specifically dedicated to the worship of Lord Shani, who is believed to mitigate the effects of Shani Dosh.

Muhurat for Snan-Daan

Performing snan (bathing) and daan (charity) on Margashirsha Amavasya is considered highly auspicious, with specific timings for these activities enhancing their spiritual benefits:

• Brahma Muhurat: Brahma Muhurat on this day will be from 05:08 AM to 06:02 AM. It is the holiest time to take a holy dip in any holy river like Ganga, Yamuna or others.
• Abhijit Muhurat: To perform acts of charity, the Abhijit Muhurat will last from 11:49 AM to 12:31 PM. This is an ideal time to offer donations to the needy, which is believed to bring peace and happiness.

Margashirsha Amavasya: Rituals

On this day, devotees are encouraged to perform various rituals to invoke blessings for themselves and their ancestors. The most important rituals include:

• Walk Snan: Take a dip in the Ganga or any holy river for purification and spiritual blessings.
• The tarp: Pray to ancestors to bring peace to their souls and invoke their blessings.
• Charitable deeds: Donate food, clothes or money to the needy to get prosperity and happiness.
• Worship of Gods: Prays to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga for blessings and spiritual growth.
• Fasting and Prayers: Observing fasts and performing special prayers to resolve doshas and create stability.

Margashirsha Amavasya: Meaning

Margashirsha Amavasya is not only important for spiritual practices but is also believed to be a powerful time for resolving Kalsarp Dosh, Shani Dosh and Grah Dosh (planetary ailments). Many people observe fasts or offer special prayers to mitigate the negative effects of these doshas and seek relief and divine blessings.

Performing rituals on this day is said to end ongoing problems, bringing peace and stability to one’s life. It is also seen as an ideal day to seek the blessings of ancestors and ensure their divine presence in the family.