MahAlaya is that period of the year, covering principally theKrishna Paksha or the dark fortnight of the month of KanyA/ BhAdrapada(Sept.-Oct). DakshnAyanam in which thekanyAmAsa falls and Krishnapaksha are considered as the most favourite period for pitr-karma. Etymologically, the word MahAlaya is derived thus: Maha+Alaya, i.e., the abode of the departed great. Each day of this period, is recommended by Rsi-s for the performance of ShrAddha, which is said to fetch the merit equivalent of performance of a yAga, and the pitr-s feel gratified with it for a whole year. It is said that the pitr-s wait at the doors of their living progeny, eagerly waiting to receive the oblations. So much so, if they are not propitiated on this occasion, they return to pitr-loka disappointed, and in consequence, pronounce curses upon their ungrateful progeny.
Certain Tithi-s and Nakshatra-s are considered propitious for the performance of MahAlaya SrAddha. AmAvAsya or the new moon day, MadhyAshtami, MahAbharani and VyateepAtam the preferred days for performing SrAddham. Even DwAdasi is considered as a preferred tithi .Some people hold that tithi-s like Prathama, shashti, and EkAdasi are to be avoided for SrAddham during this period. Some also say that Fridays, janmanakshatra,tenth and 19th nakshatra from Janmanakshatra are not favourable for performing MahAlaya SrAddham.
The Pitr-s are escorted by the Visvedeva-s, known by the name of Dhuri and Lochana,to the venue of SrAddha.
One notable feature connected with MahAlaya SrAddha is that, not only the vamsapitr-s but also those like departed step-mother, brother,guru-s, students, those who had no issues etc. etc. are also offered srAddham. The full gamut of SrAddha observance, including that of feeding the BrAhmana-s in MahAlaya SrAddha is praiseworthy. MahAlayapaksha SrAddha performed on the day of bharani nakshatra is said to be equivalent in merit to GayA ShrAddham.
परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षा: परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः।
परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकाराय इदं शरीरम्।।
( hari krishnamurthy K. HARIHARAN)"'' When people hurt you Over and Over
think of them as Sand paper.
They Scratch & hurt you,
but in the end you are polished and they are finished. ''
think of them as Sand paper.
They Scratch & hurt you,
but in the end you are polished and they are finished. ''
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