Devotees throng holy rivers nationwide on auspicious occasion of Somvati Amavasya

New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) A profound display of faith and devotion unfolded across India on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, as devotees from different parts of the country gathered at sacred rivers and pilgrimage sites to take holy dips, perform rituals, and offer prayers for peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being on Monday. 

In Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, thousands of devotees gathered at Triveni Ghat to take a holy dip in the Ganga, offer prayers, and perform charity on Somvati Amavasya.

In Haryana's Jind district, a large number of devotees assembled at the revered Pandu Pindara pilgrimage site from early hours of the morning. Many pilgrims arrived before dawn to participate in the sacred rituals associated with the day.

A devotee told IANS, “Somvati Amavasya holds immense religious significance. We reached here around 4 a.m. to take a holy dip and seek blessings.”

Similar scenes of devotion were witnessed in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district, where thousands of devotees thronged the sacred Machkund pilgrimage site. The holy water body witnessed a massive influx of worshippers who gathered to take a ritual bath and offer prayers.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram, more than one lakh devotees converged at the famous Sethani Ghat to bathe in the Narmada River. Authorities put extensive security and crowd-management measures in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

At the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, large crowds participated in ritual bathing and religious ceremonies. Devotees offered prayers and made charitable donations, which are considered highly auspicious on Somvati Amavasya.

One devotee said, “It is believed that taking a holy bath and giving donations on this day brings spiritual merit and divine blessings.”

A saint at the Sangam highlighted the importance of the occasion, saying, “This is a sacred period in the Hindu calendar. Even those who could not perform religious rituals earlier can attain spiritual benefits by taking a holy bath today.”

Meanwhile, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, thousands gathered along the banks of the Shipra River to perform rituals dedicated to their ancestors and offer prayers at Shiva temples. The occasion was observed with special reverence as it coincided with the auspicious Adhik Maas period.

Somvati Amavasya is regarded as one of the most significant observances in Sanatan Dharma. It occurs when Amavasya, or the New Moon day, falls on a Monday. The day is dedicated to honouring ancestors through rituals such as Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan and is considered highly beneficial for spiritual purification, charity, and self-reflection.

Among the 12 Amavasya observances in a year, Somvati Amavasya is considered especially powerful. Devotees believe that performing sacred baths in rivers such as the Ganga, Narmada, and Shipra on this day brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth, making it one of the most revered occasions in the Hindu religious calendar.

--IANS

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