More on Pitri Paksha and Mahalaya Amavasya

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I hope we are all thanking our ancestors these past few days ...

Here is an article from Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and what he has to say on this Paksha

Jai Maa

Nanda

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The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September-October) is known as

theMahalaya Paksha or the fortnight specially sacred for offering

oblationsto the departed ancestors. The last day of this period, the

new moonday, is considered as the most important day in the year for

performingobsequies and rites.The renowned hero of the /Mahabharata,

/Karna, when he left the mortalcoil, ascended to the higher worlds

and the great charity he had donehere 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 thegod of death. So, he

was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to makeup for this

deficiency.For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and

offered oblationsof water. On his return to the higher regions, he

had food in plenty. Itis these fourteen days that are commemorated in

the Mahalaya Paksha. Dueto the grace of the god of death, it has

been ordained that offeringsmade during this period benefit all the

departed souls, whether they areconnected to you or not.Charity in

the form of food is important during this observance. Lifedepends

upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. Thishuman

body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How

preciousmust food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of

food is thegreatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only

during theMahalaya fortnight but all through the year./Om// Tat Sat

Brahmaparnamastu/==================================================

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