“Your ancestors live through you. Their blessings or curses determine your health, wealth, and relationships. When you offer them food and prayers, you change not only their destiny but also your own.” – Dr. Pillai
Mahalaya Amavasya, the New Moon that marks the culmination of the Mahalaya fortnight, is the most important day of the year for connecting with our ancestors. Dr. Pillai teaches that performing tarpanam (ancestral offerings) on this day clears soul genetics, removes blocks, and invites blessings from the departed.
To receive the highest benefit, it is important to observe the right practices. Below are some do’s and don’ts to guide your participation in Mahalaya Amavasya.
Do’s on Mahalaya Amavasya
- Perform Tarpanam at the Right Time
- Offer tarpanam during the New Moon window. Timing matters because the ancestors are closest to the earth plane on this day.
- If possible, perform it near a water body (river, ocean). If not, you can do it at home with sesame seeds, rice, and water.
- Offer Food with Sincerity
- Ancestors receive subtle energy through food offerings. Sesame seeds, rice, black gram, and fruits are traditionally offered.
- Dr. Pillai asks to make this offering with utmost commitment and love.
“Just take some water along with sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and a special grass [Dharba Grass], and then offer it to the ancestors… But do it with commitment. Do it with all love for them to come and take these offerings.” – Dr. Pillai
- Try Remember Them by Name
- If you know the names of your ancestors, you can call upon them as you make the offering. This helps to deepen the connection.
But it is not mandatory.
“Offer tarpanam saying, ‘This is for the dead ancestors on my mother’s line and my father’s line, please take this offering.” – Dr. Pillai
- Meditate and Pray for Their Liberation
“The departed souls of your ancestors are on their journey to what is called the world of the ancestors, the galaxy of ancestors, which is under the control of rishis, Vishnu Loka. And it is very difficult for them to move on because they are really struggling to move forward, and who can help them is you. You can help them.” – Dr. Pillai
- Spend time in prayer for your ancestors to attain peace.
- Ask for their blessings to remove karmic obstacles in your life.
- Maintain a Clean Space and Mind
- Purity of intention is more important than elaborate rituals.
- Keep your body, home, and altar clean before starting the offering.
Practices to Approach with Care on Mahalaya Amavasya
- Honor the Ritual
“Even God’s don’t accept your offerings and prayers, if you don’t do Tarpanam to your Ancestors.” – Dr. Pillai
- Avoid skipping tarpanam or performing it hastily, as this is the day when ancestors are most present and receptive.
- Offer with Mindfulness
- Refrain from performing the ritual mechanically. The depth of your heart’s intention and remembrance of your lineage matters more than the physical items offered.
- Keep the Body Light and Conscious
- It’s best to refrain from alcohol, meat, or heavy foods, which can lower awareness and block subtle energies.
- Speak and Act from Compassion
- Try not to harbor anger, resentment, or harsh words toward family members, as negativity can impede the blessings of your ancestors.
- Stay Open to Subtle Guidance
- During Mahalaya, your ancestors may reach you through dreams or subtle signs. Be open to messages that guide your life path.
Why Observing These Practices Matters in Honoring Your Ancestors
When you perform Mahalaya Amavasya rituals with devotion and awareness, they support your ancestors and help clear karmic patterns in your own life. This is a day to dissolve ancestral karma and strengthen your connection to the Golden Age teachings that Dr. Pillai is bringing forth.
MAHALAYA PAKSHA CRITICAL MOON PHASES
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