Somvati Amavasya: A wonderful sight of faith was seen in the religious city of Haridwar on the holy festival of Somvati Amavasya. From early in the morning, there was a flood of devotees at the major ghats of Ganga including Har Ki Pauri.
Lakhs of devotees took a dip of faith in Mother Ganga and offered prayers. Keeping in view the security arrangements, the police administration remained fully alert, police forces were deployed at every nook and corner. District Magistrate Mayur Dixit and SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar themselves reached ground zero and took stock of the arrangements and gave necessary directions to the officials.
Rare astrological coincidence occurred after 300 years
Akhara Parishad President Ravindra Puri said that according to astrological calculations, such a rare combination has been formed after almost three hundred years. This is a combination of the current position of the planets, concurrent new moon and Adhik Maas. This is very special in itself. It has special importance for Haridwar including Prayagraj, Saryu coast (Ayodhya) and all other pilgrimage places. He said that those who keep fast for the whole month, they should offer prayers to their ancestors and forefathers on the day of Somvati Amavasya. Wherever there are rivers and confluences, one should take bath there. If a person is at home, he can take bath by adding a little Ganga water to the bath water and remember his ancestors. Offering to ancestors on the day of Amavasya is considered to have special significance. One should pray for the salvation and welfare of one’s ancestors. This is a very auspicious and accessible yoga.
Special importance of Pitra Tarpan on Somvati Amavasya
Ravindra Puri told that Lord Krishna has said in Bhagavad Gita, “Among the trees I am Ashvattha (Peepal), among the Devarshis I am Narada, among the Siddhas I am Kapil Muni and among the Gandharvas I am Chitraratha.” That is why Peepal has a special place among all the trees in the world. Peepal is considered a tree which provides oxygen 24 hours. For this reason our sages established the tradition of its worship and protection. After anointing the Peepal tree, water must be offered to it.
Importance of Peepal Puja and Abhishekam of Lord Shiva
He told that on the day of Somvati Amavasya, one should first take bath in Ganga and then anoint Lord Shiva. Thereafter, in the afternoon time, between 11.30 am and 12 noon, one should offer tarpan to the deceased members of one’s clan i.e. ancestors. Also, donations should be given to the needy Brahmins as per one’s capacity and they should also be fed.
Special enthusiasm seen among devotees
There was a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees regarding Somvati Amavasya. Devotees told that on this day bathing in Ganga, charity and offering to ancestors is considered to have special significance. Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri said that according to astrological calculations, such a special coincidence has happened in the month of Jeth after about 300 years. He told that by taking bath and offering prayers at pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, one attains virtue. At present, the bathing of Somvati Amavasya is going on safely in Haridwar amidst reverence, security and administrative preparations.
6 super zones and 40 sectors created for the fair
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit said that the bathing of Somvati Amavasya is continuing and a large number of devotees are reaching the Ganga ghats. All arrangements have been ensured at the ghats by the administration. Meanwhile, SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar said that to conduct the fair safely, 6 super zones, 16 zones and 40 sectors have been created, in which Deputy SP, CO, Inspector and Sub Inspector level officers have been deployed. SDRF, NDRF, BDS and dog squad teams have also been deployed for the security of the devotees.
SDRF, NDRF and dog squad deployed
SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar said that SDRF and NDRF teams have been deployed for security. Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and Dog Squad are also deployed for security checking. Besides, other security forces have also been deployed. In addition, BAC and CPA teams are also present.