Today marks the event of Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya. On 25 September 2022 ends the Pitru Paksha period and starts the Devi Paksha. From tomorrow i.e. 26 September 2022 starts the Sharadiya Navaratri season which is devoted to Maa Durga and her different forms. It is believed that today on the occasion of Mahalaya Amavasya, Hindus do tarpan and pray for the peace of the departed souls and their ancestors.
Sarvapitri Amavasya : सर्वपितृ अमावस्या के दिन पितरों के तर्पण के लिए करें ये काम
“Respect your forefathers (ancestors or previous generations) as you are the result of a thousand loves”, goes a quote. It is indeed true that you are existing today on this planet Earth because of the love and affection of previous generations before you. You came to this family not by chance or by luck but because your ancestors wanted you to be a part of this family and fulfill their wishes and dreams that they couldn’t achieve during those times.
In modern times, when parents only don’t get the needed respect and affection from their children. It has become quite a challenging task to make people understand the importance of honoring their ancestors and giving them due respect. In the Hindu religion, honoring ancestors comes in the form of customs, traditions, and rituals that makes one bring peace to their family members. Also, if a person achieves their fullest potential and life’s purpose on Earth, it is believed that their ancestors’ souls attain peace and Moksha.
It is believed from stories that ancestors get liberated from the cycles of life and death if their present generations do something remarkable in their lives that make society and the world a better place to live in. So, if you really want to get the blessings and support from the departed souls of your family and your family ancestors, then get the blessings by respecting the present elderly people in your family.
You never know how your care and affection towards the aged people in your family can give peace to the people who are not alive now. If you want to gain their wisdom, take their blessings by bowing down and asking for the right guidance. You may consider your ancestors and elderly people of your family to not know how to use technology and live in the 21st century. That’s true but they know far better things about life that you may not know and neither can Google can guide you in several aspects of dealing with life.
Take this opportunity of Mahalaya Amavasya to apologize to your forefathers or ancestors for the things that happened to them when they were alive knowingly and unknowingly. Things that they were not able to get during those times and things that you can donate now thinking about your ancestors. You can even think of volunteering and joining organizations that spread awareness about elderly people’s living standards and how to create happiness in their lives.
When you give respect, you get respect. So, feel free to share your affection and kindness with your loved ones and make your ancestors proud of making you a part of their family.
