- Amavasya
Amavasya is the
Indic name for anew moon . The word "Amavasya" is common to many Indian languages especiallySanskrit ,Hindi ,Bengali ,Marathi ,Oriya and Gujarati.The fortnight containing the new-moon is considered auspicious by Hindus. They believe that during this period, the offerings they make, reach their late forefathers. Every month, the new-moon day is considered auspicious and
pooja s are made. However, no travel ought to be scheduled the first day of the new moon, as travel without moonlight in the ancient times was forbidden.The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September-October) is known as the
Mahalaya Paksha or thefortnight specially sacred for offeringoblation s to the departed ancestors. The last day of this period, thenew moon day, 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 mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and the great charity he had done here was returned to him hundredfold. But, it was allgold andsilver ; there was no food, as he had not done any food-charity! He prayed to thegod of death . So, he was sent back toEarth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency.For fourteen days, he fed
Brahmin s and the poor, and offered oblations ofwater . 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 Yama, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period benefit all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not.References
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