Mauni Amavasya 2023 – Know its Date, Time, Significance & Rituals to Follow
Mauni Amavasya is sometimes called Mauna Amavasya. According to the Hindu calendar, it takes place in Magha. However, according to the Gregorian calendar, Mauni Amavasya 2023 will occur in January. Occasionally, however, the occasion may occur in February as well.
Mauni or Mauna is the Hawaiian word for quiet. The majority of Hindus maintain a fast of utter silence on this particular day. According to mythology, on this day, people celebrate the birthday of the sage Manu and observe the Maun Vrat to obtain the quality of flawless speech. In addition, this day is particularly favorable for performing penance and praying for God’s forgiveness. However, avoiding specific work on this day provides immediate protection against the negative energy in the environment.
According to the Hindu calendar, Mauni Amavasya 2023 will occur in the middle of the Magha month. Consequently, it is also known as Maghi Amavasya. Many devotees vow to bathe in the Ganges’ sacred waters throughout the entire month of Magha to gain salvation and remission of sins.
The holy bathing period begins on Pausha Purnima and concludes on Magha Purnima. On Mauni Amavasya, drinking and bathing in the Ganges water aid in the attainment of insight.
Mauni Amavasya 2023: Time, Date, Bath
| Event | Date and Time |
| Mauni Amavasya 2023 Date | Saturday, Jan 21, 2023 |
| Amavasya Begins On | Jan 21, 2023, at 06:17 pm |
| Amavasya Ends On | Feb 22, 2023 at 02:22 am |
Mauni Amavasya 2023: Significance of Ganga Snan
Ganga Snan is another significant rite linked with this day. This custom of taking a sacred bath is widespread. The Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela are appropriate for the event. In northern India, particularly in Prayagraj, bathing in the Ganges is a significant event. The event is also known as Amrit Yoga Day or Kumbh Parv. People in Andhra Pradesh celebrate Mauni Amavasya as Cholangi Amavasya. In various places in India, Darsha Amavasya is also a common name.
What rites should be observed during the 2023 Mauni Amavasya?
- Wake up during the Brahma Muhurat i.e. between 3 am to 6 am.
- Take a bath in the River Ganga, and if you are not able to do that bathe in clean water or add some “Gangajal” in a bucket of water and then bathe with that water.
- Chant the mantra written below while bathing with the holy water.
‘Gange cha yamune chaiva godavari saraswati. Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalऽsminsannidhi kuru.’
- After bathing, meditate in the name of Lord Vishnu and take an oath of silence or “Maun Vrat” for the day.
- Now circumambulate the Tulsi 108 times.
- Donate money, food, and clothes to the poor after worshipping.
- Ensure that you remain silent right after taking the bath and chant the mantra mentioned above in your mind throughout the day.
In Hinduism, the day of Mauni Amavasya is also appropriate for the eradication of Pitra Dosha. Therefore, they should offer Tarpan to their Pitras or ancestors to ask for forgiveness and blessings. In addition, humans can feed dogs, crows, cows, and lepers. Giving to charity is another essential practice of the day. Donate food, clothing, and other necessities to the poor and needy on this day. Moreover, it is required by law to donate sesame oil to Shani Dev.
Importance of the Mauni Amavasya 2023
In Hinduism, silence, or Mauna, is an essential component of spiritual discipline. The word mauni is derived from the Hindi word muni, which signifies a sanyasi (saint) who remains silent. Consequently, the term Mauna appropriately denotes attaining unification with the Self.
Ancient Hindu master Adi Shankaracharya classified Mauna as one of the three essential characteristics of a saint. Hindu sage Ramana Maharshi advocated the practice of silence for spiritual advancement in modern times. He believes that silence is more potent than thought or words. It links the individual to himself. Mauni Amavasya should be practiced to settle a restless mind.
Hindu adherents place great importance on taking a plunge in the holy water. According to Hindu texts, on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, the water in the sacred river Ganga transforms into nectar. On this day, worshippers from far and wide bathe in the Ganges. From Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima, the entire month of Magh is good for bathing. However, the most significant day is Mauni Amavasya.
Mauni Amavasya 2023: Mythological Narrative
Brahmin Devaswami’s narrative about Mauni Amavasya is the most well-known. Once upon a time, a Brahmin named Devaswami and his wife Dhanavati, sons, and virtuous daughter resided in Kanchipuram. His sons were all married. He had a single daughter who was eligible for marriage. Therefore, he began looking for a suitable match for his daughter.
In addition, he sends his eldest son to the city with his daughter’s horoscope to find a good marriage. Her son presented a skilled astrologer with his sister’s horoscope. After her marriage, he predicted she would become a widow.
When Devaswami learned of his daughter’s fate, he grew anxious and consulted the astrologer for advice. The astrologer suggested asking Soma, a Sinhal Dweep washerwoman, to do a particular pooja. If the woman agrees to perform the puja at your home, the flaw in your daughter’s horoscope will disappear. Devaswami crossed the ocean to arrive at Soma’s home. When he became exhausted, hungry, and dehydrated, he considered resting beneath the banyan tree.
A vulture family resided in the same tree. The vulture inquired about Devaswami’s problem and the entire situation. Therefore, the vulture informed him that he would assist him in reaching Soma’s residence by guiding him during the voyage. Devaswami invited Soma to his home and requested that he do puja (worship) according to the prescribed protocols.
After performing rituals, his daughter Gunavati wed a suitable suitor. Regardless, her spouse died. Being a caring woman, Soma gave Gunavati her good acts. Soma returned to Sinhaldweep after her husband’s recovery. As she gave all of her good deeds to Gunavati, her husband, son, and son-in-law passed away. Soma experienced profound anguish.
She began her adoration of Lord Vishnu by sitting beneath a Peepal tree on the riverbank. She performed 108 circumambulations of the Peepal tree. Lord Vishnu, pleased with her devotion, resurrected her husband, son, and son-in-law. Since then, the Mauni Amavasya fast has been observed.
What to donate on Mauni Amavasya 2023?
According to the scriptures, on Mauni Amavasya one should bathe in the holy river. It magnifies the positive outcomes. This holiday has greater religious significance. On the day of Mauni Amavasya, bathing in the holy river, sacrificing water, and donating it in the name of our ancestors brings tranquility to the ancestors. One who fasts on Mauni Amavasya Day should offer money, clothing, a cow, land, gold, cereals, sesame, and other deary items.
The significance of Mauni Amavasya in Astrology
Astrology is deeply intertwined with Teej and other holidays entering Indian culture. The significance of Mauni Amavasya is tied to both religion and astrology. The convergence of the Moon and Sun in Capricorn during the month of Magha, according to Vedic astrology, is optimal for Mauni Amavasya.
On the day of Mauni Amavasya, this day’s significance increases. It occurs due to the effect of the combined energy of the Moon and Sun. The tenth sign of the zodiac is Capricorn, and the Sun is powerful in the tenth house of the horoscope.
In astrology, the Sun represents fatherhood and religion. Mauni Amavasya is hence the celebration of the Sun and Moon’s union in Capricorn. Therefore, the donation given on this day provides the donor with multiplied rewards.