Margashirsha Amavasya 2025 is one of the most sacred new moon days in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and ancestor worship. The Amavasya tithi begins at 9:43 AM on November 19, 2025, and ends at 12:16 PM on November 20, 2025. Following the Udayatithi principle, Margashirsha Amavasya will be observed on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Understanding Margashirsha Amavasya

Margashirsha Amavasya holds exceptional significance in Hindu traditions as it falls during the month that Lord Krishna himself declared as his own in the Bhagavad Gita, stating “Māsānāṁ Mārgashīrṣo’ham” (I am Margashirsha among the months). This spiritual connection elevates the importance of all rituals and worship performed during this period.

Margashirsha, also known as Agrahayana or Aghan, is the ninth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling between mid-November and mid-December. The month is considered the most auspicious for worship, meditation, and charitable activities, making the Amavasya (new moon day) particularly potent for spiritual practices.

Margashirsha Amavasya 2025: Date and Timings

According to Drik Panchang and Vedic calendar calculations, the precise timings for Margashirsha Amavasya 2025 are:

Amavasya Tithi Begins: November 19, 2025 (Wednesday) at 9:43 AM IST
Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 20, 2025 (Thursday) at 12:16 PM IST
Observation Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Why November 20th and Not 19th?

Hindu rituals follow the Udayatithi principle, which means observing festivals according to the tithi prevailing at sunrise. Since the Amavasya tithi continues through sunrise on November 20th and extends until 12:16 PM, the observance, puja, and rituals are performed on November 20, 2025.

Shubh Muhurat for Margashirsha Amavasya 2025

The auspicious timings for various rituals on November 20, 2025, are as follows:

Sunrise: 6:48 AM
Vishnu Puja Muhurat: 5:01 AM to 5:54 AM (early morning)
Pitru Puja and Tarpan Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Amavasya Puja Time: Morning of November 20th is ideal for rituals

The pre-dawn hours are considered especially powerful for Lord Vishnu worship, while the late morning period is dedicated to ancestral offerings and tarpan ceremonies.

Religious Significance of Margashirsha Amavasya

Margashirsha Amavasya carries multifaceted spiritual importance:

Lord Vishnu Worship:
This Amavasya is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Devotees believe that sincere worship on this day brings divine blessings, prosperity, and protection from obstacles.

Pitru Tarpan (Ancestor Worship):
The day holds special significance for performing rituals for departed ancestors. It is believed that offerings made to ancestors on this day provide peace to their souls and bring blessings of happiness, prosperity, and harmony to the family.

Spiritual Purification:
Margashirsha Amavasya is considered ideal for self-reflection, correcting past mistakes, and establishing a deeper connection with the divine through meditation and penance.

New Beginnings:
As Amavasya symbolizes the end of one lunar cycle and the beginning of another, it represents new beginnings and transformation.

Complete Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)

Follow this detailed step-by-step method for Margashirsha Amavasya puja:

Morning Rituals

1. Holy Bath (Snaan):

• Wake up before sunrise on November 20th
• Take a holy bath, preferably in a sacred river like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari
• If unable to visit a river, add a few drops of Ganga Jal (holy water) to your bathing water
• Chant mantras while bathing for spiritual purification

2. Sun Worship:

• After bathing, offer water to Surya Dev (Sun God)
• Recite Surya mantras while offering arghya (water offering)

Lord Vishnu Puja

3. Puja Setup:

• Clean the worship area thoroughly
• Place a wooden platform (chowki) and spread a yellow cloth on it
• Install an idol or image of Lord Vishnu on the platform
• Light a pure desi ghee lamp (diya)

4. Offerings to Lord Vishnu:

• Offer water (jal), unbroken rice (akshata), sandalwood paste (chandan)
• Present flowers (pushpa), fruits (phal), new clothes (vastra), and sweets (mithai)
• Apply tilak on the deity’s forehead

5. Mantra Chanting:

• Chant the Vishnu mantra: “ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय” (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)
• Recite Vishnu Chalisa for complete devotion
• Perform Vishnu Aarti with devotion

Pitru Tarpan (Ancestor Rituals)

6. Ancestral Offerings:

• Between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, perform tarpan for ancestors
• Use black sesame seeds (til), kusha grass, and water for offerings
• Offer food items, especially kheer, puri, and seasonal vegetables
• Pray for the peace and liberation of ancestral souls

Charity and Donations

7. Daan (Charitable Acts):

• Donate according to your capacity to the needy and underprivileged
• Give food, clothes, money, or essential items to Brahmins
• Feed cows, birds, and stray animals
• Offer donations at temples or charitable organizations

Important Mantras for Margashirsha Amavasya

Vishnu Mantra:
“ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय”
(Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)

Pitru Tarpan Mantra:
Recite appropriate tarpan mantras while offering water and sesame seeds to ancestors, seeking their blessings and peace for their souls.

Sun God Mantra:
Chant Surya mantras while offering arghya during morning rituals for health and vitality.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Margashirsha Amavasya

Devotees who observe Margashirsha Amavasya with devotion receive numerous spiritual and material benefits:

• Ancestral Blessings: Ancestors become pleased and shower blessings of peace, prosperity, and harmony on the family
• Divine Grace: Lord Vishnu’s blessings bring protection from obstacles and fulfill righteous desires
• Spiritual Growth: Enhanced meditation and spiritual practices lead to self-purification and enlightenment
• Positive Energy: Removal of negative energies and planetary afflictions from life
• Material Prosperity: Blessings manifest as financial stability and overall well-being
• Inner Peace: Relief from mental disturbances and achievement of emotional balance

Do’s and Don’ts on Margashirsha Amavasya

Do’s:

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours) for maximum spiritual benefit
• Take a holy bath in sacred rivers or with Ganga Jal
• Wear clean, preferably new or traditional clothes
• Perform Lord Vishnu puja with complete devotion
• Conduct proper pitru tarpan for ancestors
• Give charity generously to the needy
• Observe fast if health permits
• Practice meditation and self-reflection

Don’ts:

• Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco
• Refrain from negative thoughts, anger, and harsh words
• Do not skip morning rituals and puja
• Avoid unnecessary travel and worldly entertainment
• Do not disrespect elders or engage in conflicts
• Refrain from cutting hair, nails, or starting new business ventures

Special Observances During Margashirsha Month

The entire Margashirsha month (November 6 to December 4, 2025) is considered highly auspicious. Other important observances during this period include:

• Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
• Vivah Panchami
• Gita Jayanti
• Mokshada Ekadashi
• Various vrat (fasting) days dedicated to different deities

Margashirsha Amavasya stands as the most significant day within this sacred month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When is Margashirsha Amavasya in 2025 – November 19 or 20?
Margashirsha Amavasya will be observed on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The Amavasya tithi begins at 9:43 AM on November 19 and ends at 12:16 PM on November 20. Following the Udayatithi principle, rituals are performed on November 20 when the tithi prevails at sunrise.

Q2: What is the best time for Margashirsha Amavasya puja?
The ideal time for Lord Vishnu puja is between 5:01 AM and 5:54 AM on November 20, 2025. For pitru tarpan (ancestor worship), the auspicious time is between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. The entire morning of November 20th is considered suitable for Amavasya rituals.

Q3: Why is Margashirsha Amavasya considered so important?
Margashirsha Amavasya is significant because it falls in the month Lord Krishna declared as his own in the Bhagavad Gita. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu worship and pitru tarpan, bringing peace to ancestral souls and divine blessings of prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth to devotees.

Q4: What is the proper puja vidhi for Margashirsha Amavasya?
The puja vidhi includes: wake before sunrise, take a holy bath, offer water to Sun God, set up Lord Vishnu’s altar with yellow cloth, light a desi ghee lamp, offer water, flowers, fruits, and sweets to Vishnu, chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” perform pitru tarpan between 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, and give charity.

Q5: Can I perform Margashirsha Amavasya rituals at home?
Yes, all Margashirsha Amavasya rituals can be performed at home. Set up a clean worship area, install Lord Vishnu’s idol or image, follow the complete puja vidhi with devotion, perform pitru tarpan, and give charity. If unable to visit sacred rivers, use Ganga Jal for bathing at home.