MAHALAYAM
MAHALAYAM
MAHALAYAM
There are two types of observing mahalayam: Paksha mahalayam for observing
everyday of the entire mahalaya paksham (15 sraddhams);
2. sakrun mahalam (one day), should not be observed on Fridays, prathamai, sashti, chaturdasi, ekadasi
tithis, Revati, makam, nakshatrams, self janma
nakshatram, patni janma nakshatram or son's janam nakshatram days .
Exceptions:
1. For paksha mahalayam, the above days of tithi, vara and nakshatra dosha
restrictions do not apply.
Mahalayam means a place of large gathering. Our pitrus come to earth to stay more free
here for these 16 days to do good to their progeny. It is our duty (karthavyam) to do
sraddham, Hiranya sraddham or at least tila tarpanam.
There are two types of observing mahalayam: Paksha mahalayam for observing everyday
of the entire mahalaya paksham (15 sraddhams); sakrun mahalayam- one day
sraddham
or tarpanam. This is in addition to Mahalaya Amavasyai sraddham or tarpaNam.
Restrictions:
1. If a pitru sraddham falls within mahalayam, then mahalayam (sraddham)
can be observed only after performing the pitru sraddham. Mahalayam can be
performed on the next day after the pitru sraddham.
3. For some reason, if mahalayam can not be observed in bhadrapada krishna paksham,
there is time up to thula (aiyppasi) masam.
Exceptions:
1. For paksha mahalayam, the above days of tithi, vara and nakshatra dosha restrictions
do not apply.
2. For sakrun mahalayam, Certain days in this period are considered important: For
example the day with bharani is called mahabharani;
Krishna paksha ashtami called madhyashtami; navami called vyatipadam;
Thrayodasi called Gajachaayai.
In the sankalpam of sakrun mahalaya tarpanam, one should say .. sakrun mahalaya
sraddha pratiniti tila tarpanam karishye...
vachika doshaha kshantavyaha