Mahalaya Amavasya: The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September-October) is known as the Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight specially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites. The renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Karna, when he left the mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and the great charity he had done here was returned to him hundredfold. But, it was all gold and silver; there was no food, as he had not done any food-charity! He prayed to the god of death. So, he was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency. For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and offered oblations of water. On his return to the higher regions, he had food in plenty. It is these fourteen days that are commemorated in the Mahalaya Paksha. Due to the grace of the god of death, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period benefit all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not. Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year. Mahalaya Amavasya Rituals : It is believed that the offerings made during these fourteen days will benefit all the ancestors whether related to you to not. On this day there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon and the Sun enters the Kanya rashi. It is believed that ancestors descend from their world to live in their descendant’s home during these fourteen days. Each day during the Mahalaya Paksha is ruled by a moon phase and rites are performed on each of these days. If the rite or shraadh is performed in any of these fourteen days the ancestors will be at peace for the rest of year and bestow health, wealth and longevity to the person performing the rites. The Mahalaya Amvasya day itself is considered the most significant day for performing obsequies and rites because it is believed that rites performed on this day and offerings made will bless your ancestors and will free them from all their sins. Hindus offer food, obsequies and oblations to all departed souls on the Mahalaya Amvasya day. Donating food is considered supreme form of charity and whoever donates food will attain elevated status after death.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:57:52 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015