Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!

Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!

Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

PITHRU YAGNA
(The Glory of Mahalaya Pithru Paksham)

Significance

As per Hindu Philosophy, it is said that having taken birth on this sacred
Earth one should get discharged mainly from three types of Rinas (Debts)
viz. Deva Rina, Rishi Rina and Pithru Rina (that also includes Mathru
Rina). For the purpose of this article let us confine ourselves to the third
one that is Pithru Rina. It is said and believed that one will get discharged
from Pithru Rina by begetting a son (continuity of generation), by serving
the Parents and also by performing Pithru Yagna (sacred rites to
forefathers).

It is the duty and responsibility of a son to serve his parents not only
when they are alive but also after their death. One may get a doubt as
to how one can serve his parents after their death. This is where
Vedas/Upanishads come into picture and prescribes certain rituals to be
performed in a Vedic way to please not only the forefathers but also the
Pithru Devathas. We find many sacred texts (Puranas) like Garuda
Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana, Matsya Purana, Markandeya
Purana etc… referring about the sacred rites to be performed to forefathers
and its merits and also implications of not performing.

As we approach towards the middle of Bhadrapada Masam as per the Lunar

Calendar, it is time for us to worship the departed souls (fore fathers). This
worship is held for a period of 15 days during the waning period (dark
period) of Moon in the second fortnight called as Krishna (Bahula) Paksham
during Bhadrapada Masam that generally occurs in the months of
September–October. This period of 15 days (fortnight) starting from
Bhadrapada Bahula Prathama to Bhadrapada Bahula Amavasya is
called as Pithru Paksha or Apara Paksha or Paksha Masam when Sun
will be in Kanya (Virgo) raasi in the zodiac. This period is totally dedicated
and earmarked for worshipping departed souls (fore fathers).

1
It is also called as Mahalaya. Maha means great or big or large. Laya means
destruction. Mahalaya means great destruction. It is said that on one of
the occasions of Deva and Asura Sangrama (war between Deities and
Demons) large number of Devathas and Rishis had died at the hands of
Rakshasas starting from Bhadrapada Bahula Paadyami to Amavasya. This
Mahalaya is also called as Sasthrahatha Mahalaya. These Deities and
Rishis are like our forefathers and it is befitting to worship the departed
souls during this fortnight that coincides with Mahalaya. Hence, this period
of 15 days has become very sacred and celestial for performing sacred rites
to forefathers.

The period of Dakshinayana that represents Pithrus also coincides with Pitru
Paksha. Dakshinayana is also called as Pitrayana. It is said and
believed that Pitrus descend on Earth during the period of Dakshinayana
waiting for their off-springs to perform sacred rites enabling them to attain
better placement in the other worlds. Hence, lot of significance is given
during this period for performing Pitru related activities. Pitru Paksha also
coincides with Chaturmasam the most sacred period for worshipping both
Deities as well as Pitrus. It is the most auspicious time to pay our obeisance
and salutations to our forefathers. Hence, it is referred to as Pithru Paksha.

As per the Hindu time element one month for human beings is equivalent to
one day for Pitru Devathas out of which Sukla Paksha (waxing moon days)
15 days is the day time and Krishna Paksha (waning moon days) 15 days is
the night time for Pitrus. It is believed and said that sacred rites and rituals
like Thila Tarpana and Pinda Pradhana (offering of rice balls) performed act
as food for the departed souls that will be adequate for them through out
the year.

At this stage one may get a basic doubt of why only worship fore fathers
(departed souls) during this period? Why not on other days?
Actually it is prescribed to be performed on a daily basis. Here, we recollect
the famous Hindu sloka Mathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava,
Aacharya Devo Bhava and Athithi Devo Bhava. Worshipping these four
categories is given highest significance and importance in Hindu Dharma.
Among the four, Mathru (Mother) and Pithru (Father) have attained
greater prominence since they are the people who are responsible
for our birth, culture (samskara) and existence.

2
Hindu Dharma prescribes that they should be worshipped on a daily basis
while they are alive and also when they depart from this world. When they
leave this world it becomes the Vedic duty of their descendants (sons) to
worship their departed souls on a daily basis apart from the specific days like
New Moon day, Eclipse Days, Parva Kala (Uttarayana,
Dakshinayana), Pushkara Days, on the specific day (thithi) of their
death, on visiting any Theertha Kshetra, during Paksha Masam and
while performing marriage of a son or a daughter.

It is believed that the souls will attain peace with the rituals/rites performed
during Pithru Paksha and Pithrus will bestow their blessings to those who
perform, for the welfare and prosperity of their Vamsam. It is said that
departed souls for whom these rituals/rites are not performed will wander
aimlessly on the Earth. It is believed and said that performing sacred rites
to forefathers will also work as a remedy for various mundane problems one
is facing related to marriage, progeny, health etc.

I take this opportunity to appeal to one and all eligible to perform these
rites, please, perform them without fail, without counting upon the benefits
one has derived from fore-fathers. If not started earlier please, start doing
at least now. Better be late than never. Hindu Philosophy is rich in its
legacies and traditions. Perhaps Pitru Yagna is one of the best traditions
that have descended from Vedic days. Some people who have visited
Gaya Kshethra and performed Gaya Shraddha are under the impression that
they need not further perform Pitru Shraddha. Even then, Pitru Karya
(Shraaddha/Tarpana) should be performed as long as one is alive.

In this materialistic modern world with changing perceptions, when the

Dharmic duties and responsibilities are slowly getting vanished, when people
don’t even remember the names and Gothra of their ancestors, it is a rarity
to find person/persons observing these rituals of Hindu Dharma. Ignoring
forefathers (Pithrus) the Moola Purushas of one’s lineage is ignoring one’s
own existence since today’s alive are tomorrow’s forefathers.

For such of those who cannot observe these rituals on a day to day basis,
perhaps this Paksha Masam or Pithru Paksha comes as a boon to make up
these lapses.

3
 Mahalaya Pithru Paksha
Useful information (FAQ)

Where to perform the Paksha Cermonies?

As per the sacred texts it is suggested to perform the Paksha cermonies on

the banks of sacred rivers or in sacred and celestial places like Gaya, Kasi,
Prayaga, Kurukshetra, Naimisharanya, Rameswaram etc. If it is not possible
they should be performed at least in one’s house. But in view of several
practical difficulties involved we find they are being performed at various
temples and religious mutts specifically meant for that purpose.

For example all the branches of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt across the
country provide such facilities to the Karthas.

Who can perform these Ceremonies?

One who is a Dwija (who has undergone the process of Upanayanam) should
start performing these cermonies only after the death of one’s father. In
such a case it should be performed by the son and not be the daughter.
When more sons are available it should be performed by all collectively in
case, they are staying together other wise, individually at their respective
places. In case a person doesn’t have sons but only daughters, the grand
son (daughter’s son) can perform these rites called as Dauhithru
Shraaddham that is to be performed on the first day of Aaswayuja Masam
(Aaswayuja Sukla Prathama thithi day)

To whom the Cermonies are to be performed?

The ritual should be addressed or performed only for the deceased persons
and not for the persons who are alive even though they fall in the eligible
list. Apart from one’s kith and kin it should be performed to one’s Guru,
Teacher, Priest (Purohit), Friend or to any person whom one has come
across in life and from whom has received help.

How to perform these cermonies?

Unlike other rituals and festivals, procedure to perform sacred rites to

forefathers is totally different and it also differs according to one
sampradaya. In view of the intricacies involved in the concept, they should

4
be performed only under the guidance and supervision of learned purohits
who are specially trained for this purpose.

What are the materials used for these ceremonies?

Dharbha (Kusa Grass), Cooked Rice, Black Sesame (Thil seeds), Water,
Thulasi leaves, Pavithra (made up of Dharbha), Vishnu Padam (Foot print of
Lord Maha Vishnu), Kalasha, Poorcha, Dharbha (Kusa Grass), Areca nuts,
Coins, Betel leaves, Plantains (Bananas)

On which day of Paksha Masam Ceremonies are to be performed?

It is prescribed that during Pithru Paksham the rituals (shraddha) should be

performed on all the 15 days except on Ekadasi day. Since it is not
practically possible to perform on all the 15 days, it should at least be
performed for one day preferably corresponding to the Father’s Thithi
(death) day. Rest of the days at least Thila Tarpana should be given to
Sarva Pithru or at least to Dwadasa Pithru (Three generations on paternal
side and three generations on maternal side). On the day of Mahalaya
Amavasya Thila Tarpana should be given to all the eligible forefathers.

In case a person due to some reason misses to perform the rituals on the
said date, or doesn’t know the Father’s death thithi, it can be performed on
one of the specified days viz. Ashtami or Dwadasi or on the day coinciding
with Bharani Star, or on the day when Vyatheepatha Yoga is present during
the fortnight, or on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya.

If one misses to perform even on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, still one
can perform on any day before Aaswayuja Sukla Panchami. Even then if it is
not possible, one can still perform the Paksha Shraaddha on any of the
specified days mentioned above in Thula Masam when the Sun is in Thula
Raasi (Libra) and before He transits into Scorpio (Vrischika Raasi).

These cermonies should not be performed on the day of Ekadasi (Day of

fasting). If father’s death corresponds to Ekadasi Day the rituals should be
performed on the next day (Dwadasi) or on any of the specific days
mentioned above.

In case of those whose day of thithi corresponds to Chaturdasi, the Paksha

cermonies should not be performed on Chaturdasi day. However, it can be
performed on any other specified days as mentioned above.

5
Performing Paksha cermonies on Chaturdasi day is earmarked for only those
who had accidental death. This day is known as Ghaatha Chaturdasi.

Similarly Pournima thithi also doesn’t fall in the Krishna Paksha. Hence, for
those whose death thithi happens to be Pournima, the rites should be
performed on any of the specific days mentioned above.

Brief about the Ritual!

The ritual that is performed is called as Paksha Shraddha. Literally Shraddha

means one that is performed with utmost sincerity and devotion. While the
essence remains the same the procedure, customs and rituals may differ
from region to region. The type of Shraaddha to be performed depends on
one’s ability, patience, age, physical fitness of Kartha etc… It is prescribed
and suggested to perform this ritual always as Anna Shraaddham/Pinda
Pradanam (offering of rice balls) which is considered to be the most sacred
and meritorious. It is believed and said that the rituals performed reach the
departed souls through the rays of Sun God and Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya
act as intermediaries. That is why the three generations of fore fathers are
identified as Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya. We find people also opting for other
types like Hiranya Shraaddham, Sankalpa Shraaddham according one’s
convenience. Apart from performing the rituals one should also offer Anna
Dana along with Thaamboola + Dakshina at least to five Brahmins on that
day.

What is Avidhava Navami?

Vidhava means Widow. Avidhava means not a Widow (Sumangali). Navami

is a thithi in the Lunar Calendar. Avidhava Navami in the context of Pitru
Paksham is the day on which cermonies/rituals are to be performed for
those Women (Mothers) who died as Sumangali. It should be performed by
the son on the Navami thithi day during Pithru Paksha and the ritual is
different from regular Paksha Shraaddham.

What is Dauhithru Shraaddham?

Shraddha performed by a daughter’s son to his maternal grand parents is

known as Dauhithru Shraaddham. This is possible only when a person
doesn’t have a son but has a daughter, in such a case, daughter’s son can
perform this ceremony. This is an exceptional case where, a person (Jeevat

6
Pithru) performs ceremony when his father is alive. This ceremony is
performed on the first day of bright fortnight during Aaswayuja Masam.

What is Maha Bharani Shraaddham?

Mahalaya shraddha performed on the day coinciding with Bharani
constellation during Pithru Paksha is known as Maha Bharani Shraaddha. It
is said and believed that it gives the merits equivalent to Gaya Shraaddha.

How to address forefathers while performing ceremonies?

Each Pithru is to be addressed with their name and Gothra. If one does not
know or remember the name and Gothra of forefathers, they should be
spelled as Yagnappa (Male), and Yagnamma (female) and Gothra to be
spelled as Kashyapa Gothra. Male Pithrus are to be addressed as Sarma and
female Pithrus to be addressed as Dham suffixing their names for example
male as Yagnappa Sarmanaam and female as Yagnamma Dham.

In case Pithru Paksha falls during Adhika Masam?

That means if Adhika Masam occurs during Bhadrapada Masam, then the
Mahalaya Shraaddha that is required to be performed during the dark
fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Bhadrapada masam is to be performed twice
both in Adhika masam as well as in Nija Masam. Though Dharma Sindhu
differs in this regard Dharma Shastra Dharpana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy
Mutt, Mantralayam has confirmed the same. Those who would like to differ
may follow according to their sampradaya.

In case, annual ceremony of Pithru falls during Paksha Masam?

In such a case Pithru’s annual ceremony has to be performed on the said
day (thithi) and Mahalaya Shraddha has to be performed on any other
specified days.

How to dispense with the Pindas (rice balls) after the ceremony?
In this regard following tradition or sampradaya is in vogue.

Feeding to the Crows

Dropping them in water preferably in a river or a canal
Feeding to a Cow
Digging an earth pit about one foot depth and burying them in it

One of the above may be followed according to convenience. However, they

should not be thrown into garbage.
7
 Sarva Pithru list to whom Mahalaya
Shraaddha-Tharpana to be performed
Dwadasa Pithru
On the Paternal Side
1. Pitha (Father)
2. Pithamaha (Grand
Father/Father’s father)
3. Prapithamaha (Great Grand
Father/ Father’s paternal
grand father)
4. Maatha (Mother)
5. Pithamahi (Grand
Mother/Father’s Mother)
6. Prapithamahi (Great Grand
Mother/ Fathers paternal
Grand Mother)
7. Saapatni Janani (Step Mother)
On the Maternal Side
1. Grand Father (Maata
Maha/Mother’s father)
2. Great Grand Father (Maathu
Pitamaha/Mother’s paternal
grand father)
3. Great-Great Grand Father
(Maathu
Prapithamaha/Mother’s
paternal G.Grand father)
4. Maatamahi (Mother’s mother)
5. Maathu Pitaamahi (Mothers
paternal grand mother)
6. Maathu Prapithamahi
(Mother’s paternal G.Grand
Mother)
Others
Pathni (Wife)
Sutha (Son)
Bhratha (Brother/s)
Pithravyam (Father’s brothers)
Mathula (Maternal Uncle/s)
Duhitha (Self daughter) & Her
husband (Jamaatha)
Dauhithram (Daughter’s son)
Bhagini (Sister/s) – Her husband
& Her sons (Bhagineyam)
Pithruswasa (Father’s sister) &
Her husband
Maathruswasa (Mother’s sister)
& Her husband
Sashur (Father in law & Mother
in law)
Shalaka/Bhavuka (Brother in
law)
Guru (Vidya Guru)
Aacharya (Purohit/Priest)
Sishya (Disciple)
Mithra (Friend)
8
Above list is also useful while performing Kshethra Shraaddham and during
Parva Kala. Tharpana and Pinda Pradhana have to be done in the order as
per the given list. Step Mother is included along with the Dwadasa Pithru in
order of priority.

What better could be done in a situation when the shraaddha can not
be performed?
As far as possible don’t avoid performing sacred rites on the scheduled date
or at least on the specified days. In a given situation where, it is not at all
possible due to circumstance beyond one’s control, one can adopt one of the
following...

Perform Pithru Thila Tharpanam

Observe fasting on that day
Give Saaka/Paaka Dana to a Brahmin in a temple along with Dakshina.
Feed a Cow with grass/plantains
When nothing is possible pray fore fathers and offer a sincere Namaskara.

Mahalaya – Amaavaasya
Tharpana Vidhi

Before performing Tharpana, proper Sankalpa sloka should be recited after

performing Aachamanam and Pranayamam facing east. Depending on the
day, time and occasion Sankalpa sloka may differ slightly.

Tharpana Sankalpa Sloka

Sri Govinda - Govinda! Sri MahaVishnor Aagnaaya,

Pravarthamanasya, Aadya Bramhane, Dwiteeya Parardhe, Sri
Swetha Varaaha Kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Kaliyuge, Kali
Prathama Charane, Bauddhavathare, Salivaahanasakhe,
Jambudweepe, Meror Dakshina bhage, Bhaaratavarshe, Bharatha
Khande, Godavari Dakshina theere, ………. Sannidhau, Asmin
Varthamane, Vyavahaarike, Chaandramanena, Sri Virodhi Nama
Sanvastare, Dakshinayana, Varsha Ruthau, Bhadrapada Maase,
Krishna Pakshe, ……..Thithau, ……… Vaasare, Vishnu Nakshatre,
Vishnu Yoge, Vishnu Karane, evam guna visheshana visistayaam,
Punya thithau,

9
Praacheenavithi (Yagnopaveetham in apasavya position)

Samastha Pithrunaam Akshaya Punya Lokaavaapthyartham

Kanyagathe Savithari Aashadyaadhi PanchamahaApara
Paksheshu Asmin Pithru Pakshe SakrunMahalaya Sraaddhanga
Saddhyah Thila Tharpanam Karishye.

While performing Pithru Karya Yagnopaveetham should be in Apasavya

position and one should face the South direction.

Pithru Karya should be performed only by wearing Pavithram made up of

Dharbha (Kusa Grass) to the right hand ring finger.

Tharpana procedure

Tharpana should be given with water + Black Sesame (Thil) Seeds. Pithru
tharpana should always be performed with the right hand. Take black thil
seeds in to the palm, pour water from the Kalasa with the help of Uddharani
(spoon) and drop the water along with thil seeds into the tharpana plate by
chanting the tharpana manthra so that water should fall from the space in
between the index finger and the thumb by tilting the palm to the right side.

While performing Pithru Karya, each Pithru is to be addressed with their

name and Gothra. If one does not know or remember the name and Gothra
of forefathers, it should be spelled as Yagnappa (Male), and Yagnamma
(female) and Gothra to be spelled as Kashyapa Gothra.

Male Pithrus are to be addressed as Sarma and female Pithrus to be

addressed as Dham suffixing their names. The word Asmath should be
spelled before the name and Gothram after the name.

For example, in case of Father (Male) as Asmath Pitharam, Yagnappa

Sarmanaam Kashyapa Gothram and in case of Mother (Female) as
Asmath Maatharam, Yagnamma Dham Kashyapa Gothram.

The three generations on paternal and maternal side should be addressed as

Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya roopa and all others should be addressed as Vasu
Roopa.

10
Typical example of Tharpana to a Father

Asmath Pitharam, Yagnappa Sarmanam, Kashyapa Gothram, Vasu Roopam,

Swadhanamah Tharpayami -Tharpayami -Tharpayami.

Tharpana and Pinda Pradhana have to be done in the order as per the given
list. Tharpana and Pinda Pradhana should be performed only to the deceased
and not to the living even though they figure in the eligible list.

After the Tharpanam is complete following sloka should be recited

Yeekecha Asmath Kule Jaatha Aputhra GothrinoMruthah

They Gruhnanthu Mayadattham Soothranishpeedanodakam

(Afterwards Yagnopaveetham should be sanctified by dipping the Brahma

Grandhi of Yagnopaveetham in water)

Samarpana

Anena Maya, Pithru Paksha SakrunMahalaya Kruthena, Sarva Pithru Thila

Tharpanena SriMadhJanardhana Vaasudevah Priyathaam Preetho Varado
Bhavathu, Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

Kaayena vaacha manasendri yairvaa

Buddhyaatmanaa vaa prakrite swabhavath
Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai
Naarayanayethi samarpayaami

After completing the whole process, Pavithram should be removed. On the

day Tharpana is given, one should take only one time meal. Night meal
should be avoided. In case of Sraddha Thithi including Mahalaya, meals
should be avoided on the previous day night also.

Above procedure can also be followed for performing Pithru tharpana on the
days of Amaavaasya (Darsha), Eclipse, Uttarayana and Dakshinayana Parva
Kala, and at Theertha Kshethras by appropriately making alterations in
Sankalpa manthra. On normal Amavasya day Tharpana should be given to
only Dwadasa Pithru (serial # 1 to 13).

11
 How to address the Pithrus
During Tharpana or Pinda Pradhana

Relationship How to address the

Pithru
1 Father Pitharam (Vasu Roopa)
2 Grand Father (Father’s Father) Pithamaham (Rudra
Roopa)
3 Great Grand Father (Father’s Prapithaamaham
Grand Father) (Aaditya Roopa)
4 Mother Maatharam (Vasu
Roopa)
5 Paternal Grand Mother Pithaamahim (Rudra
(Father’s Mother) Roopa)
6 Paternal Great Grand Mother Prapithamahim
(Father’s Grand Mother) (Aaditya Roopa)
7 Step Mother Saapatni Maatharam
(Vasu Roopa)
8 Maternal Grand Father Maathamaham (Vasu
(Mother’s father) Roopa)
9 Maternal Great Grand Father Maathu Pithamaham
(Mother’s paternal Grand (Rudra Roopa)
father)
10 Maternal Great-Great Grand Maathu
Father (Mother’s Great Grand Prapithaamaham
Father) (Aaditya Roopa)
11 Maternal Grand Mother Maathaamahim (Vasu
(Mother’s Mother) Roopa)
12 Maternal Great Grand Mother Maathu Pithamahim
(Mother’s paternal Grand (Rudra Roopa)
Mother)
13 Maternal Great-Great Grand Mathu Prapithaamahim
Mother (Mother’s paternal (Aaditya Roopa)
Great Grand Mother)
14 Wife Pathneem
15 Son/s (self) Sutham
16 Daughter – in - law Snushaam

12
 17 Brother/s Bhraatharam
TatthPathneem
Tatthputhram
18 Paternal Uncles (Father’s Pithravyam
Brothers) TatthPathneem
Tatthputhram
19 Maternal Uncles (Mother’s Mathulam
Brothers) Tattpatneem
TatthPuthram
20 Daughter (self) Duhitharam
21 Son-in-law Jaamatharam
22 Grand son (Daughter’s son) Dauhithram
23 Sister/s (self) Bhagineem
24 Brother – in –law (Sister’s Bhavukam
husband)
25 Sisters children Bhaagineyakam
26 Paternal Aunts (Father’s Pithruswasa (Pithru
sister/s) Bhagineem)
TatthBhartharam
TatthPuthram
27 Maternal Aunt/s (Mother’s Maathruswasa (Mathru
sister/s) Bhagineem)
TatthBhartharam
TatthPuthram
28 Father-in-law Swasuram
29 Mother-in-law Swasruh
30 Brother-in-law (Wife’s Syalakam
brother/s)
31 Gayathri Upadesa Guru (One Gurum (It could be
who has performed the Father or any Acharya)
Gayathri Upadesa)
32 Vidya Aacharyam
Guru/Teacher/Purohit/Priest
33 Disciple Sishya
34 Friend Sakhayam

Above list is also useful while performing Kshethra Shraaddham, Giving

Tharpana during Parva Kala (Eclipse, Uttarayana and Dakshinayana) and
regular Amavasya Tarpana.
13
 AMAAVAASYA
(The Pithru Thithi)

As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar there are 16 thithis out of which 14 gets
repeated twice in a cycle of 30 days starting from Prathipad (Paadyami) and
ending with Chaturdasi. The other two thithis that occur once in a month
are Pournima and Amavasya. Thus, there are 15 thithis in each fortnight
one ending with Pournima called as Sukla Paksham (Bright fortnight) and
the other ending with Amavasya called as Krishna Paksham (Dark fortnight).
Amavasya is also called as Darsa thithi. Amavasya falling on Chaturdasi
thithi is called as Sinivali and if it is falling on Prathipad it is called as Kuhu.
In a Lunar Calendar year Amavasya occurs 12 times and of all the thithis
Amavasya is given lot of significance is given in Hindu religion.

Significance of Amavasya
Amavasya is the darkest day of the month. On this day Moon will not be
visible and it is called as New Moon day or no Moon day. On the day of
Amavasya both the Sun and the Moon will conjoin together. Solar Eclipse
occurs on Amavasya Day.

Pithru Devathas are the presiding deities of Amavasya Thithi. Amavasya is

the name given to Achhoda, Manasa Puthrika (Mind born daughter) of Pithru
Devathas. Amavasya is the most favourite day for worshipping Pithru
Devathas. Sacred rituals (Tharpana) are performed for forefathers on the
day of Amavasya.

We find people specially worshipping Goddess Durga, Lord Narasimha, Lord

Hanuman and Lord Saturn on Amavasya day to ward off the problem of evil
spirits and other mundane problems. We also find people fasting on
Amavasya day. It is said that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryana took place on
Amavasya day. While in general Amavasya is considered as inauspicious for
starting any venture, as an exception we find people in Tamil Nadu
considering Amavasya as auspicious.

We find people performing Tantric remedies on Amavasya Day especially on

the Amavasya days coinciding with Sunday and Tuesday.

14
 Legend behind Amavasya Thithi
There are seven Groups of Pithru Devathas viz. Vyrajas, Agnishwatthas,
Barhishadas, Sukalas, Angirasas, Suswadhas and Somapas. Achhoda is the
Manasa Puthrika (Mind born daughter) of Pithru Devathas who had great
devotion and respect for them. Once upon a time she performed a great
penance targeting Pithru Devathas. Pleased with her prayers they appeared
before her to give her a boon. When they appeared before her, Achhoda
got fascinated towards one of the Pithru Devathas by name Mavasa. Due to
this sudden reaction of hers, Achhoda was referred as Mavasya. As Mavasa
did not show any counter reaction Achhoda was later referred as Amavasya.
Because of this sudden passionate reaction in Achhoda she lost her Divinity.

Sympathized with her condition and pleased with her penance Pithru
Devathas gave her a boon that thence forth she will become popular as
Amavasya Thithi that will be a favorite day for Pithru Devathas. Also said
that, whoever performs Pithru Karya on Amavasya day, Pithru Devathas will
get immensely pleased and bestow them with multiple benefits.

It was a Divine Sankalpa that Achhoda took birth on the Earth in the 28th
Dwapara Yuga in the womb of a fish and was brought up by a fisherman
called Vasu. She was called as Mastya Gandha and later as Sathyavathi who
gave birth to Lord Veda Vyasa in a divine meeting with Sage Parasara.
Later she married King Shanthanu of the great epic Mahabharatha. This
legend is said to be from Mastya Purana.

Unique Amavasya days

While Amavasya occurs in every Lunar month, certain days of Amavasya are
unique and have attained lot of spiritual and special significance. They are
as follows:

Somavathi Amavasya
Amavasya occurring on a Monday is called as Somavathi Amavasya. It is
said that the significance and importance of Somavathi Amavasya was
explained to Yudhistira (Dharmaraja) by Bheeshma Pithamaha in
Mahabharatha. It is also said that who ever takes a dip in the holy rivers on
this day would get freed from grief and sorrow. People also observe fasting
on this day. It is dedicated to worshipping of Lord Shiva on this day.
Women observe this as a Vratha for the longevity and happiness in their
married life.

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Mouni Amavasya
Mouni Amavasya occurs on the Amavasya day in the month of Magha
Masam (January-February). It is derived from the word Muni, literally
means an ascetic who practices silence. Fasting is observed on this day. The
devotees do not talk to each other during the observance. It is considered
highly meritorious to bath in Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra, Ganges,
Prayaga, Haridwar and Sethu (Indian Ocean) on this day. If it is coinciding
with Monday it is considered to be of special significance.

Shani Amavasya
Amavasya occurring on a Saturday is known as Shani Amavasya.
Worshipping Lord Saturn on this day with Thila Thailabhishekam and giving
Black Sesame (Thil) seeds as charity is highly beneficial especially for those
who are under the grip of Sade Sath, Astama Shani, and Ardhaastama Shani
in Gochara or for those who are under the phase of Saturn’s Maha Dasa. If
it is coinciding with Chaitra Masam it is considered to be still more sacred for
worshipping Lord Saturn.

Mahalaya Amavasya
It occurs on the last day of Pithru Paksham in Bhadrapada Masam.
Mahalaya Amavasya is considered as the Mother of all Amavasyas as it is the
favourite day for performing sacred rites to forefathers.

Deepavali Amavasya
This occurs on the festival day of Deepavali on the last day of Lunar month
Aaswayuja. It is considered as the most auspicious day to worship Goddess
Maha Lakshmi on Deepavali night.

Solar Eclipse & Amavasya

Solar Eclipse invariably occurs on an Amavasya Day. Any Eclipse time is
said to be very sacred and celestial and entire period of Eclipse is called as
Parva Kala (most sacred time). Any sacred rituals/rites performed during a
parva kala will derive more merits than the one performed during ordinary
times. Eclipse is the most opportune time to perform Snana (sacred bath),
Prayer, Punascharana of Upadesa Manthra, Pitru Tharpana, and Charity.
Chanting of Vedic manthras/sacred Sthothram during Eclipse will ward off
the negative energy that gets activated during eclipse and protects one from
all negativity. Sarva Pithru Tarpana should be performed with proper

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sankalpa during eclipse time (by those who have lost their parents) with
black Thil (sesame) seeds.

Bheemana Amavasya
New Moon day (Amavasya) occurring in the month of Aashada is observed
as Bheemana Amavasya. On this day Women observe Vratha called Pathi
Sanjeevani Vratha and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for the
welfare of all the male members of the family in general and their husbands
and brothers in particular. It is said that Skhanda Purana makes a reference
of this Vratha and its significance.

Amavasya falling on Tuesday is called as Bhouma Amavasya and on

Sunday is called as Bhanu Amavasya. Similarly Jyesta Bahula Amavasya is
celebrated as Mannetthina Amavasya when Bullocks made up of mud are
worshipped in households.

Thus Amavasya thithi has attained lot of significance for worshipping Pithru
devathas and for performing sacred rites to forefathers and is popularly
known as Pithru Thithi.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

bhargavasarma

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