Learn how many times the Peepal tree is circled on Somvati Amavasya.

"Somvati Amavasya" is a unique occurrence in a month's lunar cycle, specifically falling on a Monday. This lunar phenomenon happens once or twice a year. It holds significance due to its connection with the worship of the Peepal tree and Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati. Observing this ritual is believed to yield the merit of donating a thousand cows. Married women perform rituals on Somvati Amavasya, offering their prayers to the Peepal tree. They encircle the Peepal tree 108 times, while holding a sacred thread or raw cotton thread, known as "mauli" in Hindi. This observance eradicates domestic troubles and absolves sins. Married women pray for the longevity of their husbands during this ritual.

Puja Procedure: One should wake up before sunrise on the day of "Somvati Amavasya". After bathing, begin by invoking Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. Before commencing any auspicious task, it is essential to invoke Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bestower of auspiciousness. Then, offer your prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, married women offer worship to the Peepal tree, adorning it with milk, water, flowers, rice grains, sandalwood, and more. They also perform a ritualistic circumambulation around the tree while holding a sacred thread (sūt) wrapped around the tree 108 times.

A mixture of rice, betel leaves, and turmeric is prepared and offered to the Tulsi plant following a specific ritual. Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers on this day is also considered significant. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma informed Yudhishthira about the importance of bathing in sacred rivers on this day. He stated that a person who bathes in holy rivers on this day will attain prosperity, health, and liberation from all sorrows.

After performing the morning worship, it is necessary to light a lamp in the evening. Using sandalwood, a ceremonial pot (kalash), flowers, vermillion, lamp, bangles, Bindi, incense, ghee, rice grains, a garland, and sweets for offering results in obtaining great spiritual merit. After concluding the puja, one should engage in acts of charity. Donating milk and rice holds special significance on this day. Feeding cows with roti (bread), jaggery, and fodder is also important, as it is believed to grant rewards equivalent to a pilgrimage to the four sacred places (Char Dham).

In some customs, it is believed that using oil is avoided on this day, touching oil and indulging in tamasic (dark, negative) foods is prohibited.

On "Somvati Amavasya," married women observe a fasting ritual to seek the blessings of the divine and to wish for happiness and peace in their marital lives. Through this observance, they express their desire for a harmonious and joyful married life. Believers trust that God listens to the troubles of their devotees and provides solutions.

Writer: - Ruchi Tewari