Mahalaya Amavasya: The Significance and Rituals for Honouring Ancestors

Mahalaya Amavasya is considered to be the most important day in Pitru Paksha for the offering of ancestors. The special importance of the Shradh performed on this day has been told.

Table of Contents

1. The Virtue of Offering Ancestors on Mahalaya Amavasya
2. History and Importance of Mahalaya
3. Symbol of the Beginning of Navratri and the End of Pitru Paksha
4. Key Date for Liberation from Pitra Dosh
5. Worship and Rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya
6. Understanding Pind Daan
7. Important Shradh and Tarpan Locations in India
8. Charity and Food Distribution on Mahalaya
9. Navratri: The Festivities Following Mahalaya

The Virtue of Offering Ancestors on Mahalaya Amavasya

The most important day in Pitru Paksha for the offering of ancestors is Mahalaya Amavasya. The special importance of the Shradh performed on this day has been told. This day is also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This year Mahalaya Amavasya is falling on Wednesday, October 2. The ritual of worship has also been told to get rid of this important Pitru Dosha falling on the last day of Pitru Paksha. It is believed that performing Shradh and Tarpan of ancestors on Mahalaya Amavasya not only liberates their souls but also increases the virtuous deeds of the person.

History and importance of Mahalaya

According to Brahmapuran, before worshiping the gods, man should worship his ancestors. It is believed that this pleases the gods. Mahalaya is the day when Goddess Durga descended on earth on the request of the gods to destroy the demons. After this Navratri also begins. Therefore, the Shradh performed for the ancestors on this day is said to have special importance.

It is believed that Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh worshipped Goddess Durga for the end of the demon king Mahishasura. The demon king had a boon that no god or man could kill him. Therefore, when the gods were defeated by him, they worshiped Adi Shakti. On this day, Mother Durga fought with Mahishasura and killed him. It is believed that this war continued from the middle of Bhadrapada to Amavasya. This day (Mahalaya Amavasya 2024) is celebrated as Mahalaya Amavasya in honor of the gods and demons killed in that war. Also our ancestors are also remembered.

Symbol of the beginning of Navratri and the end of Pitra Paksha
Mahalaya Amavasya is a symbol of the beginning of Navratri and the end of Pitru Paksha. This time the Amavasya date of Ashwin month will start on October 01, 2024 at 09:38 pm. At the same time, this date will end on October 2 at 12:19 pm. That is, October 3 will start. In such a situation, according to the sunrise date, Mahalaya Amavasya will be celebrated on October 02.

Key date for liberation from Pitra Dosh

For getting rid of Pitra Dosh, the Shradh of ancestors on Mahalaya Amavasya is also very important. Some people perform Tarpan of all their ancestors on Mahalaya Amavasya. With the removal of Pitru Dosh, there is progress and happiness and prosperity in life. Apart from Mahalaya Amavasya, this day is also called Sarvapitre Amavasya and Visarjani Amavasya.

Worship and rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya

Tarpan and Shradh have special importance on Mahalaya Amavasya. In this, water, sesame, rice and other holy things are offered to the ancestors. It is said to be done near a river or pond. It is believed that the Pind Daan offered in this way reaches the ancestors and their soul gets peace. This ritual should be done in Vedic manner through priests.

Understanding Pind Daan

Pind Daan is offered to ancestors in the form of pind which is made from rice mixed with sesame, honey and ghee. It is a food offered to the souls of ancestors which nourishes them and facilitates their spiritual journey.

Important Shradh and Tarpan Locations in India

Shradh and Tarpan performed in Trimbakeshwar including Gaya, Varanasi and Haridwar in Bihar in India have been described as having special importance.

Charity and Food Distribution on Mahalaya

On Mahalaya Amavasya, donating food, clothes and other essential things to the poor and needy is considered highly auspicious. There is also a belief of feeding Brahmins, priests and animals like cows, dogs and crows. It is believed that the food given to them on this day reaches the ancestors.

Navratri: The Festivities Following Mahalaya

Mahalaya is not only the day of Shradh and Tarpan. It is also the day of arrival of Devi Paksha from Pitru Paksha. This day is considered a symbol of determination to honor ancestors and worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Navratri begins the next day of Mahalaya in which nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. It is also celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil.