Kolkata: ‘Mahalaya Amavasya’ or ‘Sarvapitra Amavasya’ is the special day during the Pitrupaksha. On this day, Hindus remember their ancestors and perform a special ritual to express their gratitude towards them. This ritual is called ‘tarpan’. Pitrupaksha ends on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya.
On this last day of Pitrupaksha, Hindus make offerings at waterbodies, usually rivers, to pray for the peace of their departed family members.
Besides, on this auspicious day, it is believed that Durga arrives in the mortal world. In West Bengal, people welcome Goddess Durga by listening to ‘Mahisasuramardini’ before the sunrise on Mahalaya.
What is Mahishasuramardini?
According to Hindu mythology, the Gods created Devi Durga with their various powers. This goddess was created to kill a demon king named Mahishasura.
In Kolkata, Aakashvani Kolkata broadcasts the ‘Mahisasuramardini’ recited by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. The programme was written and promoted by Bani Kumar.
Why is Mahalaya auspicious?
According to the scriptures, Mahalaya, a no moon day, is when ancestors are worshipped. Besides, Devi Durga is awakened on Mahalaya. It is only after Mahalaya that the Durga Puja starts. The Hindu months of Shravan to Paush, six months, dakshinayana, when the gods are said to be sleeping. After Mahalaya, they wake up.
Mythology of Mahalaya
After the great cataclysm, when Lord Vishnu entered Anantasana, two demons named Madhu and Kaitabha came out of Lord Vishnu’s ears and tried to kill Brahma who was residing in Vishnu’s navel. Brahma then started praising Lord Vishnu’s eyesight in order to wake him up. Then Lord Vishnu woke up and fought with Madhu and Kaitabha for almost five thousand years. This great battle was held at the junction of Pitrupaksha and Devipaksha.
According to the Puranas, on Brahma’s orders, the forefathers come neat their family members for 15 days. So, it is said if someone offer somethings to them, it easily reaches them.
Although it is said that Devipaksha starts from this day, this is wrong. Mahalaya is the last day of Pitrupaksha and Devipaksha starts from the next day. Fifteen days till Kojagari Purnima is considered Devipaksha.
Why is Mahalaya Amavasya Important?
It is widely believed that the ancestors bless their descendants on earth during this time. And, it is also believed that ancestors who have left their earthly abode, bestow blessings and gifts on their living descendants during this time.
