Mahalaya Paksha - A Ritual For Ancestors Pt. 2

Mahalaya Paksha- What Should We Do?

Mahalaya Paksha in a nutshell

Mahalaya Paksha literally means "fortnight of the ancestors". It is a 16 lunar day period wherein Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitru), especially through food offerings. Pitru Paksha is considered by Hindus to be inauspicious, given the death rite performed during the ceremony, known as Shraddha or tarpan. The Mahalaya Paksha begins with the full moon day (Purnima) that occurs immediately after the Ganesh festival and ending with the new moon day known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya or simply Mahalaya. The autumnal equinox falls within this period, I.e the Sun transitions from the northern to the southern hemisphere during this period. 

What are we supposed to do at home?

• From the first day of the paksha to the last day that falls on Mahalaya Amavasya try to ensure that the Kamakshi Vilakku is lighted up 24 hours. Before doing so make sure the lamp is cleaned and a fresh wick (thiri) is used and fresh oil is added to it. If you are a working person then you may leave your florescent light on 24 hours.

• Purchase 3,5, or 7 earthen lamps (Agal Vilakku). Note that the lamps have to be in odd numbers. Have them lighted from 7pm-10pm at your main entrance (Thalai Vaasal) of your house. Then extinguish the lights (Do not blow the light with your breath use a flower or use a match stick to push the wick into the oil.)  Then bring it into your house. 

Lighted lamps are significant to an invitation for 

your ancestors and good energy to walk into your house.

Do this from the next 15 days till Amavasya. And it is said during this period your ancestors will descend to earth and give you blessings. They will also observe your living patterns and if they feel that you are facing many hardships they will try and convince God to lessen your hardships. But this is also a good time to evade the burdens that is caused by Pithru Dosha.

PS. Please do not chant any mantras as Amavasya is also  time of darkness. If you utter one syllable by mistake then you could unknowingly be inviting the devil into you home. 

If you want to perform any tarpana with mantras and pindam for your ancestors I know Scott Road Temple in Brickfields, Malaysia used to do it.

or

If you want to do it at home then cook rice and add in black sesame seeds to the rice and make it into 3 or 5 rice balls. Put them on a banana leaf, take it outside your house (even the porch will do).Do not recite any mantras just say your ancestors' names and pray that their souls are always at peace, put the banana leaf on your letter post or any beams that you can put the leaf on and serve the rice balls for the crow to eat.

~Crows are very well associated with dead ancestors in Hinduism.

*Mahalaya Paksha for the year 2014 starts on 9/9/2014 and will end on 23/9/2014