Significance of Mahalaya Paksha-Mahalaya Amavasaya

Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight especially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. This period is known as the "Dark Fortnight " of Aswayuja month (September-October). The paksha month starts from Full moon day and extends up to the following new moon day. This New Moon Day is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites. This New Moon Day is also called "Sarva Pitru Amavasaya". Many Hindus choose this day to make offering called Tharpanam or Tarapan to the dead ancestors.

Every month has one Amavasya- Each Amavasya is regarded as the important day to remember Ancestors. The Mahalaya Amavasya is regarded as most important day of all the Amavasya. If an individual fails to offer on all the Amavasya day is excusable but not on Mahalaya Amavasya day.

The story behind this is taken from Mahabharata.

The story why the Pitru Paksha is marked by daan and charity has its deep ingrained meaning in a story of the Mahabharata.

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 all gold and silver; there was no food, as he had not done any food-charity! He prayed to the god of death. So, he was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency.

For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and offered oblations of water. 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 god of death, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period benefit all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not.

Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year.

Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realizing God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year

Amavasa is regarded as an auspicious day in Tamil Nadu unlike in other region of India wherein it is considered as a dark, inauspicious day, bad omen day. Some don't even travel on Amavasa day. In Tamil Nadu however, travelling any good thing or work is to be started like signing up a deal or so is done on Amavasa day. However, mattiages, housewarming ceremony are forbidden on this day. Some communities do regard Amavasa as "Lakshmi Day" especially Khatris in Maharshtra, Kranataka and so. They clean up the whole house and do Pooja and worship Goddess Lakshmi-Goddess of Wealth.

whether Amavasya is auspicious or inauspicious?

There is an ongoing debate on Amavasya an auspicious day or inauspicious day.

There is natural rise of energies-both positive and negative on New Moon Day-Amavasya and on the Full Moon Day-Pournima. As a result Amavasya and Pournima are also regarded special days for increasing spiritual knowledge or power. They are also the days for evoking negative energies especially Amavasya in the absence of moon, Amavasya night is pitch dark and this provides the ideal setting to invoke evil powers.

Metaphorically, the period from Amavasya to Pournima is considered as rising days- from Dark to rise is considered to be the gradual awakening and transcendence into the fullness. From darkness to the gradual realization of the Supreme Soul.

The Navaratri Ustav marks beginning from this day. Tamilians arrange "Golu Padi" and arrangement of "Gollu Bommai- Dolls"on this day. Durga Pooja, Kali Puja Homas, Chandi Homas are done on this day to evoke the energies