Mahalaya Amavasya Date 2024: Mahalaya Amavasya falls on October 2, 2024. This Amavasya begins on the 2nd of October and ends at 12:40 AM on the 3rd of October.
Mahalaya Amavasya, the new moon day filled with rituals and reverence, is a time for deep reflection and connection with our ancestors. This day is significant and sacred in the Hindu calendar. This special Amavasya (new moon) occurs in the Tamil month of Puratasi, which falls between September and October, during the end of the Mahalaya Paksha period or Pitru Paksha. Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Pitru Paksha Amavasya, is the perfect occasion to perform Tarpanam (ancestral rituals) to honour and pay respect to departed ancestors.
Mythological Story of Mahalaya Amavasya
In the Mahabharata, after Karna died in the Kurukshetra War, his soul reached the divine realm where he met Yama, the god of death. Yama informed Karna that he would face the consequences of his earthly actions. Concerned about his ancestors who were suffering due to incomplete rituals, Karna requested Yama to allow him to return to Earth to complete these rites.
Yama, moved by Karna’s devotion, granted him a brief return to Earth. During this time, Karna performed the necessary rituals and offerings to ensure peace and liberation for his ancestors’ souls.
Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
Mahalaya Amavasya is a revered day for seeking the blessings of departed ancestors by satisfying their souls with offerings of water and food. It is believed that during this time, the souls of ancestors visit the Earth. This day is considered highly auspicious, as it allows for the shraddha ritual of any deceased person to be performed, regardless of the tithi. Performing the rituals on this day is thought to help receive their guidance and ensure a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous life.
The Tarpanam ritual serves as an expression of gratitude for the blessings and wisdom passed down by ancestors. It is believed to help alleviate any unresolved karmic debts they may carry and aid in their spiritual progress. Seeking their blessings on this day is thought to bring prosperity, good health, and protection from negative forces.
Rituals for Mahalaya Amavasya
- Preparation: The day before Mahalaya Amavasya, thoroughly clean the house and prepare it for the ritual.
- Observance: On the day, family members should observe a fast and perform the Tarpanam ritual for their ancestors. After completing the ritual, offer the prepared food to a crow and wait for it to eat. Once the crow has consumed the food, the family can partake in the meal and share it with friends and family.
- Temple Visit: Many people visit nearby temples to seek blessings and pray for the well-being of their ancestral souls.
- Charitable act: Donating food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need is highly virtuous. Many also feed animals, as it is believed that the spirits of ancestors reside in them on this day.
Temples to perform Tarpanam in Tamil Nadu
- Rameswaram
- Arasar - Koil Sundara Mahalakshmi Temple
- Thiruvallur - Arulmigu Veeraraghava perumal Temple
- Thiruvanmiyur - Marundeeswarar Temple
- Thila tarpanapuri
Important Note: It is considered highly beneficial and auspicious to visit sacred locations such as Kasi (Varanasi), Gaya, Ujjain, Rameswaram, Innambur, Theerthandapuram, Kekkarai, and Thila Tarpanapuri at least once in your lifetime to perform Tarpanam (ancestral rituals). These holy sites are renowned for their spiritual significance, and performing Tarpanam there is believed to bring immense blessings and peace to both the departed souls and the living.