Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2023: There is a coincidence of Shani Amavasya on Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, 14th October. This year, there will also be shadow of solar eclipse on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus. This solemn occasion falls during the lunar period that spans the months of September and October in the Gregorian calendar. In the Amavasyant calendars, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Bhadrapada, while in the Purnimant calendars, it aligns with the month of Ashwin. Regardless of one's community or background, this observance unites Hindus in a common reverence for their ancestors.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as "All Fathers' New Moon Day," is dedicated to all departed souls, regardless of the lunar day they passed away. It stands as the pinnacle of Pitru Paksha, a Sanskrit term that translates to "fortnight of the ancestors." Pitru signifies ancestors, and Paksha means fortnight, making Pitru Paksha a 15-day period during which Hindus pay homage to their forebears through food offerings. This period commences with the full moon day, or Purnima, immediately following Ganesh Chaturthi and culminates with the new moon day, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, the most important and sacred day of all.

Rites and Rituals of Sarva Pitru Amavasya

On this auspicious day, Hindus perform Shraddh and Tarpanam rituals to honor deceased family members who passed away on Chaturdashi, Purnima, or Amavasya tithis. These rituals can also serve as compensation for any missed Shraddh ceremonies held throughout the year.

A Shraddh performed on Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered as fruitful and sacred as one conducted in the holy city of Gaya, a renowned place for such rites. Typically, the eldest son or a male relative from the paternal side of the family performs the Shraddh, limited to the three preceding generations. However, on Sarva Putra Amavasya or Matamaha, a daughter's son can also offer Shraddh for the maternal side of the family if there are no male heirs in the mother's family. Some castes restrict the Shraddh to just one generation. It is crucial for the male child to have undergone the thread ceremony before performing the ritual.

Significance and Sentiments

In Hinduism, it is widely believed that individuals must repay three types of debts, known as "Rinas," to attain a life free from suffering. These debts include Deva Rina (debt to God), Rishi Rina (debt to gurus or sages), and Pithru Rina (debt to ancestors).

Serving one's parents during their lifetime and performing Shraddh after their demise is a son's responsibility to relieve the departed souls. The significance of these rites and rituals is detailed in Puranas, including the Garuda Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana, Matsya Purana, and Markandeya Purana.

The benefits of Amavasya Pitru Tharpan include gaining the blessings of Lord Yama, protection from hardships, overcoming obstacles, and providing solace to the souls of departed ancestors. These rituals also bestow long and prosperous lives upon the children.

If circumstances prevent someone from making offerings and performing the rituals, they can seek forgiveness and promise to do so when they are in a better position. These rituals are often sought for the cure of hereditary ailments that may be afflicting the family, and they are also used to resolve family disputes related to ancestral property. This occasion encourages forgiveness and fosters more generous and selfless relationships.

Paying Respect to Ancestors on Mahalaya

It is believed that the souls of departed loved ones wander aimlessly on Earth and may be distressed by the actions that can affect their lineage. Hence, appeasing these souls is crucial, as their anger and curses could lead to significant family hardships. Young boys in the family are often expected to learn and perform these rituals on the last day, as they are seen as the guardians of both the past and the future of the family.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya serves as a means for people to express their gratitude to their lineage for their existence in this world. From an astrological perspective, those with pitrudosha or putradosha in their horoscopes are advised to perform these rituals to mitigate or eliminate the dosha. Individuals facing recurring issues in life, particularly related to debt, disease, and ailments, are encouraged to observe these rituals on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Shraddha rituals encompass oblations to the three preceding generations and the mythical lineage ancestor (gotra). Reciting the names of ancestral members allows individuals to recognize the names of six generations in their life, reinforcing their ties to their lineage. The idea of a lineage by blood is central to the occasion, emphasizing the importance of repaying the debt to ancestors, as well as the debts owed to gurus and parents.

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he Mahalaya in Bengal

In Bengal, Mahalaya signifies the start of Durga Puja festivities. It is believed that on Mahalaya, the goddess Durga descends to Earth. Bengalis traditionally wake up early on this day to recite shlokas from the Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi scriptures. Offerings are made to ancestors in homes and at puja mandaps. Additionally, Matamaha (Mother's father) or Dauhitra (Daughter's son) marks the beginning of the month of Ashwin and the start of a luminous fortnight.

Legend and History of Mahalaya

Legend has it that a fierce battle occurred in Hindu mythology between the Devtas (Gods) and Rakshasas (Demons), resulting in the death of many from both sides. This war transpired from Bhadrapada Bahula Paadayami to Amavasya, a period known as Sasthrahatha Mahalaya. The Gods and Demons who perished in the battle are honored during this time.

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Another ancient tale pertains to Karna, a hero from the Mahabharata. Karna, renowned for his generosity, donated gold and silver during his lifetime but not food. After his passing, he received abundant riches in the form of gold and silver but no food in the higher realms. Distressed, Karna prayed to Lord Yama, the God of death, and, with his grace, returned to Earth during this Paksha. He donated ample food to the needy over fifteen days, ultimately finding satisfaction and fulfillment. Consequently, Annadaana or food donation is considered highly auspicious during this period. Those unable to donate food every day often choose to do so on the last day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Yama ordained that offerings made during this time benefit not only the donor's related ancestors but also those not connected by blood.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is a sacred and significant observance in Hindu culture, emphasizing the importance of paying respects to one's ancestors and fulfilling one's debts to them. It unites families and communities in the spirit of gratitude and reverence, ensuring that the legacy of the past remains a guiding light for the future.

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