Kaushiki Amavasya (new moon) occurs in the month of Bhadra. It is more significant than other new moons of the Hindu calendar. According to Tantra this night is also called ‘Tara Ratri’. This day is also called as ‘Alok Amavasya’.

Kaushiki Amavasya is a little different from all other new moons, because according to Tantra and Shastra this tithi of Bhadra month is a little special. A lot of difficult and secret sadhana will get unexpected results on this day. The saint conquers the Kulkundalini chakra. This day has a special significance in Buddhist and Hindu Tantra. At a particular moment, the gates of both heaven and hell open for a moment and a saint absorbs positive or negative energy as per his wish and attains divinity.

With the incarnation of Goddess Kaushiki the earth got independent of the darkness of ignorance and was lightened up with the divine light of knowledge. To celebrate the spiritual freedom and joy, devotees lighted the lamps (Pradeep), hence this day is also called as Alok Amavasya (lightened Amavasya).

According to the Puranas, in ancient times all the gods and goddesses (deities) and human beings were completely distressed with the atrocities of the two demons named Shumbh and Nishumbh. So, the deities prayed to Goddess Durga (Mahamaya) for their protection. Goddess Durga was pleased with the prayers and she incarnated from the Kosh (cell) of her divine body, hence known as Goddess Kaushiki. She killed the cruel demons and re-established peace and righteousness in the lives of everyone.

On this special tithi of Kaushiki Amavasya, Saint Bamakshyapa, one of the Top 10 Sipitual Gurus of Bengal, attained divinity by worshiping Goddess Tara under the Shimul tree of Mahashmashan (cremation) in Tarapeeth. It is believed that if devotees worship Mother in Tarapeeth on this special tithi, all their hearts’ desires will be fulfilled. So on this new moon, thousands of devotees come to Tarapeeth to get Mother’s blessings.

When the new moon begins, the Tarapeeth Mahashmashan (cremation) takes a different form. According to Tantra scriptures, bathing in the Dwarka river with the worship of Mother Tara on this tithi gives the reward of hundred births. And for this reason, a special puja is organized on this date in Tarapeeth.

By Krishna Das