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अमावास्या
amāvāsyā
New-moon day; the last tithi of krishna-paksha. Sacred for shraddha (ancestor rites). Specific amavasyas: Mauni, Somvati, Bhaumvati, Mahalaya.
अमावास्या; अमावस।
Hindu thought is built from a vocabulary of carefully-distinguished terms. Words like amavasya are not loose translations — each has a precise scriptural genealogy, a specific role in ritual or philosophy, and often a counterpart that completes its meaning. Many of the major Hindu darśanas (Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Vedānta, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika) refined their vocabulary over centuries; the same Sanskrit term can carry different shades in different schools.
Amavasya sits within a cluster of related concepts — purnima, tithi, shraddha. Reading these together gives you the actual texture of the idea, rather than treating it as an isolated definition. Each Sanskrit term in this glossary is cross-linked to the others it presupposes.
Where useful we cite the primary scriptural source — the Upaniṣad, sūtra, or smṛti passage where the term is given its classical sense — alongside trusted modern dictionaries (Monier-Williams, V.S. Apte, Sanskrit Heritage). For practical questions about usage in pūjā or daily life, ask a paṇḍita in your tradition.
Full-moon day; the last tithi of shukla-paksha. Many festivals fall on purnima — Guru Purnima, Holi, Buddha Purnima, Sharad Purnima, Kartik Purnima.
Lunar day; one of 30 in the lunar month (15 in shukla-paksha + 15 in krishna-paksha). Determined by 12-degree elongation of moon from sun. Each tithi has a ruling deity and suitable activities.
The rite of feeding ancestors. Performed on the death-anniversary tithi (varshik), during Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya), and at major tirthas (Gaya, Trimbakeshwar, Haridwar). Includes pinda-dana and tarpana.
Eight 90-minute segments of the day (and night), each labelled Amrit, Shubh, Labh, Char (auspicious) or Rog, Kaal, Udveg (inauspicious). Quick guide for daily auspiciousness.
The 11th tithi of each paksha (i.e., 24/year). Most important Vaishnava vrat day — fast from grains, beans, certain vegetables. Each ekadashi has a name and katha.
Mahalaya amavasya — the last day of Pitru Paksha. Final shraddha for ancestors. In Bengal, marks the start of Devi Paksha and the chant of Mahishasura Mardini at dawn.
'Silent new-moon'; Magh amavasya, observed in silence (mauna-vrata). Snana at the Sangam (Prayagraj) is especially meritorious.
Auspicious time-window for an activity. Day is divided into 30 muhurtas of 48 minutes each. Choose by panchanga + activity-specific rules.
Lunar mansion; one of 27 (or 28 with Abhijit) constellations through which the moon passes in a lunar month. Each nakshatra is 13°20', has a ruling deity, gana, yoni, and pada (4 quarters of 3°20' each).
Five-limbed Hindu calendar: Tithi, Vara (weekday), Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana. The basis for muhurat, festival timing, and daily ritual.
16-day period (Bhadrapada krishna-paksha) when ancestors are honored. Daily tarpana, shraddha on the deceased relative's death-tithi, especially effective at Gaya, Trimbakeshwar, Haridwar. Concludes on Mahalaya amavasya.
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