Overview
Somvati Amavasya—when Amavasya (new moon) falls on a Monday—is considered an especially auspicious and spiritually potent day in Hinduism, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. In Uttar Pradesh, it’s observed with notable reverence, though the form of celebrations is often more devotional than grandiose festival‑style.
Significance of Somvati Amavasya
- Enhanced Sacredness: Because Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a new moon on this day combines two auspicious elements—Som (Monday) and Amavasya (new moon)—making it supremely favorable for worship, fasting, rituals, and offerings.
- Ancestral Worship and Spiritual Gain: Devotees engage in rituals like holy dips in rivers, tarpan (water offerings to ancestors), worship of Peepal trees, donations, and prayers for prosperity and peace for departed souls.
How It’s Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh
- Prayagraj (Allahabad): Devotees gather on the banks of the Ganga for holy dips and rituals. Married women, in particular, tie threads around Banyan trees and pray for the longevity of their husbands, drawing a parallel to the devotion of Goddess Parvati.
- Kanpur and Other Districts: Scenes during Somvati Amavasya include devotional gatherings at Ganga ghats, with chants like “Bol Bam” echoing, as people perform snan (sacred bath) and sincere worship.
- Braj Region (Agra, Mathura): Women’s devotional practices include home puja when temples are closed, offering special worship to Shiva, Parvati, and deities like Ganesh and Kartikeya.
- Temple Activities: While some large Shiva temples (e.g., in Varanasi or Prayagraj) may conduct special pujas and rituals, these are typically solemn and ritualistic rather than festive. The emphasis remains on personal devotion rather than grand celebrations.
Ritual Highlights
- Worship and Offerings: Devotees offer bilva leaves, milk, perform tarpan, and worship under Peepal trees, alongside charitable acts like giving to Brahmins or the needy.
- Tree-based Rituals: Lighting seven lamps under the Peepal (or Banyan) tree is believed to invoke blessings for marital harmony and longevity—especially significant if Somvati Amavasya coincides with Vat Savitri Vrat.
- Focused Pujas: In temples like Omkareshwar and Kashi, specialized rituals and Rudrabhishek (ritual bath of Shiva lingam) are performed to secure health, protection, and prosperity. These may attract large gatherings on Somvati Amavasya.
Summary: Is This a “Grand” Celebration Day?
Not exactly in the sense of massive festivals or fairs—but Somvati Amavasya is undeniably a highly sacred and deeply observed day in Uttar Pradesh, especially at Shiva temples and Ganga ghats. It draws devoted participation through:
- Ritual bathing and ancestral offerings
- Tree worship and marital prayers
- Temple-based spiritual ceremonies
These are heartfelt, solemn rituals anchored in devotion rather than pomp—yet hold immense spiritual meaning for followers.
Key Shiva Temples in Uttar Pradesh Where Somvati Amavasya Rituals Shine Brightest
Here are some of the most spiritually significant Shiva temples in UP where devotees converge on Somvati Amavasya for solemn rituals, ancestral rites, and Shiva worship:
1. Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple (Kashi, Varanasi)
This ancient Shiva shrine in Varanasi holds deep mythological roots—legend states Lord Brahma himself requested its establishment. Situated in the sacred Kashi (Varanasi), it hosts special rituals and meditative offerings during Somvati Amavasya.
2. Shri Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir (Varanasi)
One of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Varanasi, this 18th-century sanctuary are spiritually significant yet serene. On auspicious days like Somvati Amavasya, it becomes a focal point for heartfelt pujas and lingam abhisheks.
3. Lodheshwar Mahadev Mandir (Ramnagar, Barabanki)
Known as one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, this ancient temple is rooted in Mahabharata lore and revered by the Lodhi Rajputs. While it draws especially large crowds during Mahashivratri, devotees likely observe Somvati Amavasya here too, often linked to ancestral rituals and spiritual cleansing.
4. Shiva Temples of Prayagraj (e.g., Mankameshwar, Someshwar Mahadev, Padila Mahadev)
On significant Mondays, especially during the sacred Shravan month, devotees throng these temples for Rudrabhisheks and Jalabhisheks—offering milk, Bilva leaves, honey, and more in devotional fervor. Somvati Amavasya, as a Monday of the new moon, similarly draws passionate worshippers to such shrines.
Also, Prayagraj’s Ganga ghats are pivotal spots for Somvati Amavasya ritual baths, ancestral offerings (pitra tarpan), and Ganga Aarti.
Quick Summary Table
| Temple / Location | Why It Matters on Somvati Amavasya |
|---|---|
| Omkareshwar Mahadev, Varanasi | Ancient, deeply sacred — special pujas and Shiva rituals observed |
| Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev, Varanasi | Historic Shiva shrine with devoted observances on auspicious days |
| Lodheshwar Mahadev, Barabanki | One of the Shakti Peethas, ancient and ritually central |
| Mankameshwar, Someshwar & Padila, Prayagraj | Heart of religious activity—ritual bathing, puja, ancestral prayers at Shiv temples and Ganga banks |
Context & Rituals
Temples & Ritual Observances: Whether through Maha Rudrabhisheks (ritual bathing of the Shiva linga), special pujas, or temple visits, places like Omkareshwar and Tilbhandeshwar become radiant with spiritual energy on this day
River Ghats & Shiva Temples: Across locations like Prayagraj and Varanasi, Somvati Amavasya is especially poignant, integrating holy dips, ancestral rites (Tarpan), and dedicated Shiva worship.