📜 Significance:
Mahalaya Pooja marks the beginning of Devipaksha and is considered the auspicious day to pay homage to Pitru (ancestors) through Tarpan and Shraddha rituals. It is believed that during this period, the spirits of ancestors visit the earthly realm. Performing Mahalaya Pooja ensures peace for the departed souls, expresses gratitude, and seeks their blessings for prosperity and well-being of the family. In Maharashtra, this ritual is an integral part of the Pitru Paksha tradition, strengthening family bonds and honoring heritage.
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
- On Mahalaya Amavasya (new moon day in the month of Bhadrapada / Sept–Oct)
- At sunset or during Amavasya tithi
- Followed by the 15-day Pitru Paksha period of ancestor offerings
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Family members, preferably eldest son or male relatives, but any devoted individual can perform
- Performed at home, near holy rivers, or specially prepared places for Tarpan
- Performed with the guidance or presence of a knowledgeable Panditji
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Kalash (water pot), water from holy rivers if available
- Sesame seeds (til), rice, black sesame (kala til)
- Flowers, darbha grass (sacred grass)
- Dakshina (monetary offerings)
- Pinda (rice balls) prepared for ancestors
- Fruits, sweets, and cooked food offerings
- Dhoop, diya, agarbatti
- Wooden platform or sacred place for offerings
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Invocation of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles
- Preparation of Pindas (rice balls) as symbolic offerings to ancestors
- Recitation of Mantras and Pitru Tarpan Slokas
- Offering water, sesame seeds, and food to ancestors with devotion
- Performing Shraddha rites invoking the blessings of Pitru
- Concluding prayers seeking peace for departed souls and family prosperity
⏳ Duration:
Approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on ritual detail and family customs
🎁 Benefits of Mahalaya Pooja:
- Provides peace and liberation (moksha) to ancestral souls
- Removes ancestral doshas and obstacles from family life
- Brings prosperity, health, and harmony to descendants
- Strengthens family lineage and spiritual connection to forefathers
- Fosters respect, gratitude, and remembrance of ancestors
