Amavasya Tithi: Meaning & Significance
🌑 · Tithi 30 (Krishna only — New Moon)
Parva (special)
Spiritually significant, generally avoided for celebratory new beginnings
Introspective | Ancestral | Significant
Amavasya is the New Moon Tithi — the thirtieth and final day of the Krishna Paksha, occurring only once per lunar month, when the Moon is not visible. It is a spiritually significant day, closely associated with ancestor worship.
Occurs At
30 (Krishna only — New Moon)
Classical Group
Parva (special)
Ruling Deity
Pitru Devata (Ancestors) / Shiva
Nature
Spiritually significant, generally avoided for celebratory new beginnings
Significance of Amavasya
Amavasya is widely observed for Pitru Tarpan (offerings to ancestors) and Shiva worship, and is generally treated with caution for celebratory new beginnings.
Introspective
Spiritually significant
Ancestral
Pitru Tarpan
Amavasya is widely considered the most favourable day for Pitru Tarpan — offerings made to one's ancestors — especially during Pitru Paksha.
Activities Suited to Amavasya
Amavasya favours Pitru Tarpan (ancestor worship), Shiva worship, and introspective spiritual practice.
Favourable For
- Pitru tarpan (ancestor worship)
- Shiva worship
- Introspection and spiritual practice
Best Avoided
Most traditions avoid weddings and other celebratory new beginnings on Amavasya.
- Weddings and celebratory new beginnings (in most traditions)
🌑
Ruling Deity
Pitru Devata (Ancestors) / Shiva
Classical Group
Parva (special)
The Deity of Amavasya — Pitru Devata (Ancestors) / Shiva
Amavasya is associated with the Pitru Devata (ancestral spirits) and with Shiva — the darkness of the New Moon is classically read as a time for turning inward, honouring those who came before, and engaging in reflective spiritual practice.
Amavasya in the Panchanga
Amavasya occupies the same special "Parva" (junction) status as Purnima, occurring only once per lunar month as Tithi 30, exclusively in the Krishna Paksha, marking the point where one lunar month ends and the next begins.
People Also Ask
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya is the New Moon Tithi, the thirtieth and final day of the Krishna Paksha, occurring once per lunar month.
What is Pitru Tarpan?
Pitru Tarpan is a ritual offering made to one's ancestors, considered especially effective when performed on Amavasya.
Is Amavasya good for new ventures?
Generally not — most traditions avoid weddings and other celebratory new beginnings on Amavasya, reserving it for introspective and ancestral observances.
Does Amavasya occur in Shukla Paksha?
No — Amavasya occurs only in the Krishna Paksha. The equivalent point in the Shukla Paksha is Purnima (Full Moon).
Explore Other Tithis
🌱Pratipada
🌒Dwitiya
🌓Tritiya
🐘Chaturthi
🐍Panchami
⚔️Shashthi
☀️Saptami
🔱Ashtami
🙏Navami
🏹Dashami
🪷Ekadashi
🪔Dwadashi
💘Trayodashi
🕉️Chaturdashi
🌕Purnima
Looking for the rest of today's Panchang? Explore the 27 Nakshatras, the 11 Karanas, the 7 Vaars, or check today's full Panchang.
Explore more Astrology articles