Guest guest Posted October 13, 2004 Report Share Posted October 13, 2004 PITRU AMAVASYA OR MAHALAYA AMAVASYA - October 14th- 2004===================================================== 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. Devotees worship at temples and take a ritual dip in their nearest holy river to cleanse their souls of sin. This is celebrated on the Amavasya day in the month of Bhadrapada. When the sun is in the zodiacal sign of Kanya or virgo and in conjunction with the moon. It is a very auspicious day for offering oblations to the pitris that is names of the departed ancestors. The whole fortnight called pitri pakshas i.e. the fortnight preceding Amavasya is sacred for propitiating departed souls. People go to sacred rivers like Ganga in North India, Godavari and Krishna in Andhra and Cauvery in South India to offer oblations and pindas to their ancestors. 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. They offer Jaggery and a kind of Greens ( called Avathi Keerai in Tamil) to cows on that day. The rituals form part of the oblations to departed ancestors, whom this day commemorates. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered to be the most important day in the year for performing such rites. Rural folk gather around rivers and those who live in small villages meet at the nearest river. Market stalls are set up and there are dances, performing monkeys and magicians. Om Tat Sat Brahmaparnamastu After Mahalaya Amavasya, starts the Navrathri festival commencing on October 15th 2004. From Baba's words................... There is a lot of difference between a normal athma and a Mahatma. There is an attachment in the physical relationship of a normal athma. Even if you don't like or not, you cannt run away from your own Blood relation. I don't hav such attachments. You are having the worldly bodies and living your life. I have conquered my physical body, long time back on Jan 24th 1984. I have done the last rites ( Dhevasam) in those times only to all my previous generations. For the worldly people, there are lots of duty like giving Dhevasam( last rites and pooja- for people who are dead). I don't even have that. Because, When I went to Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva told me "You go to Badrinarayanan temple and given both Ellu and oil and you will not have any Pitru Karmas in your life time. I went to Badrikashram and gave it. I don't have any Rituals, Shashtras, Dhevasam for me. That is, if you have and if you do not do it, it won't be good. Because you have forgotten your rule. I don't have it. Whatever duty was there for this physical body, I have finished everything. To come physically is to pay off your dues. The relationship you keep with your family is the Athma relationship in your previous births.It has come to pass off the Karmas, that's all. Love - Baba ========================================= Mail – CNET Editors' Choice 2004. Tell them what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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