Darsha Amavasya
Also called: Darsha Shraddha
Darsha Amavasya is the astronomical dark moon tithi when the moon has zero visible illumination. Traditional Dharma Shastras designate this tithi as exceptionally auspicious for performing Darsha Shraddha, satisfying ancestral spirits, and seeking their blessings.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Occurs whenever the moon is completely invisible during the tithi
- Deities
- Departed Ancestors (Pitrus), Chandra Dev
The story
Scriptural texts describe the moon as entering the realm of the sun during Darsha. This celestial union allows the living to connect with the subtle ancestral dimensions through sincere offerings.
Practices
- Performing quiet Tarpan during midday with water, barley, and sesame seeds
- Observing dietary restraint and avoiding entertainment
- Lighting an evening lamp facing the southern direction
Common questions
- What does Darsha mean?
- Darsha refers to the tithi when the moon is hidden from ordinary sight, uniting celestial energy with ancestral remembrance.
Types of Amavasya
- Somvati AmavasyaMonday (Somwar) coinciding with Amavasya
- Bhaumvati AmavasyaTuesday (Mangalwar) coinciding with Amavasya
- Shani AmavasyaSaturday (Shaniwar) coinciding with Amavasya
- Mauni AmavasyaMagha (Purnimanta); Pausha (Amanta)
- Hariyali AmavasyaShravana (Purnimanta); Ashadha (Amanta)
- Mahalaya AmavasyaBhadrapada (Amanta); Ashwin (Purnimanta)
- Kartik AmavasyaKartik (Purnimanta); Ashwin (Amanta)
- Darsha AmavasyaOccurs whenever the moon is completely invisible during the tithi
- Aadi AmavasaiAadi (Tamil solar month, mid-July to mid-August)
- Thai AmavasaiThai (Tamil solar month, mid-January to mid-February)