Mahalaya Paksha or Pitru Paksha in 2012 is going to be somewhat different from the previous years. Mahalaya Paksha usually begins in Ashvin month in the North India. However in 2012, it is beginning in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Moreover, two Shraddhs will be observed in the month of Bhadrapad. Due to Malmas or Adhimas (Adhik Maas or the extra month) this year, the cycle of Pitru Paksha has been slightly changed. Though, technically there would be only 16 days for Shraddh as usual, but there are 17 days till Pitru Visarjani Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya in 2012. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, no important or sacred work should be commenced during this fortnight meant for ancestors.
It is a powerful period for propitiation of manes (ancestors). Pitrus are said to Grace the households of their descendants with Divine Permission from the other Planes of Existence and are waiting to Bless any descendant who is willing to Honour them in whatever little way they can.
Austerities during Pitr Paksha (applicable to those who have lost at least one parent) include:
1) Not eating non-veg (in case of non-vegetarians).
2) Not eating onion, garlic, outside food, processed foods, drumstick, etc (for pure vegetarians).
3) If possible avoiding shaving for the entire fortnight till Mahalaya Amavasai.
4) Performing obesquities (shradh) on the thithi of the ancestor’s death to the extent possible or at least offering “anna dhaanam” (offering food) to poor persons/ priests as per one’s convenience. (On this day, you should not shave)
5) Abstaining from carnal intercourse with members of opposite gender during the fortnight as a mark of respect to Pitrs.
6) Doing recitals like Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of a soul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads (where Yama Gitaa is there – it contains Lord Yamaa’s elucidation of the journey of a soul which was first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), and Gangaa Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us.
The Shraddh involves Pinda-Daan, which is an offering to the ancestors of Pindas with sesame seeds, grass and water. The base of the Shraddha is the devotion and respect towards ancestors. One should follow the rituals as stated below to perform Shraddh.
First of all, wash the feet of all the Brahmins (priest) and make them sit on a clean seat. Deva Paksha brahmin should sit facing east and Pitra Paksha and Matru Paksha brahmin should sit facing the north direction while having food. Worship the gods with a mixture of barley and water and offer them Dhoop, Diya and flowers.
Then, put the sacred thread on the right shoulder and with the permission of the brahmin donate the splint and call the ancestors by chanting the mantras. Now, again seek the permission of the Brahmin and offer the food cooked to the Agni (fire) while chanting, “ Agneya Kavyavahanaya Swaha” “Somaya Pitramate Swaha” followed by serving the food to the brahmins. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on the floor where shraddh is being performed and consider brahmins as your ancestors.
Importance of Sarva Pitru Shraddha
Amavasya Pitra Paksha is considered to be auspicious to perform Shraddh ceremonies. This Amavasya is also known as Visarjani Amavasya and Mahalaya. Shraddh performed with rituals mentioned in the scriptures brings welfare. People who are unable to perform Shraddh according to the rituals should perform it on the date of the death of their ancestor in Ashwin month for their peace and welfare.
Pitra starts from Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Purnima and remains till Amavasya. People who are unable perform Shraddh during the period of 15 days of Pitra Paksha or the people who do not remember the date of death of their ancestors can perform Tarpan on Sarva Pitra Paksha Amavasya. On this day, the ancestors visit their home with a desire of pind-daan or tilanjali and if someone doesn’t perform it, they go back unhappy.
Mahalaya is also known as Shraddha. Maha means,“day of festival” and alaya means, “home”. Krishna Paksha is the day when ancestors visit earth and if Shraddh is not performed, then they return back to Pitralok unhappy. Shraddh is performed for the peaceful salvation of ancestors, which is also known as Mahalaya. If any family is suffering from Pitradosha and poverty and are not aware of the date of death of their ancestors should perform Sharaddh and Tarpan with proper rituals and devotion on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
