Chollangi Amavasya 2026

Chollangi Amavasya - The Sacred Day of Ancestral Worship

According to the Telugu Panchangam, the Krishna Paksha Amavasya (new moon day) of Pausha month is known as Chollangi Amavasya or Mauni Amavasya. Among all the Amavasyas occurring throughout the year, Chollangi Amavasya holds special prominence according to scriptures. This Amavasya is considered particularly sacred for removing Pitru Dosha (ancestral affliction) and receiving the blessings of departed ancestors.​

The Origin of the Name "Chollangi"

The name "Chollangi" derives from a sacred village in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Located three miles from Kakinada on the Yanam Road, this village is an extremely holy pilgrimage site. One of the seven distributaries of the Godavari River called "Tulyabhaga" merges with the Bay of Bengal at this location. The sacred place where the seven streams of the Godavari River meet the ocean is called Sapta Sagara Sangamam (confluence of seven seas).​

"Chollangi" refers to the sacred place where the Godavari River meets the ocean and the Bay of Bengal. This Amavasya derives its name "Chollangi Amavasya" from this village. Taking a holy bath at this sacred site on Pausha Amavasya is considered extremely meritorious.​

The Profound Significance of Chollangi Amavasya

According to Puranic tradition, on Amavasya day, the Ganga descends from heaven to Earth in the form of nectar. Therefore, bathing in the Ganges on this day is considered highly purifying. Since the Godavari River is called "Dakshina Ganga" (Ganga of the South) or "Vridha Ganga" (Ancient Ganga), bathing in the Godavari is believed to yield the same results.​

On Amavasya, Pitru Devatas (ancestral spirits) are believed to descend to Earth. Performing Tarpan (water offering) and Pind Daan (rice ball offering) for them on this day brings peace to their souls. Bathing at the Godavari Sapta Sagara Sangamam at Chollangi on Amavasya and offering Tarpan to ancestors is believed to completely eliminate Pitru Dosha.​

Mauni Amavasya - The Power of Silence

In North India, Chollangi Amavasya is called Mauni Amavasya or Mauna Amavasya. "Mauni" means a spiritual practitioner who observes silence as part of spiritual discipline. Observing complete silence on this day is considered highly meritorious. Mahatma Gandhi also recognized and practiced the significance of silence.​

Silence bestows great power upon us. Every day we waste considerable energy through excessive talking. Silence enhances our concentration and observation abilities. This is a day to "receive" rather than to "transmit." Spending the entire day in complete silence and communicating only through writing is recommended.​

On Mauni Amavasya, the conjunction of the Sun and Moon is believed to occur. If this day falls on Monday, its significance multiplies infinitely. During Magha Snan and Kumbh Mela, this is the most important bathing day.​

Sapta Sagara Yatra - The Seven Seas Pilgrimage

On Chollangi Amavasya, undertaking the Sapta Sagara Yatra is considered an extremely sacred pilgrimage. The seven distributaries of the Godavari River (Gautami, Vashishta, Vainateya, Vridha Gautami, Tulyabhaga, Atreya, Korangi) merge with the ocean at seven different locations. Visiting these seven locations and bathing at each is called Sapta Sagara Yatra.​

As part of this pilgrimage, bathing at Chollangi village where the Tulyabhaga River meets the ocean is paramount. Every year on Chollangi Amavasya, thousands of devotees visit this sacred site, take holy baths, offer Tarpan to ancestors, and perform worship.​

Pitru Dosha - Symptoms and Consequences

Pitru Dosha is an astrological affliction visible in one's horoscope. It occurs when ancestral souls remain restless. When the Sun, Rahu, and Ketu align in the horoscope, or when malefic planets occupy the ninth house, Pitru Dosha is indicated.​

Symptoms of Pitru Dosha: Delayed marriage, childlessness, frequent illnesses in the family, financial problems, business losses, educational obstacles, mental unrest, family conflicts.​

By following proper rituals on Chollangi Amavasya and appeasing the ancestors, relief from Pitru Dosha can be obtained.​

Comprehensive Puja Procedure

Morning Bath:
Wake up during Brahma Muhurta. If possible, bathe in the Godavari River or other sacred rivers. If this is not feasible, add Ganga water and tulsi leaves to bath water at home.​

Surya Arghya:
After bathing, offer Arghya (water offering) to Lord Surya. Cup both palms with water, face the Sun, and offer water while chanting "Om Suryaya Namah".​

Pitru Tarpan:
Pitru Tarpan is the most important ritual on Amavasya. Stand facing south. In a copper vessel, mix water, black sesame seeds, and rice. Offer Tarpan while reciting the names of ancestors.​

Tarpan mantra: Chant "Asmat Pitru, Pitamaha, Prapitamahebhyah Namah" (Salutations to our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather) while offering water. Also offer Tarpan to maternal ancestors.​

Pind Daan:
After Tarpan, perform Pind Daan. Prepare rice balls using lentils, rice, and milk, and offer them to ancestors. Feeding these rice balls to crows and cows is auspicious.​

Shraddha:
Invite Brahmins and feed them. Have them perform Pitru Puja and Pitru Tarpan. Offer food, clothes, and Dakshina to them.​

Worship of Lord Shiva:
Worshipping Lord Shiva on Chollangi Amavasya is highly auspicious. Visit Shiva temples and perform Abhisheka and Archana.​

Havan and Yajna:
Performing Havan (fire ritual) and Yajna (sacrificial offering) on this day is meritorious. Offering oblations in the sacred fire pleases the ancestors.​

Charity:
Feed dogs, cows, ants, and crows. Donate food, clothes, and money to the poor.​

Silence:
If possible, observe silence throughout the day. Communicate only through writing. This is the specialty of Mauni Amavasya.​

Vishnu Sahasranama Recitation:
To reduce Pitru Dosha, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama is recommended. Reading the Bhagavad Gita is also auspicious.​

Pitru Gayatri:
Chant Pitru Gayatri for the peace of ancestors.​

Fasting Regulations

Observing a fast on Chollangi Amavasya is highly meritorious. The intensity of fasting varies based on individual capacity:​

Complete Fast: Some observe a complete fast from sunrise to sunset.​

Fruit Diet: Most people consume fruits, milk, and kootu (flour-based items). Only sattvic food should be taken.​

Prohibited Items: Meat, alcohol, onions, and garlic are completely forbidden. Unnecessary talk, anger, falsehood, and negative thoughts should be avoided.​

What to Do: Maintain purity. Remember ancestors and deities. Perform worship and recite stotras. Listen to spiritual discourses.​

Pitru Dosha Remedies - Special Solutions

For Pitru Dosha removal on Chollangi Amavasya, perform these special remedies:​

Black Sesame Donation: Black sesame seeds are extremely dear to ancestors. Donate black sesame and sesame oil.​

Peepal Tree Worship: Light a lamp under the peepal tree (sacred fig tree). Circumambulate the tree. This tree is believed to be the abode of ancestors.​

Saturn Dosha Remedy: If it falls on Saturday, donate oil and iron. Visit Shani temples.​

Rahu-Ketu Remedy: Feed black dogs. For Rahu-Ketu afflictions, worship serpent deities.​

Godaan: Those with means should donate cows. Alternatively, serve at cow shelters and provide grass and fodder to cows.​

Annadaan: Feeding the poor is the greatest of all charities. The more people you feed, the greater the merit.​

Remarkable Benefits of Chollangi Amavasya

Observing Chollangi Amavasya vrat, performing worship, and offering Tarpan brings numerous benefits:​

Spiritual Benefits:

• Pitru Dosha is completely eliminated
• Peace comes to ancestral souls, and their blessings are received
• All sins are destroyed, and the soul is purified
• The path to Moksha opens
• Spiritual clarity and peace are attained
• Divine grace is obtained

Material Benefits:

• Marriage obstacles are removed, and marriage occurs
• Blessing of progeny is received
• Health problems diminish, and physical health improves
• Financial problems are resolved, and wealth increases
• Progress occurs in business and career
• Better results come in education
• Family conflicts reduce and peace increases
• Desires are fulfilled, and goals are achieved
• Enemies are destroyed, and victory in legal matters is obtained
• Mental peace and self-confidence increase

Important Rules and Guidelines

For complete benefits from Chollangi Amavasya, follow these guidelines:​

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a purifying bath
• If possible, bathe in the Godavari River
• Bathing at Chollangi Sapta Sagara Sangamam is most meritorious
• Surya Arghya is mandatory
• Pitru Tarpan must be performed
• Perform Pind Daan and Shraddha
• Worship Lord Shiva
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama
• Donate black sesame seeds
• Feed dogs, cows, and crows
• Donate food and clothes to the poor
• If possible, observe silence
• Avoid meat and alcohol
• Maintain purity and sattvic living

Concluding Blessings

Chollangi Amavasya is the most sacred Amavasya occurring in Pausha month. By bathing at the Godavari Sapta Sagara Sangamam, offering Tarpan to ancestors, performing Pind Daan, conducting Shraddha, and engaging in charity on this day, Pitru Dosha is completely eliminated. Peace comes to ancestral souls, and with their blessings, all auspiciousness enters life.​

This Mauni Amavasya, which allows us to experience the power of silence, bestows soul purification, mental peace, and spiritual clarity. May Chollangi Amavasya grant everyone Pitru Dosha removal, blessing of progeny, health, wealth, peace, and Moksha! May the sacred confluence where the holy Godavari meets the vast ocean cleanse all impurities and illuminate the path to eternal liberation!