September 24, 1995, Sunday
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'Amavasya' of New Moon denotes the final day of waning lunar phase when Moon vanishes completely after Krishna Paksha (waning period). Also known as ‘Amavasai’ in Tamil, this day is ideal for making ritual offerings (Tarpanam) to your ancestors, who have the power to elevate your status and bless you with a successful life.
New Moon is a powerful time to create a bonding with your maternal and paternal ancestors. Performing Tarpanam ritual on this day can break the energy blocks, negative vibrations and open a direct path to connect with the ancestors. Hence, invoke the blessings of your ancestors on Amavasya for a healthy, wealthy and negativity-free life. The influence of maternal and paternal ancestors is highly intense, and that is a vital factor for success and failure in life. As human beings, most of our thoughts come from our ancestors, as we not only inherit biological genes but also inherit the soul energy of them. To gain control of your destiny you need to establish a reciprocal relationship with your ancestors.
According to legend, when Karna was dead and moved to Heaven, he was offered gold and jewels to eat. When asked for real food to Indra, he replied Karna that he has donated only gold in his life and never offered food to his ancestors. Karna being unaware of whom his ancestors were, explained to Indra that he could perform rituals for his ancestors. Upon this, he was permitted to go to Earth for 15 days to offer Tarpanam to his ancestors in the form of food and water. This period of 15 days is called as Pitri Paksha, which culminates on an Amavasya.
Amavasya or New Moon day is considered ideal for appeasing your ancestors through Tarpanam and Vrat (fasting). People begin the day with a holy bath at a sacred river (if feasible), or home with few sesame seeds dropped in the bathing water. Houses and Pooja altar are thoroughly cleaned. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and use of onion or garlic in cooking. Some people observe a whole day or partial fasting for their ancestors and break their fast by the end of the day. Freshly prepared food is offered to the Gods and the ancestors in the form of Pind Daan (rice balls with sesame seeds) or Tarpanam (ancestral rituals). Feeding crows on Amavasya is considered auspicious, as it is believed that the ancestors descend to the earth plane in the form of crows to accept our offerings. People also make charities to the poor and needy.
Amavasya is also considered propitious to worship Goddess Kali. Offering prayers to Kali on this day can remove negativity; help to absolve sins and karmic problems.
Observing Vrat (fasting) and offering Tarpanam to ancestors on Amavasya (New Moon day) can bestow the following benefits:
Appease your ancestors and receive abundant blessings from them to solve your life problems. Participate in our special Tarpanam programs and other ancestral Poojas to help liberate your ancestral souls and reduce the intensity of their afflictions on your future generation.
Tarpanam is the essential ritual to resolve every kind of problem, and it is the greatest act you can do to help liberate your ancestors and help free your children from problems created by negative ancestral influences.