Magha Amavasya (Mauni Amavasya)
माघ अमावस्या (मौनी अमावस्या)
Mauni Amavasya is the supreme new moon of the Hindu year, celebrated for the ascetic vow of absolute silence (Mauna Vrat) and sacred holy dips at the confluence of the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
February 17, 2026
Tuesday
05:15 AM to 07:05 AM
Sacred river bath muhurta
February 16, 2026 at 06:30 PM
Commencement
February 17, 2026 at 05:10 PM
Conclusion
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं नमः शिवाय॥ ॐ मौनाय विद्महे आत्मबोधाय धीमहि तन्नो हंसः प्रचोदयात्॥
Oṁ hrīṁ śrīṁ klīṁ namaḥ śivāya || Oṁ maunāya vidmahe ātmabodhāya dhīmahi tanno haṁsaḥ pracodayāt ||
Om, salutations to Lord Shiva. We meditate upon the supreme inner silence for self-realization; may the supreme Swan illuminate our inner intellect.
Spiritual & Scriptural Significance
On Mauni Amavasya, water in sacred rivers is believed to turn into nectar (Amrita). Observing silence quiets sensory turbulence, aligns the mind with cosmic consciousness, and absolves deep-seated karmic burdens.
Pauranic Katha & History
According to the Padma Purana, Sage Manu appeared on this day, giving it the name Mauni Amavasya. Sages and Munis observe complete silence to conserve vital pranic energy. Legend holds that King Dushyanta and Rishi Kanva praised this day as the foremost opportunity for householders to earn the merits of prolonged yogic austerities in a single dawn.
Step-by-Step Pitru Tarpan & Puja Vidhi
- 1Wake up before sunrise and maintain strict silence (Mauna) until the morning snana and puja are complete.
- 2Take a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam, Ganga, or at home with Gangajal.
- 3Perform Gayatri Japa and silent mental contemplation (Manan) on the Supreme Self.
- 4Donate sesame oil, blankets, gold, cows, or food grains to virtuous ascetics and the needy.
- 5Feed flour balls to fish in ponds and feed cows with green fodder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Magha Amavasya (Mauni Amavasya)
What is the spiritual significance of practicing Mauna (silence) on this day?
Practicing Mauna controls speech, conserves vital prana, stops mental dissipation, and turns sensory awareness inward toward self-realization.
Why is bathing at Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya considered the holiest dip?
Tradition holds that all Devas, Gandharvas, and sacred celestial waters concentrate at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, making bathing there equivalent to visiting all pilgrimage sites simultaneously.