Shravana Amavasya 2025: History, Significance, Rituals, and Mantras

Shravana Amavasya, also known as Polala Amavasya or Pithori Amavasya, is a deeply revered day in the Hindu calendar, marking the culmination of the sacred Shravana Masam. In 2025, this significant day falls on August 23, as per the Amavasyant calendar followed in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. This day holds immense spiritual importance, particularly in Telugu traditions, where it is observed with rituals to honor ancestors, seek spiritual liberation, and offer devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Below is a comprehensive exploration of the history, significance, rituals, fasting practices, and mantras associated with Shravana Amavasya, crafted for HinduTone.com.

Historical and Mythological Background

The significance of Shravana Amavasya is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly linked to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), a pivotal event described in the Puranas. During this divine churning, the deadly Halahala poison emerged, threatening the universe. Lord Shiva, in his infinite compassion, consumed the poison to protect creation, earning the title Neelkanth (the blue-throated one). Shravana Masam, and particularly its concluding Amavasya, is a time to honor this selfless act through intense devotion and worship.

Shravana Amavasya is also associated with Pitr Tarpanam, the act of offering oblations to ancestors. According to Hindu scriptures, the Shravan Nakshatra (constellation) aligns with this month, amplifying its spiritual potency. The Amavasya (new moon day) is considered an ideal time for performing rituals to appease departed souls, as it is believed that ancestors are more receptive to offerings on this day. This practice is rooted in the Garuda Purana, which emphasizes the importance of honoring ancestors to attain their blessings and ensure familial prosperity.

In Telugu traditions, Shravana Amavasya is also called Polala Amavasya, where “Polala” refers to the worship of Goddess Poleramma, a village deity revered for protection and fertility. Similarly, Pithori Amavasya involves rituals by mothers praying for the long life and well-being of their children, invoking Goddess Parvati as the divine mother.

Importance to Hindus

Shravana Amavasya holds multifaceted significance for Hindus, encompassing spiritual, familial, and cosmic dimensions:

1. Ancestor Worship (Pitr Tarpanam): The day is dedicated to honoring departed ancestors through offerings of water, sesame seeds, and rice. This act is believed to liberate ancestors’ souls and secure their blessings for the family’s well-being.
2. Spiritual Purification: As the concluding day of Shravana Masam, this Amavasya is a time for devotees to reflect on their month-long spiritual practices, cleanse negative karma, and seek liberation (moksha) through devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
3. Connection to Lord Shiva: The day is deeply tied to Lord Shiva’s act of consuming the Halahala poison. Devotees perform Rudrabhishekam and offer Bilva leaves to seek his protection and blessings.
4. Goddess Worship: In traditions like Pithori Amavasya, mothers worship Goddess Parvati for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their children, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
5. Community and Charity: Shravana Amavasya encourages acts of Annadanam (offering food to the needy) and charity, believed to amplify spiritual merits and foster community harmony.

This day is a culmination of the month-long spiritual journey of Shravana Masam, making it a powerful occasion for introspection, devotion, and gratitude.

Rituals of Shravana Amavasya

The rituals of Shravana Amavasya are performed with devotion and precision to maximize spiritual benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the key practices:

1. Early Morning Preparations:
   • Begin the day with a purifying bath at dawn, preferably during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00 AM–5:30 AM).
   • Wear clean, traditional attire, preferably white or light-colored clothes, symbolizing purity.
2. Pitr Tarpanam (Ancestor Worship):
   • Set up a small altar facing south, the direction associated with ancestors.
   • Use black sesame seeds, rice, and water mixed with barley for offerings.
   • Perform Tarpanam by offering water with sesame seeds while chanting the names of ancestors (up to three generations) and mantras like “Om Pitrubhyo Namaha”.
   • This ritual is ideally performed near a river or sacred water body, but it can also be done at home.
3. Shiva and Parvati Puja:
   • Visit a Shiva temple or set up an altar at home with a Shiva Lingam or images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
   • Perform Abhishekam by pouring milk, honey, curd, ghee, and water over the Shiva Lingam.
   • Offer Bilva leaves, dhatura, and flowers while chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
   • For Pithori Amavasya, mothers prepare a small altar with turmeric, vermillion, and rice flour to create an image of Goddess Parvati and pray for their children’s well-being.
4. Polala Amavasya Rituals (Telugu Tradition):
   • In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, devotees worship Goddess Poleramma with offerings of rice, turmeric, and flowers.
   • A communal puja is often conducted in villages, followed by sharing prasad and performing aarti.
5. Charity and Annadanam:
   • Offer food, clothes, or money to the needy, as charity is highly meritorious on this day.
   • Organize or participate in Annadanam to feed the poor, which is believed to please both ancestors and deities.
6. Lighting Diyas:
   • Light sesame oil lamps in the evening to dispel negativity and invite divine energy into the home.

Fasting Practices

Fasting on Shravana Amavasya is a key practice to purify the body and mind. Here are the guidelines:

• Full Fast: Devotees may observe a complete fast, abstaining from food and consuming only water or milk. This is common among those performing Pitr Tarpanam.
• Partial Fast: Others may follow a sattvic diet, consuming fruits, milk, yogurt, and light meals like khichdi or sabudana. Avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
• Timing: Break the fast after completing the evening puja or the next morning, depending on personal vows.
• Intention: Dedicate the fast to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, or ancestors, seeking their blessings for spiritual growth and family well-being.

Mantras to Chant on Shravana Amavasya

Chanting specific mantras enhances the spiritual efficacy of the day. Here are the key mantras to recite:

1. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (for health and liberation):Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
   • Chant 108 times using a rudraksha mala for maximum benefits.
2. Om Namah Shivaya (Panchakshari Mantra):
   • This five-syllable mantra is a powerful invocation of Lord Shiva, chanted during Abhishekam or meditation.
3. Pitr Tarpanam Mantra:Om Pitrubhyo Namaha
   • Recite while offering water and sesame seeds during ancestor rituals.
4. Goddess Parvati Mantra (for Pithori Amavasya):Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Mahalakshmi Parvati Namaha
   • Chant to invoke the blessings of Goddess Parvati for family prosperity and children’s well-being.
5. Shiva Tandava Stotram:
   • Reciting this powerful hymn by Ravana glorifies Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance and is highly auspicious.

Tips for a Meaningful Shravana Amavasya

1. Start Early: Begin rituals during Brahma Muhurta to align with the day’s spiritual energy.
2. Maintain Purity: Avoid negative thoughts, arguments, or impure activities to honor the sanctity of the day.
3. Involve Family: Encourage family members to participate in puja and charity to strengthen familial bonds.
4. Learn Scriptures: Read excerpts from the Shiva Purana or Garuda Purana to understand the deeper significance of the rituals.
5. Meditate: Spend time in silent meditation, reflecting on gratitude and spiritual goals.

Final Thoughts

Shravana Amavasya 2025, on August 23, is a sacred culmination of the spiritually potent Shravana Masam. Through rituals like Pitr Tarpanam, Rudrabhishekam, and worship of Goddess Poleramma or Parvati, devotees can honor their ancestors, seek divine blessings, and purify their karma. This day is a reminder of the interconnectedness of life, death, and divinity, urging devotees to live with compassion, devotion, and gratitude.

By observing fasts, chanting mantras, and engaging in charity, devotees can make the most of this auspicious day. May Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the ancestors shower their grace upon you and your family on Shravana Amavasya 2025.

For more insights into Hindu rituals, festivals, and spiritual practices, visit HinduTone.com to deepen your connection with the divine. 

Related posts:

Top 10 Ilayaraja Devotional Songs That Elevate Your Soul Why is Wednesday (Budhwar) Important in Hinduism? The Divine Power of Navaratnas: A Spiritual Journey Exploring the Divine Essence of Shani Dev: The God of Karma and Justice Do Hindus Worship Idols? The Symbolism Behind Murti Puja Janmashtami Social Media Post Ideas for Brands & Devotees in 2025