{"id":15441,"date":"2021-06-04T16:31:48","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T11:01:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pillaicenter.com\/blog\/?p=15441"},"modified":"2023-09-23T05:15:01","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T23:45:01","slug":"what-is-mahalaya-amavasya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pillaicenter.com\/blog\/what-is-mahalaya-amavasya","title":{"rendered":"Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha – What is its Significance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"amavasaya\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What is Mahalaya Amavasya?<\/h2>\n

Mahalaya Amavasya is a new moon day dedicated to conducting special rituals for one\u2019s deceased \u2018Pitrus\u2019 or ancestors. It is one of the important days of the Hindu tradition. The Mahalaya Amavasya<\/a> is observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the \u2018Bhadrapada\u2019 month, based on the Amavasyant calendar followed in South India.<\/p>\n

Rituals performed during Mahalaya Amavasya<\/h3>\n

This day is observed in honor of the ancestors, and the family members spend the day in their remembrance. On this day, people thank their ancestors who have contributed to their life. The family members seek apology from their forefathers and pray that their souls rest in peace.<\/p>\n

Many rituals are performed during the Mahalaya Amavasya. Some of the significant rituals are listed below.<\/p>\n

1. Tarpan and Shraddha rituals are performed for the deceased family members who passed away on the \u2018Chaturdashi, \u2018Amavasya, or \u2018Purnima tithi.<\/p>\n

2. During Mahalaya, the observer of rituals gets up early and completes the morning rituals.<\/p>\n

3. The observer and his family wear yellow clothes on this day and invite a Brahmin to their house.<\/p>\n

4. Generally, the eldest male in the family observes the shraddha ceremony.<\/p>\n

5. He wears a ring of darbha grass. Then the ancestors are invoked to reside in the ring.<\/p>\n

6. The observer of the shraddha ceremony performs the rituals bare-chested, as the position of the sacred thread worn by him needs to be changed multiple times during the ceremony.<\/p>\n

6. When the Brahmin comes, the observer of the ritual washes their feet and provides them a clean place to sit.<\/p>\n

7. According to Hindu scriptures, a specific direction for seating is followed depending on the Paksha. Deva Paksha Brahmin sits facing east, while Pitra Paksha and Matru Paksha Brahmin sit facing the northern direction.<\/p>\n

8. Sesame seeds are sprinkled on the floor where the Brahmins are seated.<\/p>\n

9. The Brahmin recites the mantras and invokes the ancestors of the observer\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

10. The \u2018Pitrus\u2019 are worshipped with dhoop, diya, and flowers. A blend of water and barley is also offered to the forefathers.<\/p>\n

11. The shraddha ceremony involves pinda dana, an offering to the ancestors of pindas (cooked rice and barley flour balls mixed with ghee and black sesame seeds), accompanying the release of water from the hand.<\/p>\n

12. Following this, Lord Vishnu and Yama are worshipped.<\/p>\n

13. The food offering is then made, and it is then placed on the roof for the crow.<\/p>\n

14. Crow is believed to be a messenger from Yama or the spirit of the ancestors.<\/p>\n

15. The Special food is prepared for this event is offered to the Brahmins after the puja rituals are over.<\/p>\n

16. Once the ancestors (crow) and Brahmins have eaten, the family members can begin lunch.<\/p>\n

Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya<\/h2>\n

Mahalaya Amavasya is an auspicious occasion for Hindus. Its rituals and customs have great significance.<\/p>\n