🪔 About Sarvapitru Mahalaya Amavasya

Pitrupaksh (the fortnight of the ancestors) concludes today. The term 'Sarva Pitru' refers to all forefathers, 'Maha' means great, and 'Laya' means absorption.

On this new moon day, everything returns to its source and is renewed. This day is dedicated to praying for all ancestors to ascend to higher realms through Tarpanam (water offerings made to divine entities) and Shraadh (rituals for ancestors). Invoking Sri Hari on this occasion further helps the departed souls in progressing on their spiritual journeys.

Falling in the month of Ashwin, today's amavasya is also known as Ashwin Amavasya.

🙏 How to Do Pooja

Recommended Ritual: Elaborate Yagna of Sri Hari (16 min.)

  1. Wake up early and take a bath.
  2. Clean your home and puja space thoroughly.
  3. Perform the recommended ritual with devotion.
  4. Offer flowers, fruits, and incense.
  5. Chant mantras or prayers specific to this occasion.
  6. Conclude with aarti and distribute prasad.

✅ Do's & Don'ts

✅ Do's

  • Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
  • Light a lamp and pray to your chosen deity.
  • Perform Pitru Tarpan and pray for the peace and blessings of your ancestors.
  • Spend time in japa, kirtan, scripture study, and self-reflection.
  • Maintain gentle behavior, forgiveness, and sweet, truthful speech.
  • Donate food, clothes according to your capacity or help those in need.

⚠️ Don'ts

  • Avoid eggs, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol.
  • Avoid anger, gossip, criticism, lies, and other negative behaviors.