In the vibrant agglomeration of Indian traditions, Mahalaya Amavasya holds a special place of reverence, marking the onset of a spiritually charged period as Pitru Paksha transitions into the celebration of Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Saraswati Puja, and the Bathukamma festival in Telangana. This year, on October 14, 2023, devotees will observe Mahalaya Amavasya with deep devotion and a sense of anticipation, recognizing the significance of this day that bridges two distinct phases of spirituality, two different stages of the being, the living and the deceased.
Mahalaya Amavasya is the sacred occasion when the living pay homage to their departed ancestors, seeking their ultimate liberation (Moksha), while also marking the day when the divine Goddess Durga descends from the celestial realms unto our mortal world, the Earth, to bestow her blessings upon humanity.
The Amavasya Tithi for Mahalaya Amavasya spans from October 13, 09:51 PM to October 14, 11:25 PM, enveloping the period with its divine aura. It is a time when Hindus honour their ancestors and perform Shraadh or Shraddha rituals, paying their respects to their forefathers and seeking their blessings.
One of the most significant aspects of Mahalaya Amavasya is the Aparahna Kaal, which falls on October 14 between 01:22 PM and 03:40 PM. During this period, the ancestral rituals, Tarpan, are performed with great solemnity, as it is believed that the offerings reach the souls of the departed and help alleviate their suffering in the afterlife.
The day is also punctuated by two auspicious Muhurats. The Kutup Muhurat falls from 11:49 AM to 12:36 PM, and the Rohina Muhurat is from 12:36 PM to 01:22 PM. These timings are also highly favoured for conducting rituals and paying homage to one's ancestors.
Mahalaya Amavasya serves as the bridge between Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to venerating the ancestors, and the much-anticipated Durga Puja and Navaratri festivities that follow. The transition from the introspective Shraadh rituals to the joyous celebrations of the goddess Durga symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
As the sun rises on October 14, 2023, the significance of Mahalaya Amavasya is deeply ingrained in the hearts of millions of Hindus. They offer Tarpan (libation) to their ancestors in holy rivers and perform pujas at their ancestral homes.
Mahalaya Amavasya embodies the eternal connection between the living and the departed. The entire Pitru Paksha reminds us of the continuity of life and the importance of acknowledging and appreciating those who came before us and their efforts and contributions towards making our lives better. As the sun sets on the sacred day of Mahalaya Amavasya, it heralds the beginning of a joyous and festive season, with the forthcoming celebrations of Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Navaratri just around the corner.
(The mentioned timings are in IST, for Ujjain. Click here to change the location.)