Mahaalaya Paksha

Mahaalaya Paksha, also called Pitru Paksha, is the fortnight (15 days) preceding Navarathri. This year Mahaalaya Paksha begins on Monday, September 15. It ends on Mahaalaya Amaavaasya which falls on Sunday, September 28.

This period is considered very important to our Pithtrus (deceased ancestors). It is said that human beings have three kinds of debt --- to Rishis, to Devas and to Pithrus. We repay our debt to our ancestors (Pithru Runam) through Shraadhams and Tarpanams. During the Mahaalaya Paksham occurring, Pitrus are said to descend on earth to receive the food (Pindam) and Tilothakam (water and sesame seed mixture). They arrive with great expectations to receive the oblations offered to them and bless their descendants in return. Since these mahaans make the earth holy by their residence, this lokam is known as Maha Aalayam (Sacred Temple).

Mahaalaya Shraadham is performed by those who do not have father on one of the days during this period. Often it is done on the thithi on which the father passed away. Ekaadasi, Ashtami (called Madhyaashtami) are considered special days do perform the Shraadham. Mahalaya Shraaddha performed during Bharani Nakshathram day is said to be equivalent to performing Shraaddha at the sacred place of itself. The Shraadham is performed as Hiranya Shraadham with Thila Tharpanam. Some perform Thila Tharpanam on all the days during this period. (Please let us know if you need the Sankalpa for the daily Tharpanam). Please contact us at vedicsastri@gmail.com for more information.

We request you perform this important prayer to your ancestors in accordance with your family tradition and the advice of your Aachaarya. Vishnupuranam categorically states that when one performs Shraaddha with devotion and faith, he propitiates not merely his pitrus, but also the gods, the sages, men, beasts, birds and crawling creatures too.