What is Aadi Amavasai?
It is common knowledge that Amavasya is the last day of the Moon when it is in its waning phase. On this day it is almost invisible to the human eye. Aadi is the Tamil month that corresponds to mid-July-mid-August in the Gregorian calendar. During Aadi Amavasya the Sun begins its journey towards the Southern hemisphere. This is called Dakshinayana. Being the first new moon day of Dakshinayana, it is very powerful and auspicious.
Though Amavasai or New Moon comes every month, the New Moon in Aadi month is very special. In this month, the Moon will be in Cancer. The Sun represents the aspect of Shiva and the Moon represents the aspect of Shakti. These 2 elements come together on this day, making the day very auspicious.
A Special New Moon to Please Your Ancestors
Hindus usually perform rituals like Shradh and Tarpanam to honor their ancestors on New Moon days. Aadi Amavasya is one of the 3 most powerful New Moon days for honoring our forbears.
Why Should We Please Our Ancestors?
Many religions and cultures stress the importance of honoring ancestors. We owe our existence to those who came before us. This is reason enough to be grateful to them. It is also believed that ancestors keep watch over us and that their blessings can have a positive effect on our lives. Among Hindus, the belief is that ancestral souls need our offerings to attain salvation. Hence, it is very important for Hindus to perform rituals like Shradh and Tarpanam on Aadi Amavasai. If such rituals are not performed, we may incur their displeasure, and this will lead to many problems in our life.
How to Please Your Ancestors on Aadi Amavasai?
On the day of Aadi Amavasya, people make offerings of sesame seeds and water to their ancestors. This makes them happy, and they will bless the descendants. The oblations are offered to 3 generations of ancestors, both from the father’s and mother’s side. The deities for Pitrus (ancestors) are Vasu, Rudra, and Aditya. People chant Mantras to invoke them, and this ensures that the offerings reach the ancestors. These deities transport the food called ‘swadha’ to the Pitrus, which they accept with satisfaction and pride.
The Mahabharata says that human beings have to clear 3 debts or Rinas before leaving the mortal body. The debts are:
· Dev Rin – We owe this to Lord Vishnu. It can be repaid by doing charity and donating things.
· Rishi Rin – We owe this to Lord Shiva. To clear it, we must gain knowledge of the scriptures.
· Pitru Rin – We owe this to Lord Brahma. To clear it, we need to do Tarpanam or Shradh for our ancestors.
Aadi Amavasya Rituals
On Aadi Amavasya, there are some important rituals. You must perform some rites for your dead ancestors at sacred ponds, seas, or rivers. You can also take a dip in sacred rivers and seas. Many people visit the Agni Theertham in Rameswaram, Thriveni Sangamam in Kanyakumari, and other holy spots on the banks of the Cauvery river to perform the rites.
It is the custom to observe a fast on this day as it is very beneficial. Some people choose to have only one meal.
One should rise early in the day and take bath. After this, they should begin the fast. Food feeding should be done for elderly people. Women should not take food in the morning. They should cook the favorite dishes of the ancestors and try to include as many vegetables as possible. They should offer the cooked food to the ancestors after lighting a lamp and offering dhoop and aarti. Then they should pray to the ancestors.
After this, the food offered should be kept outside so that the crows can eat it. It is believed that our ancestors come in the form of crows and partake of the food. Once the crows have eaten the food, all the family members can eat.
People believe that bathing in the sea on Aadi Amavasai can remove all our sins. People offer sesame seeds, flour, and pindam in the water bodies. The belief is that the offerings will mix with the water and reach our ancestors.
By observing these rituals, we can receive the blessings of our ancestors. Also, the sins committed by our ancestors will be removed, and they will attain Moksha. Fasting on this day is believed to increase longevity. It is good to offer Agathikeerai to cows after performing Tarpanam on Aadi Amavasai day.
Pitru Tarpanam at Rameswaram
Rameswaram is a renowned pilgrim center that is visited by Hindus in large numbers. It is a very holy place for performing Pitru Tarpanam. It is said that Lord Rama performed Shradh for his father, King Dasaratha, and his Surya Vanshi ancestors at this place. Hence, Hindus feel that performing Tarpanam here is very special. This is also a Mukthi kshetram (temple for salvation).
By performing Tarpanam here, one can get rid of all curses and the effects of black magic and sorcery. It can bestow happiness and success in all endeavors. Our ancestors can be appeased, and they will, in return, give us their blessings so that we can lead a joyful and prosperous life, free of problems. It can bring great improvement in all areas of one’s life.
Benefits of Pitru Tarpanam on Aadi Amavasai
· It bestows fame and success in personal and professional life
· It bestows longevity and happiness
· It grants relief from debts and financial problems
· It can destroy enemies
· It can remove the effects of Curses, Black magic, and Sorcery
· It bestows peace and prosperity
· It brings good fortune
