Bhimana Amavasya () is a
Hindu occasion that is observed in the state of
Karnataka
Karnataka ( ) is a States and union territories of India, state in the southwestern region of India. It was Unification of Karnataka, formed as Mysore State on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, States Re ...
It is celebrated on the
new moon day (''
amavasya'') of the ''
Ashadha'' month of the
Hindu calendar.
Significance
The
amavasya, as well as the fortnight containing the new-moon, is considered auspicious by Hindus. They believe that during this period, their offerings reach their
forefathers, and in return, offerors are blessed. It signifies the beginning of auspicious period, and many
pujas are performed towards various Hindu deities, seeking their blessings.
The observance is primarily associated with
Bhima, one of the five protagonists of the
Mahabharata. The Bhimana Amavasya is regarded to be Bhima's birthday, as well as the day he slew the wicked
Bakasura, thereby saving his
Brahmin
Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...
hosts from being eaten by the
rakshasa.
In Karnataka, the last day of
Ashadha is marked as the Bhimana Amavasya. The
Shaivas of this region believe that on this day,
Shiva, impressed by
Parvati's devotion towards him, accepted her as his wife. It is believed if women perform a
vrata, thereby abstaining from consuming food on this day, and offer prayers to Shiva, Parvati would bless them by seeking a virtuous husband for unmarried women, while married women receive long life, success, and happiness for their husbands. Sisters also pray for the well-being of their brothers.
Murtis of Shiva and Parvati are made using red mud clay, dried and decorated with ash and vermilion. They are also sometimes made of ''panchaloha'' (five materials – gold, silver, copper, bronze, and zinc).
References
{{reflist
Hindu festivals
Festivals in Karnataka
Religious festivals in India