Mauni Amavasya, the word Mauni means silence, on this day any person remains silent all day and this is a kind of fast. Which is done on the day of Mauni Amavasya. Mauni Amavasya is considered the most important and auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that on this day the water of the holy Ganges River turns into nectar and taking a bath in the Ganges on the day of Mauni Amavasya is considered holy. It is said that the creator of the universe, Manu, was also born on this new moon day. Amavasya is the most important festival of Magh month.
According to Hindu religion, Mauni Amavasya falls in the middle of the month of Magha and is also called Maghi Amavasya. In Hinduism, the month of Magha is considered auspicious because Dwapara Yuga started on this day. By the way, bathing the Ganges in the whole months of Magha is considered auspicious, but bathing on the day of Mauni Amavasya is considered special and holy.
In the scriptures, the importance of doing charity on this day is said to be very fruitful. According to a belief, this day is also believed to be the birth of Manu Rishi, due to which this day is celebrated as Mauni Amavasya.
If the day of Mauni Amavasya falls during the biggest Kumbh Mela of Hinduism, then this day is called the most important bathing day, this day is also called the day of Amrit Yoga.
Devotees wake up early and take a holy dip in sacred rivers, especially at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The ritualistic bath is considered purifying for the body and soul. Pilgrims flock to significant pilgrimage sites, with the Sangam in Prayagraj witnessing a massive congregation during this auspicious occasion.
Maintaining silence throughout the day is the core practice of Mauni Amavasya. The silence is not merely an absence of speech but a conscious effort to turn inward, quieten the mind, and focus on spiritual contemplation. This act of introspection is believed to cleanse the mind and promote inner tranquility.
Apart from the ritualistic bath and silence, devotees engage in various religious activities. Offering prayers, performing rituals, and making donations to the needy are common practices. Many also observe a day-long fast, consuming only specific items like fruits and milk, believed to purify the body and enhance spiritual connection.
The day is also considered propitious for performing ancestral rites, seeking blessings for departed souls, and connecting with the divine through acts of devotion.
Mauni Amavasya is not just a day of external rituals but a journey within. The silence observed on this day symbolizes turning inward, contemplating one's actions, and seeking clarity in the midst of life's distractions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and spiritual practice in the pursuit of higher consciousness.
In essence, Mauni Amavasya is a day to cleanse the mind, body, and soul. It encourages individuals to detach from worldly distractions and focus on their spiritual journey. By embracing silence, devotees align themselves with divine principles, fostering a deeper connection with truth and righteousness.