Devotees Throng Pushkar for Bhaumvati Amavasya
Ajmer: Thousands of devotees converged on the holy town of Pushkar, the abode of Lord Brahma, to observe Bhaumvati Amavasya. This special day, marking the new moon falling on a Tuesday during the Ashadha month, holds immense spiritual significance.
Pilgrims gathered at the 52 sacred ghats of Pushkar Lake, performing ritualistic baths and ancestral rites (Shraddha Karma). The day-long observance included holy dips, offerings, prayers, and acts of charity, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion.
The Significance of Bhaumvati Amavasya
Tirth Purohit Pandit Dilip Shastri from Pushkar explained that Bhaumvati Amavasya occurs when a new moon coincides with a Tuesday. This particular alignment is considered highly auspicious for performing religious ceremonies dedicated to ancestors.
According to Pandit Shastri, performing 'tarpan' for deities, sages, ancestors, Yama, and humans on Amavasya helps individuals free themselves from various debts and secures the blessings of their forefathers. He emphasized that any ancestral rites, such as bathing, tarpan, Shraddha, Pind Daan, Narayan Bali, or Nag Bali, performed at Pushkar Tirtha, grant salvation to ancestors and lead to their contentment. Satisfied ancestors, he added, bestow blessings of wealth and progeny.
Honoring Ancestors for Family Well-being
The influx of thousands of devotees began early Tuesday morning, all eager to take a holy dip in Pushkar’s sacred waters. Following their baths, many performed Shraddha rituals under the guidance of priests. Pandit Shastri highlighted that addressing any adverse planetary influences through ancestral rites at Pushkar on Bhaumvati Amavasya or Somvati Amavasya is highly beneficial. He even referenced the Kauravas and Pandavas, who are said to have bathed in Pushkar on Somvati Amavasya during the Dwapar Yuga.
Tirth Purohit Pandit Satish Chandra Sharma noted that this Ashadha Amavasya marks the beginning of the monsoon season. Religious scriptures state that during seasonal changes, it is important to perform ancestral rituals like Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Puja for global peace and the well-being of all beings. Doing so, he stated, ensures the safety and protection of one's family throughout the season.
Pandit Tiwari further explained that on every Amavasya, individuals should offer water to their ancestors at wells, stepwells, ponds, temples, or pilgrimage sites. He reminded devotees that ancestors visit their homes to observe their families on this day, likening them to revered guests. It is the duty of householders, therefore, to welcome them with reverence and attention, as ancestral grace brings prosperity and continuity of lineage. He stressed the importance of dedicating time on this single day of the month to worship ancestors with श्रद्धा (faith) to maintain happiness and prosperity at home.