madhyaashtami, Mahaalaya Amaavasya

September 13, 2006

Dear Members:

Madhyaashtami falls tommorrow - 14th of September 2006. ( non-resident

Indians are requested to check their local almanacs for the exact day

in which Madhyashtami falls at their place). Even if the exact thithi

of one's father/ mother is not known, mahaalaya shraadham can be done

on this day. It is said to bestow the merit that will accrue out of

20 Gaya Shraadhams! So, all members who have lost their mother/

father are requested to offer their homage to the pitrus on this day

and gain merit besides ensuring peace to the soul of their deceased

ancestors.

Similarly, the dwaadashi day during this paksha is earmarked for

offering homage to one's ancestors who have become sanyaasis before

their demise. This samaaraadhanaa (feeding of vedic brahmins after

performing special poojaas {there is no tarpanam for sanyaasiis; only

pooja of the ishtadevata that they worshipped and feeding of pious

persons have to be followed in this case) is equivalent in merit to

one hundred Gaya shraadhs.

Performing tarpanam or shraadham on Mahaalaya Amaavasya day (this year

it falls on Sept 22, 2006) is equivalent to one thousand gaya shraadhs.

Infact, scriptures like Ithihasoupanishad declare that every day

during pitru paksha (Mahaalaya pakshaa) will give the effect of

performing mahaalaya shraadham.

Performance of these rituals with devotion will definitely yield both

mundane and spiritual benefits to the persons performing them.

The pitru devataas will visit each and every house and anyone offering

homage to them by observance of proper rituals will attract their

blessings which will help in overcoming many of the challenges of our

tough times.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

September 13, 2006

Mahalaya Amavasya By

Sri Swami Sivananda 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.

Om Tat Sat Brahmaparnamastu

Om Namah Shivai!

SPI

dakshinastrologer <dakshinastrologer (AT) (DOT) co.in> wrote: