Lakhs of devout Hindus have today gathered at the confluence of sacred River Ganga in different parts of the country such as Varanasi, Allahabad, Simaria to take silent holy dip on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, or the No Moon Day.
The auspicious day is celebrated every year as a spiritual ritual in the month of January or February on No Moon day as per the traditional Hindu calendar. Devotees thronged the banks of River Ganges early morning for ritual bath to wash away their sins and sought salvation.
This day marks the end of a month – long period of silence, a priest Hiranand Pandey said. Meanwhile, braving the biting cold, Hindus converged at temple town of Varanasi and made religious offerings as well. It is believed that the water of the Ganges turns into nectar on Mauni Amavasya. It is derived from the word ‘Muni’ that literally means an ascetic who practices silence.
According to some religious scriptures, Mauni Amavasya is the day on which Manu rishi appeared in this world millions of years ago. It is believed to be the day when the universe was created. A vow of complete silence is observed on this day known as Maun Vrat. This vow is assumed to control our senses and engage them into the service of Supreme Lord Narayana. The day holds extreme religious importance and taking bath on this day in the holy waters is deemed significant and auspicious.
Ventuno/ANI/BP