How to do mahalaya amavasya pooja at home: Performing Mahalaya Amavasya pooja at home is a way to honor and seek blessings from ancestors. In this blog we will see How to Perform Mahalaya Amavasya Pooja at Home with mantras.we will discuss complete procedure and rituals along with why.
How to do mahalaya amavasya pooja at home | Detailed Steps with Mantras
Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Pitru Paksha Amavasya, is a day to honor and remember our ancestors. Performing the pooja at home is a beautiful way to express gratitude and seek their blessings for peace and prosperity. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to conducting the Mahalaya Amavasya pooja at home, including the significance and mantras to be recited.
1. Preparation for the Pooja
Clean and Purify the Home
- Reason: Purifying the home symbolizes the removal of negative energies and welcomes positivity.
- Clean the space where you will perform the pooja, preferably in the east or north direction.
- Sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water) in the pooja area to purify it.
Pooja Items Required:
- Copper/Brass Plate
- Rice, Black Sesame Seeds (Til)
- Water
- Flower Garland or Fresh Flowers
- Incense Sticks, Lamp (Diya)
- Fruits and Sweets (Prasad)
- Tulsi leaves
- Sandalwood paste or Turmeric & Kumkum
- Darbha Grass (if available)
- A picture or symbol representing your ancestors
2. Invocation of Ancestors (Pitru)
Facing the South Direction
- Reason: South is the direction of Yama (the god of death), and it is believed that the souls of ancestors reside in the south. Facing this direction invites them to bless the household.
Mantra:
"Om Pitru Devataabhyo Namah"
Meaning: "I bow to the divine ancestors."
Steps:
- Light a lamp (Diya) and place it facing south.
- Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds and a few grains of rice while reciting the above mantra.
- Think about your ancestors with a pure heart and invite them to accept your offerings.
3. Tarpanam (Offering of Water)
Offering Water and Sesame Seeds
- Reason: Offering water mixed with sesame seeds (Til) is believed to quench the thirst of ancestors' souls, bringing them peace and satisfaction.
Mantra:
"Om Tattvam Pushan Prajaavato Maaturah Pituh Payah"
Meaning: "O Sun God, nourish our ancestors with your divine light and offerings."
Steps:
- Take a bowl of water, add black sesame seeds, and offer it by pouring it slowly while facing the south.
- Recite the mantra and offer the water with humility.
- Do this three times to ensure your offerings are received by the ancestors.
4. Pind Daan (Offering of Food)
Offering Cooked Rice Balls (Pindas)
- Reason: Pind Daan is the most important part of the pooja, where you offer Pindas (rice balls) to the ancestors. It symbolizes nourishing their souls.
Mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
Meaning: "I bow to Lord Vasudeva, the sustainer of the universe."
Steps:
- Form three balls of cooked rice and place them on a banana leaf or a clean surface.
- Sprinkle Tulsi leaves and offer a bit of ghee or clarified butter.
- Offer these rice balls to the ancestors, imagining they are accepting your humble offering.
- Recite the mantra as you offer.
5. Offering Fruits and Prasad
Offering Sweet Fruits
- Reason: Offering sweet fruits and Prasad symbolizes fulfilling the desires of the ancestors and sharing their blessings with your family.
Mantra:
"Om Pitru Roopaya Swaha"
Meaning: "I offer this to my ancestors with devotion."
Steps:
- Place seasonal fruits, sweets, and Prasad on the pooja plate.
- Offer them to your ancestors with sincerity, asking for their blessings for happiness and peace in your family.
6. Lighting Incense and Offering Flowers
Offering Fragrance and Flowers
- Reason: Incense and flowers are symbols of purity and devotion, meant to create a pleasant atmosphere that pleases the ancestors.
Mantra:
"Om Gandhadwaram Duraadarsham Nitya Pushtam Karishineem"
Meaning: "I offer this fragrance and flowers to my ancestors with respect and love."
Steps:
- Light incense sticks and offer them along with flowers like marigold or roses.
- Wave the incense clockwise in front of the ancestors' picture or symbol.
- Place the flowers on the pooja plate or altar.
7. Prayers for Peace and Forgiveness
Chant Prayers for Peace
- Reason: Asking for forgiveness and praying for peace helps in soothing the departed souls and allows them to rest peacefully.
Mantra:
"Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti"
Meaning: "May there be peace, peace, peace."
Steps:
- Sit in front of the pooja setup with folded hands.
- Close your eyes and recite the above mantra.
- Offer your prayers, asking for the forgiveness of any mistakes, and pray for the well-being of your ancestors.
8. Distribute the Prasad
Sharing the Blessings
- Reason: Distributing Prasad symbolizes sharing the blessings of the ancestors with the family and ensures that their grace is spread among loved ones.
Steps:
- After completing the pooja, distribute the Prasad (sweets, fruits, etc.) to all family members.
- Share the cooked rice or Pindas with birds or cows, as it is considered auspicious.
9. Concluding the Pooja
Final Prayer and Aarti
- Reason: Ending the pooja with a final prayer ensures that all rituals are complete, and you express gratitude for the blessings received.
Mantra:
"Om Tat Sat"
Meaning: "I offer this prayer with sincerity and devotion."
Steps:
- Perform a simple Aarti by waving the lit lamp (Diya) in front of the ancestors' picture or symbol.
- Thank your ancestors for their guidance and blessings.
- Conclude the pooja by chanting the above mantra and silently meditating for a few minutes.
10. Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya Pooja
Performing the Mahalaya Amavasya pooja is a way of honoring our Pitru Devtas (ancestral souls). It is believed that during this period, the gates of the afterlife open, and ancestors visit the earth to bless their descendants. By performing this pooja with devotion, one can seek their blessings for a prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious life.
