MAHALAYA  AMAVASYA

Wednesday 02 Oct

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is a highly auspicious day dedicated to honouring and expressing gratitude to our ancestors. Observed on the new moon day (Amavasya) during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada or Ashwin, it marks the culmination of the Pitru Paksha period, a fortnight devoted to ancestral remembrance.

Performing Tharpanam (ancestral offerings) on this day holds immense spiritual significance. Offering Tharpanam rituals with sincerity and devotion helps appease the souls of departed ancestors, bringing their blessings for prosperity, peace, and overall well-being to the living generations. This sacred practice also aids in alleviating ancestral debts (Pitru Dosha) and ensures the continuation of familial lineage and harmony. Devotees participate in rituals such as offering water, sesame seeds, and food to honour and seek the blessings of their forefathers, fostering a deep sense of connection and gratitude across generations.

Items that you to bring:

1. Betel leaves

2. Betel nut;

3. Sandal paste; 

4. Tulsi leaves few

5. Banana fruits X 2 or other fruit varieties

6. Aasanam / Matt to sit

7. Dhakshinai for the priest 

8. Temple donation (suggested $20)

9. Brass / Wide plate for tharpanam

10. Panchapatram set

11. List the names that you want to offer the tharpanam (A template as given below)

Attire: 

Gruhastas (Married Men) Please come in dhoti / Panchakacham

Brahmacharis (Bachelors) Please come in regular 4 or 8 Mulam dhoti

Temple will provide the following.

1. Ellu (gingelly seed)

2. Raw rice;

3. Clean water for tharpanam

4. Dharbai - Koorcham, Pavitram, Katta dharbai

5. Poonool / Janayu

The template below is for devotees offering Tharpanam on Amavasya day to record the Gothrams and ancestors' names. Please fill it out in advance and bring it along with you as a digital copy or printed copy. If you do not know the names or gothrams, kindly consult with family members and elders back home. Tharpanam should only be performed by a person whose father has passed away.