Ambubachi Begins at Noon Today: Kamakhya Temple Turns Into a Spiritual Hub

Ambubachi is one of the most important annual religious festivals in Hinduism. Known by different names across various regions—such as Ambubasi or Amavati—the festival is deeply rooted in mythology and ancient spiritual beliefs. In several parts of India, the festival is also celebrated as Raja Parba or Raja Utsav.

Mythological and Astrological Significance

According to traditional beliefs, on the 7th day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, when the three phases of the Mrigaśīrṣā (Mrigashira) Nakshatra end, Mother Earth or Dharti Maa becomes ritumatī (menstruating). This is the time when Ambubachi is observed.

As per a popular Bengali proverb: “Kiser bar, kiser tithi, Ashadher sat tarikh Ambubachi.”
(What day, what date? It’s the 7th of Ashadha – Ambubachi begins.)

Astrologically, it is believed that when the Sun enters the Gemini sign (Mithun Rashi), Ambubachi occurs on the following day of the week during that same time. Symbolically, this marks Mother Earth’s menstruation period.

In Hindu scriptures and the Vedas, the Earth is often referred to as a mother. In mythology too, she is called Dharti Mata. It is believed that on the fourth phase of Mrigashira Nakshatra in the month of Ashadha, the Earth becomes menstruating, just like a mature woman capable of bearing children. Thus, following Ambubachi, Mother Earth becomes fertile and ready for cultivation.

Ambubachi 2025 Dates

The Ambubachi festival lasts for three days. In 2025, it will begin on June 22 (7th Ashadha) at 2:57 PM and end on June 25 (10th Ashadha) at 3:21 AM.

Ambubachi at Kamakhya Temple

According to the Kalika Purana from the Brahmanical era, all goddesses are forms of Mahashakti (Supreme Energy), and so is Goddess Kamakhya. Mythology tells us that this is the place where Sati’s yoni (reproductive organ) fell when Lord Vishnu cut her corpse with his Sudarshan Chakra. Hence, Kamakhya Temple in Assam is considered one of the most important Tantric shrines and a sacred Shakti Peeth.

During Ambubachi, a grand fair and spiritual congregation are held at the Kamakhya Temple. Devotees from across India and abroad gather to take part in the celebrations.

Rituals and Restrictions During Ambubachi

Just as menstruating women are traditionally considered ashuchi (impure) and observe rest, it is believed that the Earth is also unclean during Ambubachi. As a result:

• Brahmacharis (celibates), monks, yogis, and widows refrain from lighting a fire or cooking during these days.

• They survive on fruits and non-cooked food.

• In many households, elderly widows observe strict fasting and rituals.

• On the fourth day, people wash their clothes and bedding, bathe with soap and shampoo, and resume normal activities.

Also, during these days, idols and pictures of the Mother Goddess in temples and household shrines are covered with cloth.

Cultural Practices and Taboos

Several customs are associated with Ambubachi. The three-day period is strictly observed by ascetics and widows. No auspicious work, ceremonies, or marriages take place during this time. Even agricultural activities come to a halt. After Ambubachi ends, cultivation and other auspicious rituals resume.

Also Read: Traffic Curbs Announced in Guwahati to Manage Ambubachi Mela Rush