Amavasya is actually the dark moon phase. The dark moon phase happens when the moon is within a distance of twelve degree of angular distance, between the moon and sun before conjunction.
The various phases of the moon have special significance in all the observances as per Hindu beliefs.
Etymologically, the term Amavasya is derived from Sanskrit Ama and Vasya. Ama means together and Vasya means to cohabit or to dwell. According to ancient Indian culture and belief, Amavasya is a time of great power.
- Significance of Amavasya
Amavasyas are the fifteenth day of the month and are the new moon phase or the no moon phase of the month. Of the lunar calendar, Amavasya is the first day of the first quarter. It marks the end of the dark moon phase or the Krishna Paksha. Lot of people chooses to do Tarpan, or an offering towards their departed ancestors on this day. People keep fast on this day, and the Kalasarpa dosha Puja also takes place during the Amavasya. The Presiding deities of the Amavasya tithis are the PIthri Devathas.
Solar eclipses always happen during the Amavasyas and are the most propitious time to perform snana, tarpana, shraddha etc.
- All about Darsha Amavasya
Darsha Amavasi or the Darsha Amavasya, according to the Hindu calendar is the no moon night. When the moon is absoluitely absent we can call it the Darsha Amavasya. It can be said that the Amavasya tithi or time which is present after sunset and before the moon rises, can be called the Darsha.
Hariyali Amavasya, which marks the auspicious month of Shravan , coincides with the Darsha Amavasya.