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On Somvati Amavasya, lighting a lamp after sunset or Pradosh Kaal, is believed to symbolise removing darkness and invite positivity into one’s life
Lighting a lamp on the day of Somvati Amavasya holds great significance. (Representative/Shutterstock)
This year, Somvati Amavasya falls on December 30, coinciding with Paush Amavasya and marking the last Amavasya of 2024. Devotees observe this auspicious day by worshipping Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. A significant ritual associated with Somvati Amavasya involves bathing in holy rivers followed by charitable donations, believed to bestow Akshaya Punya (eternal merit). Additionally, devotees perform Tarpan, Shradh, and Pinddaan to honour and offer prayers to their ancestors.
Lighting a lamp on the day of Somvati Amavasya holds great significance. This act of piety is believed to bestow blessings from the gods and bring happiness to one’s ancestors. In turn, this pleases them, bringing increased happiness and prosperity to the family.
Dr Ganesh Mishra, an astrologer at Central Sanskrit University, Puri, shared the five locations where lamps should be lit on Somvati Amavasya, as well as the auspicious time for lamp lighting.
Somvati Amavasya 2024: Light Diyas at These Places
1. Outside the main door: On the day of Somvati Amavasya, one should light a ghee lamp for Goddess Lakshmi outside the main door of their house. If ghee is unavailable, one should light a mustard or sesame oil lamp. Additionally, a pot of water should be placed near the lamp and the main door should be left open. This act is believed to please Goddess Lakshmi and invite her into one’s home. The lamp dispels negativity, while the water signifies purity. One should light this lamp after sunset as darkness descends.
2. Outside the house in the south direction: On the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, one should light a mustard oil lamp for their ancestors outside the house, facing south. According to religious beliefs, when ancestors return to their world on the evening of Amavasya, the light illuminates their path. This pleases them, and they bestow blessings upon their descendants.
3. Near the photo of ancestors: On the day of Amavasya, ancestors come to earth and expect Tarpan and Pinddaan from their descendants. If these rituals are performed, it is considered auspicious. Additionally, a lamp should be lighted in the south direction of the house where the photo of ancestors is placed. One can use mustard or sesame oil for this lamp.
4. Near the Peepal Tree: The Peepal tree is believed to be inhabited by gods, goddesses, and ancestors. As such, on Somvati Amavasya, it is customary to light a mustard oil lamp under the Peepal tree. One may also light a sesame oil lamp for the deities and a mustard oil lamp for the ancestors. This practice is believed to alleviate sorrows and bestow blessings from the gods.
5. At the north-east corner of the house: On the day of Somvati Amavasya, one should light a ghee lamp in the north-east corner of their house. According to beliefs, this direction is the abode of the gods. It is believed that this ritual fills one’s house with wealth and grains, and invites the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Muhurta to Light a Lamp on Somvati Amavasya
On
Somvati Amavasya
, one should light a lamp during
Pradosh Kaal
, the period after sunset. This act symbolises the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of positivity. On this auspicious day, sunset occurs at 05:34 PM, marking the commencement of
Pradosh Kaal
. Therefore, the lamp may be lit from this time onward.
