OM Significance of Tarpan and prayer for departed souls OM

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OM

GURUR BRAHMA GURUR VISNU GURUR DEVO MAHESHVARAH

GURUH SAKSHAT PARAM BRAHM TASMAI SRI GURVE NAMAH

OM NAMAH SIVAYA

OM NAMAH SIVANANDAYA

 

 

Revered Advaita list members,

Sadar Pranam

 

Mahalaya; Pitri Paksha begins on Sept 22. Mahalaya (Pitripaksha)

Amavasya is on Oct 6.

>From Hindu Fasts & Festivals By Sri Swami Sivananda

http://www.thedivinelifesociety.org/download/hindufest.htm

 

ALL ABOUT HINDUISM By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.htm#_VPID_51

 

PRAYER FOR DEPARTED SOULS ITS PURPOSE AND PRE-REQUISITES

(Forest University Lecture given on All-Soul's Day, 1952)

http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_32.html

 

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