Mahalaya Amavasya is considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. It marks the end of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period devoted to paying homage to ancestors, and signals the beginning of the auspicious Sharadiya Navratri. This spiritual shift from honouring forefathers to invoking the divine presence of Goddess Durga makes Mahalaya deeply meaningful for devotees.
It marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, The day when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. On this day, families across India perform rituals to seek blessings from departed souls and express gratitude for their legacy. According to Hindu belief, these blessings can bring peace, prosperity, and remove obstacles from one’s life. Many also believe that performing these rites helps reduce the effects of Kalsarp Dosha.
The main rituals performed during Mahalaya Amavasya include Tarpan, Shradh, and Pind Daan.
A tale from the Mahabharata adds deeper meaning to this observance. After Karna’s death, he received gold instead of food in heaven because he had never donated food during his life. Moved by his regret, the gods allowed him to return to earth for 16 days to perform food donations. This period became known as Pitru Paksha.
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During this period, reading sacred texts such as the Garuda Purana, Agni Purana, and the story of Nachiketa is considered beneficial. These scriptures offer guidance on life, death, and the afterlife.
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