Amavasya and Purnima: What These Two Tithis Actually Mean

Of the thirty tithis of a lunar month, Amavasya and Purnima carry the greatest weight. They are the two ends of the lunar cycle, and their effect on mind and atmosphere is noticeable.

The astronomy

Amavasya is the moment when the Sun and Moon occupy the same degree. In that position the lit half of the Moon faces away from the earth, so nothing is visible.

Purnima is the moment when the Moon is exactly one hundred and eighty degrees from the Sun. Its whole lit face is turned towards the earth.

Since tithi in this system is defined by exactly this angular separation, these two are the clearest points in the month.

The effect on the mind

In Vedic astrology the Moon signifies the mind, so its condition is held to bear directly on mental state.

Around Amavasya the Moon is without strength. Restlessness, fatigue and low mood are more commonly reported in this period, and sensitive people feel it more.

Around Purnima the Moon is at full strength and feeling runs high. That intensity can be constructive or it can show as agitation.

The observation that mental states are more pronounced around the full moon is an old one and appears across many traditions.

Using Amavasya

There is no cause to treat Amavasya with fear. It is well suited to particular purposes.

It is the foremost tithi for rites concerning the ancestors. Tarpan, shraddha and charity in their name belong here. Sarva Pitru Amavasya in the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada is the clearest example.

It also suits charity, austerity and spiritual practice, and it holds a particular place in tantric observance.

It is a good time for reflection and for silence.

What is avoided on Amavasya

New undertakings are not begun. Weddings, house entry, opening a business and setting out on a journey are generally deferred.

Major decisions are also avoided, on the reasoning that the mind is less settled.

Particular Amavasyas

Somvati Amavasya falls on a Monday and is regarded as especially meritorious, with circumambulation of the peepal tree prescribed.

Mauni Amavasya falls in Magha, observed with silence, bathing and charity.

Diwali falls on an Amavasya, and Lakshmi is worshipped on it. That alone is sufficient evidence that the tithi is not inauspicious in itself.

Using Purnima

Purnima suits worship, practice and auspicious resolve.

The Satyanarayan Katha is traditionally performed on Purnima.

Bathing, charity and recitation are held to give multiplied results on this day.

Particular Purnimas

Guru Purnima falls in Ashadha and is kept in gratitude to teachers.

Sharad Purnima falls in Ashwin. The moonlight of that night is said to carry a nourishing quality, and kheer is left out in it and taken as prasad.

Kartik Purnima is observed as Dev Diwali, with particular merit attached to bathing in the Ganga.

Buddha Purnima falls in Vaishakha.

A practical view

These tithis are better approached with understanding than with apprehension.

Use Amavasya for rest, reflection and remembrance of those who came before. Use Purnima for practice, resolve and shared observance.

People who keep a regular spiritual practice frequently report that what they do on these two days goes deeper than usual.

One technical note. The start and end of a tithi depend on location, so determine them from a panchang for your own city, particularly if you are outside India.